Sunday, 29th June 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
Baildon Moor, Cinder Caves near the Café, close to Trig Point
Get ready for an unforgettable afternoon of poetry, music, and the wild beauty of Baildon Moor! Poetry on the Moor 2025 is back for its fifth year, and we’re thrilled to announce that this beloved open-mic event will take place on Sunday, 29th June, from 1:30 PM to 4:00 PM at the atmospheric Cinder Caves, just a stone’s throw from the café and near the iconic Trig Point. Hosted by the inimitable Nicky J Rae and the brilliant Peter Kay among an amazing collection of headliners, this is a poetry event like no other.
Practical Details
- Date & Time: Sunday, 29th June 2025, 1:30 PM – 4:00 PM
- Location: Cinder Caves, Baildon Moor, near the café and Trig Point
- Parking: Available near Dobrudden Caravan Park (Only limited parking for people with mobility problems near the caravan park. Main parking is on the main Baildon Moor Road and then follow the track to Dubrodden Caravan Park)
- What to Bring: A golf umbrella, a picnic, your poems, and your passion
- RSVP: Comment on facebook.com/nicky.jrae.1 to confirm your performance slot
What to Expect
Set against the rugged backdrop of Baildon Moor, Poetry on the Moor (POTM) is a unique blend of creativity and community. Expect a vibrant mix of voices as poets of all styles and experience levels take the stage in this public, inclusive space. From heartfelt ballads to experimental verse, every form of poetry is welcome. Alongside the spoken word, there will be musical contributions to add to the atmosphere, and who knows—you might even spot alpacas strutting their stuff or a kite soaring overhead, keeping a watchful eye on the proceedings.
The Cinder Caves, with their dramatic shale and clinker formations, provide a natural amphitheatre that makes every word resonate. This isn’t your typical poetry reading—it’s an experience that blends the raw energy of the moor with the power of human expression. As Nicky J Rae, the event’s founder, puts it: “It’s atmospheric, it’s different than anything before.”
Come Prepared
Baildon Moor can be a little unpredictable, so we recommend bringing a golf umbrella to shield against any light rain. Don’t let a few drops dampen your spirit—POTM has always thrived in the elements! Many poets bring their families and a picnic to make a day of it, so feel free to pack a blanket and some snacks to enjoy the moorland vibes.
How to Get Involved
Want to share your poetry? Poetry on the Moor is an open-mic event, and we welcome performers of all backgrounds. To secure a performance slot, please respond with a comment (words, not emojis) on Nicky J Rae’s Facebook page: facebook.com/nicky.jrae.1. Let us know if you can or can’t come to read, and feel free to invite your friends—the more, the merrier!
POTM is all about inclusivity, creating a safe and welcoming space for everyone to express themselves. The only exception is any behaviour tied to criminality, which will result in removal from the event. Let’s keep the focus on creativity and connection.
A Legacy of Inclusivity
Since its inception five years ago, Poetry on the Moor has been a beacon for poets and poetry lovers across Yorkshire and beyond. Founded by Nicky J Rae, this event has grown into a cherished tradition, drawing diverse voices to celebrate the power of words in one of the region’s most stunning natural settings. Whether you’re a seasoned poet or sharing your work for the first time, POTM is a place where your voice matters.
Read here about last year’s event: https://peterkaywordspace.co.uk/poetry-on-the-moor-24-potm24-thank-you/
Join Us!
Poetry on the Moor 2025 promises to be a day of inspiration, laughter, and connection. Whether you’re performing, listening, or simply soaking up the atmosphere, this is an event that celebrates the beauty of poetry and the spirit of community. So, grab your umbrella, pack a picnic, and come join us on Baildon Moor for an afternoon that will leave your heart full and your soul stirred.
Let’s make this year’s Poetry on the Moor the best yet! We can’t wait to hear your words and share in the magic of this unique event.
See you at the Cinder Caves!
Nicky J Rae, Peter Kay & the POTM Team
