By ON Saturday, June 22, Cleethorpes Library will host its final open mic night as part of The Spoken Word, following a successful programme of events that have helped nurture local talent.
Co-ordinated by Lincs Inspire with funding from Libraries Connected, The Spoken Word has provided the chance for local writers, poets and book lovers to perform readings of their own work and from their favourite literature in a relaxed, café style setting.
The project, which started back in October 2018, has seen monthly performances shared between Waltham and Cleethorpes Libraries. Although June 22 will mark the conclusion of The Spoken Word in its current format, due to its popularity and positive outcomes, the open mic nights are set to become a regular fixture for both Libraries for the next 18 months.
Josie Moon, Director at performing arts company La Luna, has supported in the hosting of the open mic nights, she is also an Arts Educator, Writer and Musician.
Josie said: “This project has given writers in the area an opportunity to try out their words in front of a friendly and receptive audience. Open mics are democratic performing spaces where everyone is equally valued. Long may they continue.”
Freelance Writer Carolyn Doyley has also supported the project by hosting some of the open mic nights, Carolyn said: “Reading to an audience is a very special experience and many people came to read. For some, it was the first time they’d read aloud to an audience. The result was a wonderfully rich mixture of poetry and prose with many performers giving the audience an insight into the ideas behind their writing. A strong and supportive writing community has grown from these sessions and I am delighted with this result.”
Howard Marshall, one of the performers said: “Writing poetry is a pastime activity I have enjoyed for many years, however, having the opportunity to present and perform my poetry at The Spoken Word has been a great opening to develop and share my work with other poets and a greater public audience.”
Following the conclusion of the project on June 22, the open mic nights are set to move to Thursdays and alternate between Waltham and Cleethorpes Libraries. For more information and a full list of dates visit lincsinspire.com or call Lincs Inspire Arts Development Team on (01472) 323004.
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