Fen Speak

Fen Speak is Ely's long-running regular poetry, spoken word and storytelling open mic night where local writers come together to share their work in a friendly environment.

This month there is a headline set from Paul Stephenson.  Paul has three poetry pamphlets: Those People (Smith/Doorstop, 2015), The Days that Followed Paris (HappenStance, 2016), written after the November 2015 terrorist attacks; and Selfie with Waterlilies (Paper Swans Press, 2017). In 2013/14 he took part in the Jerwood/Arvon mentoring scheme and the Aldeburgh Eight, before completing an MA in Creative Writing (Poetry) with the Manchester Writing School. In 2018 he co-edited the ‘Europe’ issue of Magma (70). Since 2018 he has helped curate Poetry in Aldeburgh each November. His first collection, Hard Drive, was published by Carcanet in June 2023 and has been shortlisted for the Lamda Literary award in the US.

Sign up for the open mic on the night, or just come along and enjoy the evening.  Free entry, all welcome.  Cash bar.

Wednesday 15th May, Babylon Gallery, Ely, CB7 4AU. Doors open 7.00PM for 7.30PM start