We are excited to announce that the first ever WCAF Poetry Slam will be taking place on Saturday 15th March 2025!
This is a really exciting new development for poets from Worcestershire and beyond. The Poetry Slam is completely FREE to enter! Places will be limited, so please get your entry in as early as possible. This gives poets of all ages, abilities and experience the opportunity to perform their own poetry, with constructive feedback from a fantastic team of judges and a supportive audience.
The Slam will take place over four rounds. In round one, everyone will perform their own poetry. You will have a 3 minute maximum time slot. You may perform one poem or a few poems in this time but do not go over your 3-minute time limit! You do not have to use up the full 3 minutes. If you perform for less time, that's fine. The judges will then score each performance.
If you score enough points to move into round two, the Quarter-Final, you will perform different poetry, again up to 3 minutes maximum. If you score enough points to head into round three, the Semi-Final, you will perform a third time (again, different poetry) for up to 3 minutes maximum. If you score enough points to head into round four, the final, you will perform a fourth time for up to 3 minutes maximum. It is up to you whether you perform different poetry or include poems you have already performed if you make it to the final.
You will need to enter the slam with enough poems to see you through what could be 3 rounds - if you score enough points! Please also write and upload a short introduction that will be read out to the audience before you come on stage to perform in round one. This can be a biographical note, or something about the poetry you are about to perform, or anything else you'd like to say by way of introduction, comical or serious! Your intro must be up to 30 words maximum, and can be written in either the first or third person.
Frequently Asked Questions...
Can I perform other people's poetry? No. Each poet must perform a different piece or pieces of their own poetry in each round. Do I have to learn my poems or can I read them? You may read your poems or recite them from memory.
Can I use props or music? You are not permitted to use, musical instruments, soundtracks or backing music/sounds. You may use small props if necessary.
Can I perform poetry with 'adult' themes and swearing? Audience members are aware that the event may contain adult language and subject matter. We will not censor poets. Your poems may be serious or comical and on any theme. Poets are permitted to issue a short ‘trigger’ warning before poems of a sensitive nature. This must be clearly indicated as a trigger warning and will not be included in the three minute time limit. The trigger warning must NOT be part of the poem.
Do I have to be a published poet or a professional performance poet to take part in the Slam? Anyone can take part - from an absolute beginner to a seasoned slammer. All you need is a heart that beats, and a mind that speaks.
If you have any other queries or questions about the poetry slam, please email: admin@wcaf.org.uk for more information.