Poetry, an open mic and good company in the beautiful Lake District
Hello again, fellow poetry lovers!
I’m delighted to share that I’m planning to attend another poetry evening, this time at The Farmer’s Arms in Lowick Green, near Ulverston, on Thursday 22 October 2026.
And, of course, I’m hoping to get up to the microphone and share some of my own poetry!
There’s something special about a poetry evening in a welcoming setting. People arrive with their own words, memories, ideas and experiences, and for a couple of hours we get to share them.
Sometimes poetry makes us smile, sometimes it makes us think, and sometimes a few lines can bring back a memory we thought we’d forgotten.
That’s the wonderful thing about words. You never quite know where they’ll take you.
Poetry Reading and Open Mic
The evening is organised by Grizedale Arts and offers a friendly opportunity for established poets, newcomers and anyone who simply enjoys listening to poetry.
This month’s guest readers
I’m particularly looking forward to hearing this month’s two guest readers.
Kerry Darbishire, who grew up in Skelwith Bridge, is a much-loved Cumbrian poet whose writing draws inspiration from the landscape around her. She’ll be reading from her latest collection, What Love Is, exploring love in its many forms, including her long relationship with her husband.
Sarah Littlefeather Demick will be sharing readings from Lucky, her memoir tracing her journey from a Canadian city upbringing to life on a Cumbrian livestock farm. Born in Toronto and raised in London by adoptive parents, Sarah writes about cultural change, belonging and her Anishinaabe heritage.
I’m looking forward to hearing them both and, hopefully, sharing a few poems of my own during the open mic.
The evening welcomes established writers and newcomers alike. You can bring your own poetry, share a favourite poem or simply come along and listen. Those wishing to read can sign up on arrival.
I’m hoping to take part and read a selection of my own poems. Whether you’re a seasoned writer, just beginning to experiment with verse, or simply enjoy hearing poetry performed, it promises to be an enjoyable evening.
And you don’t have to read anything yourself. You’re equally welcome to come along, relax and listen!
Event details
Date: Thursday 22 October 2026
Time: 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Venue: The Farmer’s Arms, Lane Head, Lowick Green, Ulverston, LA12 8DT
Tickets: From £6.13, subject to booking fees and availability.
Open mic: Participants can sign up on arrival.
Book tickets: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/poetry-reading-and-open-mic-tickets-1996627575827
Venue information: https://lakedistrictfarmersarms.com/
A few words about sharing poetry
I’ve always believed that poetry belongs to everyone. You don’t have to be famous, have a shelf full of published books or know all the technical terms to appreciate a good poem.
Sometimes the most memorable words are the simplest. A poem can capture a passing moment, a place, a person, a feeling or a memory. And when we read those words aloud, something rather special happens. A private thought becomes a shared experience.
That’s one reason I enjoy open mic evenings so much. There’s always something new to hear, someone interesting to meet and another story waiting to be told.
So, if you’re in the Lowick Green or Ulverston area on Thursday 22 October, why not come along?
Bring a favourite poem, bring something you’ve written, or simply bring yourself and enjoy the evening.
I hope to see you there and perhaps share a few words with you!
Until then, keep writing, keep reading and keep the words flowing.
Peter Kay
Peter Kay Wordspace