I’ve managed to bag myself a double bill at this year’s Off The Shelf Festival in Sheffield. The festival means a lot to me. Partly because I lived in the Steel City for a bit, and it was central to my artistic development in my late teens. And partly because I supported Hollie McNish at OTS 2017, which was a really significant gig for me.
Firstly, I’m running a poetry writing workshop on place. This is suitable for ages 16+ and takes place at 2pm on Saturday 12 October, at South Street Kitchen. Places are limited and you can purchase tickets here.
Please note that whenever I run these workshops, my main priority is for everybody to feel welcome and comfortable. My style is accessible, and breaks down any preconceptions about poetry being ‘elitist’ or prohibitively academic. So what I’m saying is, if you’re feeling low on confidence or anxious, please come along and I’ll make you feel better!
Secondly, I’m doing a performance and Q+A with my good pal Toria Garbutt at 7.30pm on Sunday 13 October, at the University of Sheffield Foundry. We’ll be in conversation with Dr Katie Edwards about what it means to be a working-class writer. Tickets are available here.
If you’re somehow unfamiliar with Toria’s work, sort that out ASAP!
Matt Abbott Poet 