Leave a Comment · Posted on October 14, 2024
Congratulations! Foyle Young Poets 2024
A huge congratulations to 17-year-old Charlie Jolley Hive Collection Poet/Sheffield Young Writer – one of the 15 winning poets of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year 2024!
Charlie was also in the top 15 in 2023 – a huge achievement. This year the competition had over 17,000 poems (!) She follows in the footsteps of previous winners from our South Yorkshire groups including Georgie Woodhead, Lauren Hollingsworth Smith & Claire Carlile. Young people from 113 countries entered the competition from as far afield as Azerbaijan, Bolivia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka, as well as all over the UK. The winners were chosen by Vanessa Kisuule and Jack Underwood, who said:
Vanessa says: “This year’s entries took me to many wondrous and unexpected places. I loved the poems that were playful with form and language and the poems that stood in humble awe at the beauty of nature. Some poems made me cackle and others made my stomach twist in recognition of the pain and struggle they depicted. Jack and I were awestruck at how precocious and assured these poets are. Amongst them are the future stars of the poetry world and I’m honoured to have had this glimpse into the crystal ball.”
Jack says: “…it was genuinely restorative to see so many poems written by young people, while initially daunting, reassured me that poetry is healthier than ever, and continues to lure fresh minds into its weird, millennia-old conversation. I was impressed by those poets replying to the older, more formally regular traditions, and how deftly they managed things like metre and rhyme, but also by those poets finding new shapes, structures and cadences for their concerns. Most of all I was impressed by how imaginatively and wholeheartedly these poets ventured into the world, asked questions, and replied to it – with tenderness, social conscience, and novelty of thought and phrase.”
Winners of the award receive a fantastic range of prizes to help develop their writing. The top 15 poets are invited to attend a residential writing course at The Hurst, Arvon centre in Shropshire; and all 100 winners receive a year’s youth membership of The Poetry Society and a bag full of books donated by generous publishers. The Poetry Society continues to support winners throughout their careers providing publication, performance and development opportunities, and access to a paid internship programme.
If you’re a young poet, sign up the our free Young Poets Network e-newsletter to hear about all the Poetry Society’s opportunities for young poets to submit their work, perform their poems and further their writing skills. Explore the Young Poets Network for regular writing challenges, articles about poetry, events, workshops and more.
You can read the winning poems here
Massive thanks to The Poetry Society for all you do to support and encourage poets of all ages!
Leave a Comment · Posted on September 15, 2024
Hive Young Writers Groups
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 28, 2024
Hive Young Writers Competition 2024/25
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 21, 2024
Writing Tight & Writing True in Poetry: Hive Writers Day
A Hive Writers’ Day with Rory Waterman
Sunday 20th October 2024 10.30am to 4/4.30pm (with refreshments & lunch break)
Open to young writers (all levels & interests, aged 15 to 30) from across South Yorkshire & the nearby north
‘A poem has to be the most powerful thing you can say in the shortest space possible.’ – Charles Causley
‘The purpose of poetry is to capture an emotional truth and convey it through diction and connotation, imagery and symbolism, rhythm and tension in line breaks.’ – Teneice Durrant
The poet Roy Marshall has said that the best poetry is often ‘working consistently towards telling a particular emotional truth’. The thing about good short poems is that you can carry them around in your head – in a more complete way than is possible with a song, a painting, or (at least in most cases) a story. What an amazing opportunity poets have to create brain-portable art that scratches that ever-human itch for truth!
Join prize-winning poet Rory Waterman, author of four collections with Carcanet, to explore both how to write short poems that get stuck in people’s heads, and to consider how we can approach or create the emotional ‘truth’ of a poem. Along the way, you’ll develop your skills in writing powerful images, meaningful line-breaks, and other useful skills to help your poems snap into focus.
Expect a relaxed and supportive day of discussing and responding to an exciting range of poems and writing exercises, and come away with fresh ideas, new drafts and inspiring approaches to writing poems of brevity and truth. Rory will also read from his own work and give tips and tricks on what’s helped him develop as a poet.
Cost: £10 | Please enquire re concessions £5 | Booking: [email protected]
Where: Cantor Building, Arundel Street, Sheffield (4 minutes from the train station) Stree view here.
Supported by English & Humanities at Sheffield Hallam University
(Following this writers’ day we have this evening/6.30pm event with Rory Waterman)
Rory Waterman’s collections, all published by Carcanet, are: Tonight the Summer’s Over (2013; PBS Recommendation, shortlisted for a Seamus Heaney Award); Sarajevo Roses (2017; shortlisted for Ledbury Forte Prize); Sweet Nothings (2020); and, most recently, Come Here to This Gate (2024), described in the Guardian as ‘a wise and deeply satisfying book’. He is on the English and Creative Writing faculty at NTU, writes regularly for the TLS and other publications, and co-edits New Walk Editions. Author website: www.rorywaterman.com
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 13, 2024
Rory Waterman & Hive New Poets Prize Winners Reading
Rory Waterman & Hive New Poets Prize Winners Reading
Sunday 20th Oct 6.30pm to 8/8.30pm | Venue update: Performance Lab, SHU Arundel Gate, Sheffield | 4 mins from Train/Bus Station | Tickets: £6/£3
Over the last 8 years, Hive Young Writers Network has nurtured many fine emerging South Yorkshire poets including an incredible 8 winners of the International New Poets Prize for writers aged 17 to 24. Join poets from this list, including 2024 highly commended Sheffield Young Writer Charlie Jolley, and 2022 winner Beth Davies, for a glorious reading of new and prize-winning work. Carcanet poet and critic Rory Waterman will introduce the evening and read from his latest work.
