2025: A Tapestry of Triumphs, Tales, and Treading New Paths

As the frost-kissed days of December settle over the moors, it’s time to pause and reflect on the whirlwind that was 2025. What a year it’s been, one laced with the thrill of victory, the quiet joy of new words finding their place in the world, and the warmth of shared stories under Yorkshire, Lancashire, and Cumbria, skies. From the roar of poetry slams to the hush of library whispers, this annum has been a canvas of creativity, community, and quiet determination. Allow me to weave together the threads from my journeys, both on the page and the stage, as chronicled through my posts on social media and the ever-growing archives here at Peter Kay Word Space.

How it all unfolded

The year kicked off, busy with unpacking and sorting, after my house move, so writing largely paused. I did have the pleasure of writing a short story, as part of the Heron Writing Group:

In February and March I kept up my poetry and writing groups and managed to fit in a few Open Mic nights too, at Poetry on the Wall in Hexham, Runcible and Soundbites in Headingley:

Publications: Ink That Binds and Blooms

2025 saw my words leap from draft to delight in ways that humbled and exhilarated. Chief among them was the publication of Imprints, my poetry pamphlet with the brilliant Yaffle Press, released in May like a spring unfurling after winter’s grip. This collection, found a cherished home on the shelves of Salts Mill in Saltaire by November, a testament to the enduring allure of independent voices.

I was thrilled to announce that my poem, Hecate, had been published on Dark Poets Club as part of their latest collection of dark and evocative poetry.

No less enchanting was the arrival of The Heavy-Footed Spider and Other Stories, the second edition of my children’s poetry collection, self-published on Halloween of all days; a nod to its whimsical, shadowy charms. Illustrated anew by my talented granddaughter Bella Kay-Shaw, perfect for tucking into young hands at Christmas. It flew off tables at events like the Kendal Book Fair in October, where I connected with fellow authors under Stricklandgate House’s welcoming eaves.

Beyond these, several of my poems found wings elsewhere; Bradford Writes ’25, part of the Bradford City of Culture Festival and Co-hosting with the indomitable Nicky J Rae, for the fifth annual Poetry on the Moor etched itself into memory as a radiant fusion of verse, vista, and voices. On Sunday, June 29th, amid the dramatic shale and clinker sentinels of Cinder Caves; near the café and Trig Point, our open-mic haven bloomed under mild June skies, a gentle breeze carrying the cadence of poets who ascended the hill to share their craft.

Trails and Tales: The Yorkshire Library Tour and Beyond

Wandering words led me on a cherished Library Tour of Yorkshire, threading through the region’s storied stacks. Beyond the joy of connecting with young readers, this tour has opened some fantastic doors. The biggest commercial boost came from the three days: I’ve secured a 2-day slot at the upcoming Harrogate Flower Show at Newby Hall and another 2-day slot at the Harrogate Spring Flower Show on April 26 next year. These opportunities will allow me to reach new audiences and share my love for storytelling in even more vibrant settings. Details about these events will be shared soon on my website, so stay tuned!

These visits, wove seamlessly into a broader tapestry of events: the cosy chaos of the Storth CE Primary School Table Top Sale, where books mingled with toys and treasures; the festive frenzy of the Burton Memorial Hall Christmas Market; and the sun-dappled stalls at the Harrogate Autumn Show, representing the best of Yorkshire Authors (PYA). Even the rains of November couldn’t dampen the spirit at Rivers & Roads in Milnthorpe, where holiday cheer and signed copies abounded. These outings weren’t mere stops; they were symphonies of connection, selling activity packs alongside The Owl and the Mole prints, hand-finished by Rebecca Kay, and chatting trails with fellow fell-walkers. From the Autumn Craft Fair in Kirkby Lonsdale to the Bronte House School Christmas Fair in Apperley Bridge, each gathering reinforced the magic of stories shared in person.

Stages and Sketches: From Page to Performance

Creativity spilled beyond the bookends this year, culminating in a reading I penned for the stage, a cheeky, heartfelt vignette blending humour, heartache, and holiday whimsy. I had the honour of performing it at The Heron Theatre as part of the enchanting A Cornucopia for Yuletide on December 7th, alongside the Heron Writing Group’s seasonal symphony of music and tales. The theatre’s intimate glow amplified every line, turning scripted whispers into communal laughter and sighs. It was a minimum milestone, but one that sparked dreams of more.

Echoes of this joy rippled through other spots: the electric energy of Cloth and Coal in Morley, where first-time readers shone alongside veterans, and Rhubarb’s open mic nights that fed my soul.

The Slam That Echoed: A Poet’s Crown

In the vibrant heart of Morecambe’s poetry scene, I stepped into the spotlight for a fiercely contested Poetry Slam, where verses flew like arrows in a storm. Against a field of formidable wordsmiths, my blend of raw emotion and rhythmic grit clinched the win. That victory propelled me onward, fuelling performances like my headline slot at Runcible Spoon in Morley, a night of poetry and music that welcomed back the inimitable Kathleen Strafford and left the air humming with inspiration. And later, at Verbalise through Brewery Arts in Kendal, I shared the stage with emerging voices and seasoned artists, proving once more that poetry thrives in collaboration.

Introducing New Merch Alert – Get Your Hands on Some Cracking PK MERCH Gear!

Now, I know what you’re thinking—merch? From an author and poet? Well, why not! Whether you’re a fan of my books like Imprints, or the heart-warming children’s tale The Owl and The Mole (illustrated by my talented daughter, no less), there’s something in the shop for everyone. It’s not just merch—it’s a way to carry a bit of my stories and spirit with you wherever you go.

Horizons Ahead: From Congo to the Cosmos of Print

As the year wanes, I’m thrilled to share that Congo to Global; the ghost-written autobiography of a Congolese refugee turned RAP star, nears its finale. Manuscripts polished, chapters sealed with the grit of survival and the beat of triumph, we’ve secured agreements with publishers eager to amplify this extraordinary voice. It’s a project close to my heart, bridging continents through narrative, and I can’t wait to see it stride into the world.

A Festive Flourish and Forward Glance

There were so many highlights in 2025, feel free to check out my site on the News TAB for all things Peter Kay Author! As the glow of fairy lights and the scent of mulled wine float around, 2025 bids a fond adieu. It was a year of slams won, books born, tours trodden, and stages seized, proof that words, like footsteps on a moorland path, lead us home to ourselves and each other.

To all who’ve walked this journey with me; readers, fellow poets, market-goers, and far-flung friends, my deepest gratitude. May your holidays brim with the poetry of presence, the stories of kin, and the promise of pages yet to turn.

Wishing you a merry Christmas, a happy New Year, and endless adventures in the written word. Here’s to 2026: more ink, more inklings, more us.

Warmly,
Peter Kay