A Huddersfield-based literature group celebrated its first birthday with its very own poetry festival.
Ink Spill, which describes itself as a “literature-specific evening: half creative workshop, half open mic” held the event at the Head of Steam in Huddersfield town centre. More than 100 creative writers attended.
Ink Spill holds monthly sessions and each one has a different theme to help inspire writers of all varieties to come together and share their work-in-progress in a warm, welcoming and communal space.
The festival itself involved a series of creative workshops, spotlight poets, a poetry slam and an open mic, with a turnout that far exceeded hosts Abbi Senior and Hannah Robinson-Wright’s expectations.
Hannah said: “It was phenomenal to see so many local creatives united over a shared love of poetry and literature. It’s clear that there is a still a huge demand for the discipline within today’s society.”
Abbi described it as “nothing short of absolute magic” and added: “The atmosphere was electric. Even the poets on our programme couldn’t believe how many people joined us. Everyone was completely blown away.”
Images by: Alexander Earle
Spotlight acts included poets such as Bróccán Tyzack-Carlin whose comedy set received roaring laughter and applause and Rebecca Kenny from northern-based indie publishers Bent Key who remarked that the festival was “truly special.”
Special credit goes to goodnighttheskye for being the first ever Ink Spill Slam Winner after judges hailed their performance to be “captivating.”
However, the competition was fierce with other poets Paul Jenkins, Lateral G, James Jackson and ‘sacrificial poet’ Jack Coverdale also receiving a glowing response.
The creative workshops were exciting and varied; using collage and craft to create poetry, writing with the aid of music, being inspired by a sense of place and many more.
The festival kept a homemade, indie-vibe with staging and decorations created using recycled materials, homemade bakes to keep the creative juices flowing which, when combined with the coming together of the community, made the day an astonishing success.
If you want to join the collective the next session is on Friday September 22 (7pm-10pm) at the Head of Steam. Admission is free but donations are appreciated.