Tickets here: Eventbrite | This event followed a writers’ day workshop masterclass with Rory Waterman, details here
In partnership with Off the Shelf
Rory Waterman’s collections, all published by Carcanet, are: Tonight the Summer’s Over (2013; PBS Recommendation, shortlisted for a Seamus Heaney Award); Sarajevo Roses (2017; shortlisted for Ledbury Forte Prize); Sweet Nothings (2020); and, most recently, Come Here to This Gate (2024), described in the Guardian as ‘a wise and deeply satisfying book’. He is on the English and Creative Writing faculty at NTU, writes regularly for the TLS and other publications, and co-edits New Walk Editions. Author website: www.rorywaterman.com
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 13, 2024
May Day – Jackie Kay with support from poets Danaé Wellington & Beth Davies
May Day – Jackie Kay
with support from Hive poets Danaé Wellington & Beth Davies
8pm 24th Oct | Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield | Tickets £8/£10
One of our best-loved poets and former Makar of Scotland, Jackie Kay reads from new collection May Day. These poems explore decades of political activism, accompanying her parents’ Socialist campaigns, through the feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements of the 80s/90s to the present day and Black Lives Matter. Kay brings to life influential figures including Paul Robeson as well as sharing poems of grief and love following the loss of her parents.
With support from Hive poets Beth Davies and Danaé Wellington.
click here for tickets
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 13, 2024
The Camellia House & Other Stories: Anthology Launch
The Camellia House & Other Stories:
A creative writing anthology launch reading at Wentworth Woodhouse
Saturday 26th Oct | 1.30 to 3pm | Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham
Tickets: Entry included in ticket price, click here for booking.
In celebration of the newly refurbished Camellia House tearoom situated in the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse’s captivating Grade II* listed mansion, join emerging young writers from the Hive network for the launch of an anthology of poetry and writing inspired by Wentworth’s families, gardens and histories. Among many other fascinating insights, learn about the significance of pineapples and tea for South Yorkshire’s most renowned aristocratic dynasty. Hosted by contributing Hive writer Beth Davies (announcement to follow!)
Funded by The Heritage Lottery, Hive South Yorkshire & Off the Shelf Festvial of Words
More information coming soon
Contributors
Anzal Adhan
Lydia Allison
Helen Angel
Freya Bantiff
Jade Beachell
Milly Boden
Milly Boden
Dillon butt
Emily Charlton
Beth Davies
Becca Drake
Merila Gramy
Katherine Henderson
Fae Horsley
Charlie Jolley
Jess Lenz
Vicky Morris
Helen Mort
Charlotte Murray
Lucy Nadin
Sam Parry
Rebecca Payne
Nik Perring
Louisa Rhodes
Erik Ruder
Alastair Smith
Lauren Hollingsworth Smith
Rebecca Smith
Holly Thorpe
Ellen Uttley
Jenalla Waddington
Luke Worthy
Warda Yassin
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 13, 2024
Young Writers Open Mic at Off the Shelf Festival of Words
Young Writers’ Open Mic (aged 14-30)
The Performance Lab, Arundel Gate, S1 2LQ
Fri 1st Nov | 7.30–10pm
Register via Eventbrite as venue has limited seating (link coming soon) Tickets: £2 minimum donation on the door
If you write poems, tell stories, compose lyrics, spit bars, or have anything to say out loud to a supportive audience, this is an evening to celebrate your words in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. All welcome, but the stage belongs to young people (14-30) from across South Yorkshire & beyond. Open and supportive of all, both new & experienced performers.
For more information, and to reserve a slot: [email protected]
Hive in partnership with Off the Shelf & Sheffield Hallam University
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 13, 2024
Hive at Off the Shelf Festival 2024
It’s that time of year again! Off the Shelf Festival of Words 2024 takes place Monday 7th October to Sunday 3rd November with events online and in the real world. As always, Hive is honoured to be onboard across a number of fabulous events. The below listings detail all events hosted by Hive or involving Hive writers and alumni, but you can find many more exciting events and happenings in this year’s programme here.
Writing Tight and Writing True in Poetry
A Hive Young Writers Day for young people aged 15-30
Sunday 20th Oct | Cantor Building, SHU, Sheffield | Tickets: £7/£4 concessions
Join prize-winning poet Rory Waterman to explore both how to write short poems that get stuck in people’s heads and consider how we can approach or create the emotional ‘truth’ of a poem. Expect a relaxed and supportive day of discussing and responding to an exciting range of poems and writing exercises, and come away with fresh ideas, new drafts and inspiring approaches to writing poems of brevity and truth. Poetry newcomers welcome!
