Poetry, fiction, song and theatre will fill the air during SO: To Speak, Southampton's first festival of words from October 23. We bring you more details, as well as recordings of city poet Angela Chicken to mark the event.
Taking place over half term between October 23 and November 1, SO: To Speak’s programme offers a diverse mix of poetry, readings, comedy nights, music, creative workshops, theatre and more, at venues across Southampton.
Events and speakers include Philip Hoare, Ali Sparkes, Tales of Southampton – telling the legend of Bevis, CSI Southampton, and a celebration of the Spitfire at the Solent Sky Museum with poet Matt West and the Spitfire Sisters.
Use the player below or click to hear Angela Chicken, left, reading her poem 'Glide' in a city park.
Angela will be co-hosting a poetry workshop for women during SO: To Speak – details below article, or click to jump to workshop details.
Further events have been announced which include Southampton’s first Persian Festival celebrating poetry, music and film, an all-day line up of top poets and local musical maestros at the Dancing Man Brewery, and Words in the City – a host of free events in the city centre on October 25 to get So get SO: To Speak underway.
Meanwhile, local arts organisation ‘element arts’ will be introducing ‘Transported’, a series of unique art installations and performances within shipping containers in Guildhall Square. Working in collaboration with Williams Shipping, the shipping container village will be open throughout the festival.
Use the player below there's a fault with the player so please click to hear Angela Chicken reading her poem 'North Baddesley' [opens new window].
Shakespeare in a Car Park
Charlie Hislop, of Southampton Festivals and co-founder of SO: To Speak, said: “We are hugely excited to show everybody what we have been working on over these last months. There is such a dynamic programme on offer, from Amanda Prowse to Shakespeare in a Car Park, that there really is something for everyone. We hope that SO: To Speak will help show what a vibrant and creative city Southampton really is.”
Matt West, left, of Artful Scribe, added: “SO: To Speak will be a fantastic celebration of Southampton’s creative scene and also offer a great chance for people to try their hand at writing or performing. Over the ten days there are events going on all day, every day, so I would urge anyone who is curious to get involved and go to the events that catch their eye. We look forward to seeing you there!”
For further information click here, and to purchase tickets, call the Mayflower Box Office on 02380 711811.
Main picture: SO: To Speak steering group
Photo of Angela Chicken performing at Jawdance courtesy Nina McDonagh/Apples and Snakes
• Southampton poets Angela Chicken and Anna Carr host a free poetry workshop 'High Tea & Poetry' for women during the festival on October 26 at Stagedoor from 2-4pm. Tickets from Eventbrite click to book.
Poetry recordings and poems: © All rights reserved respective copyright owners