We’re shining a spotlight on Southend’s coastal stories as part of A Poet in Every Port – a national initiative celebrating the UK’s diverse dialects and languages, marking Southbank Centre’s 75th anniversary. We’re partnering with Southbank Centre as one of 11 coastal hosts welcoming the mobile National Poetry Library! On 27–28 June, Chalkwell Hall will come alive with poetry and creativity.

The mobile poetry library will be parked in Chalkwell Park, outside of Chalkwell Hall where Essex Writers House will also be taking place, on Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 June. Across the weekend, as well as exploring the poetry bus, you can get involved in free workshops and poetry readings. See the timings and details below.

Saturday 27 June

– 10am – 12pm: Workshops with specially selected community groups
– 12pm – 1pm: Workshops for all (open to the general public)
– 1pm – 2pm: Lunchtime performance slot (local writers and members of the public invited to read their poem)
– 2pm – 5pm: Workshops for all (open to the general public)
– 7pm – 9pm: Poet Social: Evening event inside Chalkwell Hall, curated by Maddi Crease

Book your free ticket for the Poet Social HERE

Check out what’s happening on Sunday 28 June here.