Leave a Comment · Posted on September 4, 2026
Young Writers Groups
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 31, 2026
Saturday Intro to Creative Writing at Barnsley Civic for 14-19s
Aged 14 to 19 in the Barnsley area? Interested in developing your creative writing (stories, poems, scripts, spoken word, etc.) and where it could take you? If so, join us at Barnsley Civic for a free, relaxed Saturday afternoon introduction to all things creative writing.
Expect fun writing exercises, tips and tricks for powerful writing, and to learn about exciting opportunities to develop as a writer and send your work out into the world, locally, regionally and nationally. You’ll find out all the ways Hive’s regional young writers’ network can support this, including Barnsley Young Writers (starting again in Oct). From competitions and awards to publication and live performance, whether hobby or career interest, you’ll hear about what’s out there for you!
The afternoon will be led by writers Nik Perring (script & short story writer) and Vicky Morris (poet & editor), who’ll share insights into their own writing journeys, answer questions and give advice.
Come and meet other young people with similar interests and leave with plenty of inspiration, new ideas to work on and the confidence to keep scribbling. No experience needed, and you don’t have to think you’re a great writer to attend. Just bring an interest in words, some curiosity and a willingness to have a go!
Where: Barnsley Civic
When: Saturday 19th Sept 1-3.30pm with refreshments break
To book: Send you full name, date of birth & any interests you wish to tell us about to: [email protected]
A partnership between Barnsley Civic and Hive Young Writers Network
About Barnsley Civic
Barnsley Civic is a creative and cultural hub in the heart of Barnsley, bringing people together through theatre, performance, exhibitions, workshops and community activity. Its programme spans a wide range of art forms, with something for all ages, alongside opportunities to get involved and be creative. Barnsley Civic works with many local partners, including Hive, to run Barnsley Young Writers and other creative projects.
About Hive Young Writers Network
Hive supports young writers across South Yorkshire and the nearby North to reach their writing potential through workshops, projects, publications, performances and much more. Over the last decade, Hive has helped thousands of young people explore creative writing, from hobby interests to wider ambitions, including winners of accolades such as the BBC Young Writers’ Award and Northern Writers’ Award, Poet Laureates and those who’ve gone on to related careers. Former Hive young writers include BBC Radio presenter Sile Sibanda and Joe O’Brien, songwriter and lead guitarist with The Reytons.
Leave a Comment · Posted on August 10, 2026
Congratulations to Eliana: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s Anniversary Poetry Competition
Huge congratulations to 16-year-old Sheffield Young Writer Eliana Holloway, who has won the 13–17 category of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s 80th Anniversary Poetry Competition with her poem The Waxwings of Morrisons’ Carpark.
The competition, celebrating 80 years of Yorkshire Wildlife Trust, invited poets to capture the natural beauty of Yorkshire’s landscapes, wildlife and wild places, or reflect on eight decades of conservation across the county.
Ian McMillan said of judging the competition: ‘I’m very moved by the way that people turn to heightened language to articulate how much wildlife of all kinds means to them. In the end we’re all wildlife, I guess, and we’re all poets.’
Yorkshire Wildlife Trust has been protecting Yorkshire’s wildlife and wild places since 1946. The charity manages and restores more than 100 nature reserves across the county, protects threatened species and habitats, campaigns for nature, and works with communities to help people connect with and care for Yorkshire’s natural environment. There are lots of ways to support Yorkshire Wildlife Trust’s work, from volunteering and attending events to becoming a member, donating or campaigning for wildlife.
Find out how you can get involved and read the competition winners at: Yorkshire Wildlife Trust
Leave a Comment · Posted on July 16, 2026
Hive poets perform at National Poetry Collectives Showcase
We’re delighted that Hive poets Safa Maryam and Holly Thorpe will be representing Hive at the National Poetry Collectives Showcase in London on Saturday 18th July.
Bringing together nine of the UK’s leading poetry collectives, the Showcase celebrates emerging writers and the power of live poetry, creating an exciting platform for some of the country’s brightest new voices.
Safa and Holly are wonderful poets and performers, and we’re delighted that they’ll be taking their place alongside some of England’s most exciting emerging poets. If you’re near London, don’t miss this incredible showcase! Tickets here. Huge thanks to Toby Campion, forever championing the next generation of poets nationwide! 💛
About the National Poetry Collectives Showcase
Founded in 2018, the National Poetry Collectives Showcase brings together some of the country’s leading poetry collectives for an evening of unforgettable live performance. Passionate, political and profound, it offers audiences the chance to experience some of the UK’s brightest emerging poets together on one stage.
