Words on the Wall 4

Open Mic Event

Website: https://www.facebook.com/WordsOnTheWallHexham

Hexham's poetry and spoken word event Words on the Wall returns in February, with the tantalising prospect of finally managing to hold two live events in a row without having to cancel. At the time of writing there is still the possibility that by 19 February the UK will be embroiled in lawless anarchy / on the verge of economic collapse / at war with Russia / all of the above, but for now it looks feasible that we might all be able to gather in a room in a pub to share our words, thoughts, stories, or whatever else we have to express.

Our fantastic headline guests this time are Poetry Please favourite Julia Deakin, double Ilkley Lit Fest champ and Yaffle Press mogul Mark Connors, and one of our favourite Words on the Wall regulars (you're all our favourites, of course) Penny Blackburn. We'll also have our usual open mic, so please bring something of your own to share if you'd like to.

If you want to sign up for the open mic, just ask our host Joe Williams for a slot when you arrive. It’s first come, first served, but we’ll do our best to fit everyone in. Anyone is welcome, no matter whether you’re a first-timer or a veteran performer. Please stick to the time limit of 4 minutes, which includes any introductions and miscellaneous faffing about.

Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. All donations go to the guest poets, who will also have books for sale. The pub is open all day and will be serving food, so please feel free to come earlier or stick around afterwards to enjoy a drink and some food.

IMPORTANT COVID-19 INFO: At the time of posting, we’re hoping that we can run this event without any restrictions, and that participants won’t be required to book in advance. If this changes, or we receive further rules and/or advice, we will of course be following all the guidelines in order to make the event as safe as possible. We’ll be liaising with the County to make sure we’re adhering to their policies too. We will post further updates here as information becomes available, so please keep an eye on those.

If you want to take additional precautions of your own, please feel free to do so. We don’t want anyone to feel uncomfortable. We encourage all attendees to take regular lateral flow tests, and if you haven’t had your vaccination yet, please do!

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CHILDREN: Children are welcome, but please be advised that there is likely to be strong language and/or adult themes during the performance.

TRANSPORT: The County is a short walk from Hexham bus station and train station. Trains run regularly from Newcastle and Carlisle.

PARKING: There is on-street parking outside the County and more nearby.

ACCESS: For level access, please use the side entrance on Argyle Terrace, and enter the event room via the corridor at the far end of the bar. The front entrance is a revolving door with two steps up to the bar area. If you need any extra assistance please let us know here, or talk to one of the venue staff.

Entry: Pay as you feel

Time: 2:30pm