It’s that time of year again – it can only be… the Off the Shelf Festival of Words! With both live and online readings, performances, workshops and talks, there’s an amazing line-up for this year’s festival (9th – 31th October). As always, Hive and Hive writers are honoured to be part of the action.
We were excited the festival fell at half-term this year as we hoped to tie it in again with one of our buzzing live literature events, but, sadly due to C19 this won’t be possible. No fear, there’s still a fab range of Hive-related happenings! You can browse the wonderful full programme array of events here. And read on for what we’ll be getting up to….
We’re so proud of Hive Poet Warda Yassin for all she’s achieving and this autumn she’s busy doing various events at the festival including a reading with UK Poet Laureate, Simon Armitage on 11 Oct. What’s more it’s a drive-in event – yes, book by the car!
On the 12th Oct, Warda’s also going to be in conversation with Sheffield’s former mayor Magid Magid and poet/rapper/philosopher Otis Mensah. At this event, rather excitingly, Warda will be introduced as Sheffield Poet Laureate for the next two years! We are so excited about seeing Warda representing the city and inspiring others!
And on 27th Oct, Warda will be running two Creative Writing for Bi-lingual Tongues workshops (1pm and 4pm) for young people of dual heritage aged 14-19 and 20-24 years. And they’re FREE!
Also on 27th Oct we’re thrilled two emerging young poets from the Hive network – Lauren Hollingsworth-Smith, 18 and Georgie Woodhead, 17 – will be giving support readings of work from their forthcoming debut New Poets pamphlets alongside the mighty Roger Robinson.
On 30th Oct we have the festival’s annual Youth Word Up, but this year, a little different! Our usual live collaborative event at the festival, with its accompanying publication, has turned into… a podcast! This time around we’re working with the Young People in Care Council, Sheffield Young Carers, and Chilypep. They will be joined by emerging young writers from the HIVE network.
And on the last day of the festival, 31st Oct, we’ve got a real treat for you, a special Mastering Monologues – with the very talented John Rwoth-Omack (Far Gone), in a jam-packed two-part masterclass for young writers and actors – all experience levels welcome – from hobby to career interest. You’ll explore writing and acting tips and advice, from one-man-shows to nailing affecting monologues. Then you’ll collaboratively WRITE a monologue John will go on to perform in a follow on podcast. This could be your first production credit! Expect a warm, relaxed atmosphere and many insights from one of Sheffield’s finest actors.
For all events and happening click here and get involved!
For the full Off the Shelf programme click here
A huge thank you to Off the Shelf Festival of Words for their ongoing partnership & support year after year.