Apply for the Words in the City Poetry Slam!

Do you want to be part of the 2016 Words in the City Slam?
Do you have 2 poems no longer than 3 minutes each?
Are you free to perform at Waterstones on Sat 9 July?
Are you used to reading/performing your work to an audience?*
Are you 18 or over?

If the answer is YES to these questions, then read on…

With only 3 minutes to enthral the audience and judges, the Poetry Slam gives poets the chance to read their new poems at Words in the City.

There will be 8 places for poets at the Slam. All poets will read in Round 1; the judges then shortlist 4 poets who read in Round 2. The highest score over the two rounds is the winner; the second highest score is the runner-up. Judges will rate both the quality of the poem and performance, marking each out of 10.

Prizes

Winner:
15 minute slot at Ilkley Literature Festival in October
Waterstones book tokens worth £20
The two poems you read published on the Ilkley Literature Festival website

Runner-up:
15 minute slot at Ilkley Literature Festival in October
Waterstones book tokens worth £10
The two poems you read published on the Ilkley Literature Festival website

How to apply

If you want to be one of this year’s slammers, email us with a brief cv (max 100 words) including your links to Bradford and one poem (you don’t have to read this poem at the Slam). We’ll be selecting up to 8 performers based on the CV and the poem you submit – and we’d love a wide range of ages and genres.

Deadline for submissions: Monday 27 June 2016
We’ll let you know by Wednesday 29 June at the latest if you have been selected to compete.

Please note, the Poetry Slam takes place in a public area so you will need to be mindful of the diverse family audience when you select the poems you are to perform.
*We’re sorry, this slam isn’t suitable for complete beginners, but if you’re used to reading and performing your work to an audience then please apply!