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