What’s been taking up my days, and why have I disappeared slightly over the last month? Well, one reason is that the London Teenage Poetry SLAM, a beautiful and time-worthy project I’ve been working on since January, is moving into its final stages. On 27 June, it’s the SLAM Final, where students from 11 secondary schools across London showcase their poetry and spoken word in the fiercest youth poetry SLAM of the year. More about that later…

But before that, there’s another SLAM event I’ve been putting my mind to. “What’s Next”: The 2009 Senior SLAM is a mini-SLAM for emerging poets who “graduated” from the London Teenage Poetry SLAM in previous years:

‘What’s Next?’ The 2009 Senior SLAM

Ever wondered what happened to the student-poet stars of the Lynk Reach London Teenage Poetry SLAM? This year, the SLAM legacy continues as ten talented young poets take to the mic for the 2009 Senior SLAM, all hoping to win fame, kudos and a performance slot at this year’s SLAM Final in June.

Contestants come from different schools and different years of the project; what they share is a passion for words and a desire to keep on writing and performing. Competition will be fierce as poets are given the chance to shine in two rounds of performance, watched by a panel of poetic experts: Jay Bernard, Charlie Dark and former SLAM contestant Rosie Knight. The event will feature guest slots from inspirational performers on the London poetry scene.

Teachers, poet-coaches and students from previous years of the project will take over the Rich Mix Bar for a reunion and celebration of SLAMs past and present. If the London Teenage Poetry SLAM ever meant anything to you, you need to be there!

‘What’s Next?’
Date: 31st May
Time: 6.30pm
Price: FREE
Venue: Rich Mix, 35 – 47 Bethnal Green Road, E1 6LA
Directions: www.richmix.org.uk
Nearest tubes: Old Street or Liverpool Street
Website: www.londonteenagepoetryslam.net
Image: Students performing at last year’s SLAM Final