Safa Maryam is a poet and doctor. Her work has been published and anthologised by Mslexia, Northern Gravy, Butcher’s Dog and The Poetry Business, amongst others. She has been a finalist in the Mslexia Poetry Competition, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, and most recently longlisted in the National Poetry Competition. (Safa’s photo by Ismail Ali)
Holly Thorpe is a poet, fiction writer and facilitator from Wrexham. She has performed at The Big Gay Poetry Night: Mamma Queer and One Mic Stand. She was recently published in The Rising Line and The Camellia House & Other Stories anthologies. Holly was a Hive Young Curator for the Forward Prize Young Poets Summit 2025.
Leave a Comment · Posted on July 14, 2026
If Buildings Could Speak Writing Workshop August at Barnsley Civic
If buildings could speak, what would they tell us? What have they seen and what have they heard? What tales would they weave about the strangeness of their spaces, or about the humans (and ghosts) who move through them?
Join us at Barnsley Civic on Saturday 22nd August for a wonderfully creative (and free!) workshop exploring all things creative writing for 14 – 18 year olds.
You’ll get a behind-the-scenes tour of the Civic and be able to dig through 150 years of photos and archives to inspire you to write poetry and short fiction. We’ll share fab tips and tricks for writing great creative pieces, and you’ll hear more about wider opportunities to carry on developing your writing.
Expect a relaxed and fun afternoon. Everyone is welcome, and you don’t have to think you’re a great writer to come along. Just bring a little curiosity, an interest in words and an urge to be creative. Break refreshments provided.
If you have any questions about the workshops, email [email protected] or booking here
This workshop is part of CIVIC 150, a two-year project working towards the building’s 150th birthday in 2028.
Barnsley Civic in partnership with Hive Young Writers Network. This workshop is supported by the Great Childhoods Ambition Fund.
Leave a Comment · Posted on June 30, 2026
Northern Writers Awards 2026
A huge congratulations to Nathan Graham, Molly Knox and Safa Maryam on their success in the Northern Writers’ Awards 2026!
Nathan Graham – Winner of the Young Northern Writers’ Award (aged 15-18)
Nathan Graham is a 16-year-old member of Rotherham Young Writers. He was a winner of the Foyle Young Poets 2025 and recently performed as support for Scottish poet Len Pennie at Flux Rotherham. What the judges said about Nathan’s work:
“An outstanding example of how humour can be used to highlight social inequalities and injustices. I admired how politically aware and astute they are, and the authenticity and intelligence of the work.”
Molly Knox – Shortlisted for the Northern Debut Award for Poetry
Hive Poetry Collective member Molly Knox is a recent MA Ethnomusicology graduate, working in arts research. She was a 2025 T. S. Eliot Young Critic and a winner of The Poetry Society’s ‘Ecotones’ challenge. Her recent writing has appeared in Magma and The Selkie, and is forthcoming in Poetry Wales. Her poetry chapbook, Spindrift, is published by The Braag.
Safa Maryam – Longlisted for the Northern Debut Award for Poetry
Hive Poetry Collective member Safa Maryam is a poet and doctor. Her work has been published and anthologised by Mslexia, Northern Gravy, Butcher’s Dog and The Poetry Business, amongst others. She has been a finalist in the Mslexia Poetry Competition, shortlisted for the Bridport Prize, and most recently longlisted in the National Poetry Competition. (Safa’s photo by Ismail Ali)
Previous Hive writers who’ve been placed in the Young Northern Writers’ Awards include Isabella Merino Garzon, Lauren Hollingworth Smith, George Woodhead, Hala Mukhair, Nefeli Frida, Isabelle Pollard, Eloise Unerman, Naomi Thomas, Ciah White, Charlie Jolley, Maisie Mair and Haider Nazir.
More about the Northern Writers’ Awards
Established in 2000 by New Writing North, the Northern Writers’ Awards support new, emerging and established writers across the North of England. The awards recognise exceptional work-in-progress and offer support including cash awards, mentoring, professional development and industry connections to help writers develop their work and progress their careers.
