…Dave Viney, Manchester poet – well, Stretford  – with a consummate pair of performances that had the judges in agreement and the capacity audience on the edges of their seats – those that had 'em.

But he did not have it his own way, having come a close second to Laura Taylor, who had yet to perform.  Despite another superb piece though, Laura fell victim to the dreaded stopwatch and was halted by the horn, to join our other runners-up, Ian Whiteley and Dominic Simpson.

Thus Dave Viney was presented with the £75 prize by the last winner of this heat of the slam, Wigan’s own Louise Fazackerley. He now goes forward to the final in October. 

Two heats remain for you to enter or enjoy, Liverpool and Manchester - both on 19th September.

To sample the unique atmosphere of Wigan Write Out Loud at the Tudor Hotel, come along every second Thursday of the month, or check the gig guide.

And keep checking our news for more exciting poetry news.

Superheroes of slam organized in memory of Dike Omeje by Commonword. Dike was such a slam champion that he was asked to retire to give others a chance of winning. Read about Dike.