Around a year ago, Oscar, Kat, and Will were having drunken conversations influenced by Newcastle’s Morden Tower - a landmark that has hosted hundreds of poets' readings over the past 45 years.
Having discussions about poetry and wanting to share it, we can fast forward to today where the trio are now celebrating the first anniversary of Poetry in the North. For those unfamiliar, Poetry in the North is a monthly event that fosters an informal, welcoming space for anyone who wishes to read or listen to poetry. There's no stage, no microphone, and no formal seating - just people sharing their words and ideas. This simplicity is what has given rise to a vibrant and supportive community of poets, readers, and listeners alike.
The anniversary celebration, held on the 22nd of October, was a joyful night filled with balloons, some drinks, and plenty of smiles. After hosting monthly poetry gatherings for a year, Poetry in the North is thriving more than ever. The anniversary event was the first poetry night to be ticketed due to growing demand.
When I spoke to Oscar, Kat, and Will about their inspiration and those early poetry nights, they reflected on how it all began. “We started by having conversations about poetry and wanting to share that with others. So, we decided to host a night, and at first, it was just meant to be a casual get-together among friends," they shared. "But it just grew from there.”
It's more than one night - it's a community. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts
Their primary focus was on making connections and building a space where people could freely share their writing. “It’s quite simple," they explained, "but people became really attached to it. It grew because it’s more than just one night—it’s a community. The whole is greater than the sum of its parts.”
When asked to describe the atmosphere at these poetry nights, the three founders unanimously agreed on the words: "Respectful, intimate, friendly, and engrossing."
Having attended one of these poetry nights about a month ago, I couldn’t agree more with their description. The cosy atmosphere at Estate Tea House, with its soft paper lanterns casting a warm glow over the room, creates an intimate setting where people often speak up, whether it's with deep emotion or for a laugh. It’s the perfect backdrop for an evening of haikus, sonnets, and free verse.
The attendees range from casual passersby, dropping in for an evening of poetry, to regular writers who articulate their thoughts with carefully chosen words. Some are performers, bringing their poems to life through expressive tones, gestures, and emotion. Whether you’re there to listen or share, each night is defined by a unique sense of inclusivity and warmth that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Looking ahead, Poetry in the North is only just beginning. The founders have exciting plans for the future, including more ticketed events, charity fundraisers, and even the creation of a zine!
At the end of the day, Poetry in the North is about all sorts of different people coming together, to share a piece of themselves, whether with strangers or friends. And though the idea appears simple at heart, it’s what makes it so special.
Just remember if you ever do go... no cocaine at the poetry night!
