The Bradford Poetry Slam is one of my favourite gigs. There’s nothing quite like performing to an audience, behind which is the whole of Centenary Square where, if it’s a sunny day, the entirety of Bradford seem congregate. It makes for that organic kind of gig where passers-by feel their ears prick and find themselves casually joining the audience. No-one is there because they’re trapped; they’re there because they want to see what’s going on. And as a poet, part of your job is to let them know: not just what’s going on around them, but what’s going on inside them.

In that way, a poetry tent in a public place makes it a very private place, too. It’s becomes a place where people have to walk over and lean in. It makes me think of people raving on soap boxes in London and around the world; places where people’s voices are democratised and insistent and earnest. That’s definitely the kind of poetry I want.

– Andy Cook, 2014 Slam Winner

Saturday 6 June, 5.15-6.15pm, Waterstones, Bradford
Hosted by Michelle Scally Clarke
Slam Judges:  Joshua Seigal

• Do you want to be part of the 2015 Words in the City Slam?
• Do you have 2 poems no longer than 3 minutes each?
• Are you free to perform on the outdoor stage on Sat 6 June?
• Are you used to reading/performing your work to an audience?*
• Are you 18 or over?

If the answer is YES to these questions, then read on…

With only 3 minutes to enthral the audience and judges, the Poetry Slam gives poets the chance to read their new poems at Words in the City.

There will be 8 places for poets at the Slam. All poets will read in Round 1; the judges then shortlist 4 poets who read in Round 2. The highest score over the two rounds is the winner; the second highest score is the runner-up. Judges will rate both the quality of the poem and performance, marking each out of 10.

Prizes
Winner:

• 15 minute slot at Ilkley Literature Festival in October
• Waterstones book tokens worth £20
• The two poems you read published on the Ilkley Literature Festival website

Runner-up:

• 15 minute slot at Ilkley Literature Festival in October
• Waterstones book tokens worth £10
• The two poems you read published on the Ilkley Literature Festival website

If you want to be one of this year’s slammers, email info@ilkleyliteraturefestival.org.uk with a brief cv (max 100 words) including your links to Bradford and one poem (you don’t have to read this poem at the Slam). We’ll be selecting 8 performers based on the CV and the poem you submit – and we’d love a wide range of ages and genres.

Extended Deadline for submissions: Tuesday 26 May 2015
We’ll let you know by Friday 29 May at the latest if you have been selected to compete.

Please note, the Poetry Slam takes place in a public area so you will need to be mindful of the diverse family audience when you select the poems you are to perform.

*We’re sorry, this slam isn’t suitable for complete beginners, but if you’re used to reading and performing your work to an audience then please apply.