The Northern Writers’ Awards are produced by New Writing North and supported by Northumbria University, Arts Council England and a range of partners. For more information: www.newwritingnorth.com
Leave a Comment · Posted on May 19, 2026
Nathan supports Len Pennie
We’re so proud of Rotherham Young Writer Nathan Graham, who at just 16 supported acclaimed Scots poet Len Pennie at a Spread the Word event via our awesome partners Flux Rotherham on 15th May.
We’re always incredibly proud to see Hive young writers stepping onto stages alongside established performers and sharing their work with new audiences. Nathan was a winner of the Foyle Young Poets 2025.
Two other support poets, Hafsah Awan and Nicky Rogers joined Nathan and Len at Grimm & Co as part of the event. You can find out more about Spread the Word here.
A huge thanks to Flux Rotherham for platforming emerging young voices and supporting Hive’s work in Rotherham and beyond.
Leave a Comment · Posted on April 14, 2026
Queer Poets Reading
Looking for a great poetry reading in Sheffield?
Head to Sheffield Central Library on 22 April for an evening of queer poetry in the Carpenter Room, featuring three brilliant poets, Hive poet and Sheffield Poet Laureate Beth Davies, Sarah Lasoye and Eden Chicken. All will be in conversation with Susie Wilson, exploring work that spans radical friendship, aromantic and asexual identity, non-binary reimaginings of queer ancestry, sex, love, queerness and political commitment.
Part of Sheffield Libraries Year of Reading programme
Queer Poets Reading
22 April, 6–7:15pm | Carpenter Room, Sheffield Central Library
18+ | FREE | Tickets here
Leave a Comment · Posted on March 30, 2026
Buy The Rising Line Anthology
We are excited to say, the rising line anthology of poetry and fiction is now available to buy!
This brilliantly inventive, powerful and vibrant anthology of poetry and short fiction showcases writing by the next generation of writers in the north and beyond. Many are members of Hive young writers’ groups or have attended Hive programmes and projects across the region. Some have been placed in our competitions. There’s also work from Hive prize and award-winning writers including Nathan Graham, Maisie Mair, Luke Worthy, Beth Davies, Safia Khan, Lauren Hollingsworth Smith and Warda Yassin.
The anthology showcases a whopping 73 emerging writers | features 59 poems and 18 short stories | 133 pages
A wonderful gift for fiction and poetry lovers | £13.80 (inc.P&P)
Email [email protected] with the number of copies you’d like & how you’d like to pay (you can pay by bank transfer (preferred) or PayPal). We’ll respond promptly with details | ISBN: 978-1-0676515-0-3 | also available via indie bookshop in South Yorkshire and the nearby north.
Praise for the rising line:
“This book is a powerful reminder that there’s nowhere a poem can’t go, and no way it can’t move us. From revolutionary dogs and AI lovers to the quiet ache of growing up in the modern world, and all we inherit from it, these poems move between the intimate and the expansive with confidence, invention and emotional clarity. If the poems in the rising line are anything to go by – the future of poetry is dazzlingly bright!” — Suzannah Evans
“Reading this collection, I’m again in awe of fiction’s power to move its readers. Sometimes literally, as in the stories that took me through space and time to strange and thrilling locations. I was also deeply moved by the many pieces transporting me into different mindsets and helping me see our world afresh from viewpoints otherwise out of reach. What a joy it is to be taken on these journeys and to witness young writers responding to the challenges of contemporary and historical life in such varied and exciting ways.” — Dave Swann
Contributors:
Aizah Atiq
Alastair Smith
Alina Kumaran
Amelie Pape
Anzal Adhan
Arundhati Sarkar
Aurora Amaryllis
Beth Davies
Bethany Rippon
Casey O’Malley
Charlotte Murray
Charlotte Stribley
Chloe Reed
Connie Greig
Connor Mortimer
Danae Wellington
Dillon Butt
Emma English
Erin Martin-O’Connell
Fae Horsley
Finley Kippin
Freya Bantiff
Grace Taylor
Hafsa Yusufi
Heather Chapman
Holly Ellis
Hol Jones
Holly Thorpe
Ikarah Woodvine
Isabelle Suarez-Gregory
Isobel Whiston
Ivy Knapp
Jack Turner
Jake Edwards
Jason Parker
Kayla Blackburn
Ken Damon
Lauren Hollingsworth Smith
Laurie Smith
Liliana Jedrzejko-Pires
Louisa Rhodes
Luke Worthy
Mac Goodwin
Madeline Hall
Maia Brown
Maisie Mair
Maqbulah Sarvari
Martha May Hilton
Matthew Swan
Maya Dodsworth
Merila Gramy
Mia Hollingsworth Smith
Michaelis Barlow
Miley Yip
Millie Thomas
Milly Boden
Molly Knox
Nathan Graham
Poppy Mae Higgins
Rachel Maloney
Rebecca Smith
Robyn Wilson
Safia Khan
Safa Maryma
Sarah Crooks
Sile Sibanda
Sofie Stothers
Sophie Dunn
Sophie Peacock
Stephanie Wong
Theodore Forcer
Tom Stephenson
Warda Yassin
Leave a Comment · Posted on March 17, 2026
Repping Hive at One Mic Stand Poetry Slam, Manchester…
The vibrations coming from the DJ booth echoed out like the nerves in my chest. I was here to represent Hive and South Yorkshire at One Mic Stand poetry slam, competing against young poets from poetry networks across England. And in Manchester, a city I’d never been to. But was I prepared for the action?
