POETRY SLAM 2007
This year's Poetry Slam was held in the Oak Room in the Swan Hotel in Sadler Street Wells
on Thursday 18th October starting at 7 pm.
The results were
First Prize Jane Williams
Second Prize Noel Sweeny
Third Prize Paul Rogers
Many congratulations to them and our thanks to all who read their poems.
Our Slam is a friendly affair in which those entering are asked to read a poem lasting not more than two minutes. If selected for the second round, they read another poem lasting not more than 5 minutes and in the final round a poem lasting not more than 10 minutes. These curious rules are designed to encourage the maximum number of entrants in the time available.
Small prizes are given to the winners. The judges will place more emphasis on the poem than its performance. Poems do not have to be memorised. No marks will be given for being fashionable or trendy or for having 'attitude'. What ever your age or condition, don't be intimidated - have a go. If you don't want to declaim a poem, just come along and listen. It will be fun.
Drinks and light snacks are available to buy in the Oak room which holds about 100 people at cafe-style tables.
There is no microphone or pa system or spot lights or stage or anything the least bit distracting or intimidating.
The aim of the Slam, like our international story and poetry competitions, is to give people, who may never get the chance to have their poems published, a voice. Very deliberately we do not invite famous performance poets to perform. The judging emphasises the quality of the poetic writing and places little emphasis on performance skills. We do this to encourage the talented, but nervous! We try and make the evening informal, relaxing and fun.