In partnership with Off the Shelf & Sheffield Hallam University
For more information and booking click here
Rory Waterman & Hive New Poets Prize Winners Reading
Sunday 20th Oct 7pm to 8.30pm | Venue: Performance Lab, Arundel Gate | Tickets: £6/£3
Over the last 8 years, Hive Young Writers Network has nurtured many fine emerging South Yorkshire poets including an incredible 8 winners of the International New Poets Prize for writers aged 17 to 24. Join poets from this list, including 2024 highly commended Sheffield Young Writer Charlie Jolley, and 2022 winner Beth Davies, for a glorious reading of new and prize-winning work. Carcanet poet and critic Rory Waterman will introduce the evening and read from his latest work.
To book, Eventbrite coming. Or email for update: [email protected]
In partnership with Off the Shelf
May Day – Jackie Kay
with support from poets Danaé Wellington and Beth Davies
8pm 24th Oct | Montgomery Theatre, Sheffield | Tickets £8/£10
One of our best-loved poets and former Makar of Scotland, Jackie Kay reads from new collection May Day. These poems explore decades of political activism, accompanying her parents’ Socialist campaigns, through the feminist, LGBT+ and anti-racist movements of the 80s/90s to the present day and Black Lives Matter. Kay brings to life influential figures including Paul Robeson as well as sharing poems of grief and love following the loss of her parents. With support from poets Danaé Wellington and Beth Davies.
Click here to booking
The Camellia House & Other Stories:
A creative writing anthology launch reading at Wentworth Woodhouse
Saturday 26th Oct | 1.30 to 3pm | Wentworth Woodhouse, Rotherham | Tickets: Entry included in ticket price
In celebration of the newly refurbished Camellia House tearoom situated in the gardens of Wentworth Woodhouse’s captivating Grade II* listed mansion, join emerging young writers from the Hive network for the launch of an anthology of poetry and writing inspired by Wentworth’s families, gardens and histories. Among many other fascinating insights, learn about the significance of pineapples and tea for South Yorkshire’s most renowned aristocratic dynasty. Hosted by contributing Hive writer Beth Davies.
For more information and booking click here
Young Writers’ Open Mic (aged 14-30)
The Performance Lab, Arundel Gate, S1 2LQ | Fri 1st Nov | 7.30–10pm | Tickets: Register free via Eventbrite/£2 minimum donation on the door
If you write poems, tell stories, compose lyrics, spit bars, or have anything to say out loud to a supportive audience, this is an evening to celebrate your words in a warm, inclusive atmosphere. All welcome, but the stage belongs to young people (14-30) from across South Yorkshire & beyond. Open and supportive of all, both new & experienced performers.
For more information and booking click here
Hive in partnership with Off the Shelf & Sheffield Hallam University
Leave a Comment · Posted on July 21, 2024
Charlie Jolley highly commended in the New Poets Prize 2024
A huge congratulations to Sheffield Young Writer and Hive Poetry Collective member, Charlie Jolley who is one of two runners up in the New Poets Prize 2024 for her pamphlet The Dreamers.
As a runner up in the New Poets Prize 2024 Charlie received an Arvon residential course of her choice. All four placed – congratulations also to Jayant Kashyap, Cia Mangat, Zelda Cahill-Patten – will receive editorial and mentoring support from The Poetry Business, as well as publication in The North and a launch reading. Judge Holly Hopkins had this to say about Charlie’s work:
“Charlie Jolley’s ‘The Dreamers’ demonstrates a talent for dramatic monologues which directs the reader to consider different moments in history and how they relate politically and emotionally.”
Charlie Jolley is a young poet and fiction writer. She is a top 15 winner of the Foyle Young Poets of the Year Award (2023). In 2023 she was also the winner of the Waltham Forest Young Poets Prize, the Hexham Young People’s Poetry Competition, and the Poem:99 Poetry Competition, as well as placing second in the East Riding Festival of Words, and the Charles Causley Young Poets Prize. She has been published by The Poetry Society, Zoetic Press, and in Hive anthologies Dear Life and After Hours. She is an alumnus of Sheffield Young Writers and a member of Hive Poetry Collective.
The New Poets Prize is a pamphlet competition for writers between the ages of 17 and 24 (inclusive). The prize was launched in 2015 and runs annually alongside the renowned Poetry Business International Book & Pamphlet Competition, which has now been established for 38 years. Previous judges of the New Poets Prize include Helen Mort, Andrew McMillan, Kayo Chingonyi, Mary Jean Chan, Luke Kennard and Kim Moore. Winners of the New Poets Prize have gone on to publish full-length collections with notable publishers, including Carcanet and Bloodaxe Books, have been appointed as workshop facilitators, editors-in-residence, and competition judges (such as the Forward Prizes), have launched and performed their pamphlets on national radio and at prestigious venues, and have been widely reviewed.