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Nottingham Speaks Up

With Writing East Midlands, Broxtowe Women’s Project, White Ribbon UK, and Jay Sandhu.

Location:
Nottingham Central Library
When: Tuesday 18 November, 12pm to 5pm

Inspired by White Ribbon Day #WeSpeakUp

Join Writing East Midlands as they host a day of information stalls, a writing session and a subsequent open mic showcase inspired by this year’s White Ribbon Day theme #WeSpeakUp.
For those interested in learning more about the White Ribbon campaign, the Broxtowe Women’s Project and White Ribbon UK will be stationed in the Central Library atrium sharing their insights. Participants in the workshop will be encouraged to write on the theme of gender-based abuse in poem and creative pieces in a session open to all, run by poet and performer Jay Sandhu.
The day culminates in an open mic showcase, which will bring together all the submissions and offer a chance for some of the writers to read out their pieces of work, should they wish to. It’s also an opportunity for communities in Nottingham to come together to speak out about an issue that blights the lives of so many people.
Join us at the stalls, for the workshop, the open mic, or all three!

About Nottingham Speaks Up

Nottingham Speaks Up is a new grassroots community initiative founded by father-daughter team Jeff Buck and Rebecca Morris-Buck. Based in Nottingham, we plan to use spoken word, storytelling, and creative writing to challenge gender-based violence and amplify voices for change. Through a live event, online platforms, and partnerships with local organisations, we create inclusive spaces where people of all backgrounds can speak up, listen, and be heard. Our work is rooted in the belief that words have the power to confront injustice, build empathy, and inspire action.

Event Details

Location: Nottingham Central Library

Date Tuesday 18 November

Time: 12pm to 5pm

Poet Jay Sandhu

Writing Impactful Poetry for the Stage

With Jay Sandhu

Time: 1pm to 2.30pm

Tickets: Free to attend, booking essential

This workshop is aimed at anyone who’s interested, but particularly aimed at those writing something for the spoken word event taking place from 3pm to 5pm.

Sign up here

About Jay Sandhu:

Jay Sandhu is a poet, comedian, and educator who uses humour and storytelling to explore identity, justice, and belonging. His work spans live performance, presenting (BBC), and published collections (HarperCollins, Otter-Barry Books). As a director for Nottingham Poetry Festival and founder of Nott Another, Jay curates events, workshops, and projects that amplify underrepresented voices. From programming stages at festivals to leading initiatives like Our City Our Stories and Educated, Elevated, Melinated, he bridges art and activism. Whether teaching maths, mentoring young people, or performing, Jay believes creativity is a tool for connection and change.
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Nottingham Speaks Up: Spoken Word Event

Time: 2.30pm doors, 3pm to 5pm

Tickets: Free to attend, booking essential

Book your ticket here

Nottingham Speaks Up spoken word event is an opportunity for people in the city and county to submit a piece of creative writing on the themes of violence against women & girls, domestic abuse and/or gender inequality. This event will bring together all of the submissions and offer a chance for some of the writers to read out their pieces of work, should they wish to. It’s also an opportunity for communities in Nottingham to come together to speak out about an issue that blights the lives of so many people, mainly, but not exclusively, women.

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