Devizes Arts Festival Inaugural Poetry Slam

Calling all poets budding, established or hopeful!

This first time event for Devizes, hosted by Glenn Carmichael and Claire Williamson from the Poetry Slam Bristol, it will see participants competing in front of a live audience who help to decide the winners. So be sure to invite your friends and family!
The competition will also be judged by a panel of independent local judges, and promises to be a night of fun, entertainment and good writing.

The Rules.

You will need three original performance poems of no more than three minutes each. No musical accompaniment, and no props or costumes.

Singing/beat boxing is acceptable so long as it comprises no more than 20% of the poem.

The three minutes include introductions – and will be timed from the moment the poet begins to speak. We are allowing a 10 second period of grace. One point will be deducted for every second over the 3 minutes 10 seconds.

Each poet will be judged by our independent panel of judges and scored.

* There will be three knock out rounds

* Names will be drawn at random from a hat

* The first round will be divided into 6 heats, with 3 poets per heat

* The six winning poets from round one will then go through to the second round, which will be divided into 2 heats of three

* The two winning poets from round 2 will then go through to the final to have a face –off

* The ultimate winner will win the £100 prize.

After the first round there will be a break of 15 minutes.

The Wharf holds 96 people, so you are encouraged to arrive early to avoid disappointment, on a first come, first serve basis.

Poets are required to arrive at The Wharf from 6.30pm.