Indeed, I felt as if I were a lone ranger battling against the barrage of my own thoughts. But here I was, feeling less combat, more drama. The first thing I noticed was how diverse and inviting the audience was. It felt like a great cross-section of life in the UK and all in an arts and culture setting. Enter stage right, the Sacrificial Poet (Skye Lilly) last year’s winner, returning to the platform to deliver the contestants from their own versions of bravery. The performance was absolutely mind-blowing. Skye spoke of connections and communications, the essence of what it is to be human. Her words were lexical literacy. Hearing and watching her perform was like breathing pure air after being submerged under water.
After a roaring applause from the audience, we entered the Intro-Round. Up first was Nara Rasool, who mentioned being a trained actress. Nothing could have prepared me for the way I felt experiencing Nara’s performance. Every word, every phrase, was packed with pace and emotion as she spoke about the tragedies of the attacks in Gaza. But that night, we surely felt an atomic piece of it.
The judges held up their scores out of ten: Nine! Nine! Nine! And then… me. I stood up, and I smiled, took a deep breath and walked up to the stage as if I owned it. I wasn’t just doing this for me, I was doing it for Doncaster.
When I got up to the mic, I held the stage for a second, and a hush fell over the crowd. Once I took a deep breath, I felt a sense of serenity, like somehow, I got this. I delivered a poem that was very close to my heart, about being in your 20s in the 2020s. It related to growing up in this economy to a disastrous night out.
As I reeled off my metaphors in rhyme, I heard finger clicks of agreement from the audience, and even from the MC “…the lack of job security is really nothing new to me, you call it social purity, I call it an abuse you see…” My jibes at the system were felt across the room, and you could cut the tension with a knife. As I ended on “black out, then you wake up, saying you have been spiked, babe? Just take the damn kebab, I ain’t comin’ out tonight!” I heard a burst of applause from an audience I hadn’t ever met. The warmth of creative community spread through me. But it wasn’t to last…
As I exited stage left, the judges held up their scores for content: Seven! Six! Six! For performance: Seven! Eight! Six! My heart sank a little. Would I make it to The Battle Round with a 6/10? I tried to hide my feelings with a smile, because I truly did my best.
The night went on. We heard beautiful and authentic poetry from the other young competitors. I tried not to focus too much on the numbers, and kept a smile beaming from my face. And, you know even though I didn’t make it to the second round, I still had an excellent experience and very much appreciated it.
In the words of the MC, the points are not the point. The point is indeed the poetry. I participated, and I got treated like my words were important (my travel and even a very nice hotel were also paid for). But most of all, I got to share and hear heartfelt words from talent stretching across the nation. What more could I want? I came last… but I also came first. Because I was there.
……
Youth slams and experiences like the one I had are so important for young poets developing their talent and networking skills. Being in that space reminded me how vital creative community platforms are, and how much they matter. I run an open mic in Doncaster called Scribes and Vibes, and the night truly inspired me to keep building it, to keep creating spaces where voices can be heard, supported, and celebrated.
A huge thank you to One Mic Stand, Hive Young Writers Network, the Forward Prize Young Poets Network and for making this opportunity possible. Shout out to Tolu Agbelusi, Vicky Morris and an incredible One Mic Stand audience for their support and encouragement.
Molly Eroje
Photo courtesy of photographer Alex Morgan