We may not have hit Christmas yet – but poetry events around the country are already looking forward to starting 2013 with an open mic. There are plenty of events on New Year’s Day, including York's Spoken Word poetry and prose, which meets on the first Tuesday of every month in the conservatory of the Exhibition hotel, Bootham, York, which is near Exhibition Square, and quite near the Theatre Royal. There’s no entry fee, sign up on the night for 4-5 minutes, 7 pm for a 7.30 start, some pay-and-display parking nearby in Bootham or at Union car parks. It’s co-hosted by  Rose Drew and Alan Gillott. More details and Map

Check out Write Out Loud’s unsurpassed Gig Guide for more January 1 events.