Birmingham’s poetry and spoken word festival will take place over four days between 16-19 February at Waterstones, pictured, in the city centre. Organisers of Verve poetry festival promise “established as well as up and coming poets, internationally acclaimed talent and undiscovered local artists, writing workshops, spoken word masterclasses, poetry slams, and lively children’s poetry and storytelling events – all under one roof”. Poets appearing include Daljit Nagra, Kim Moore, Mona Arshi, Katrina Naomi, Anthony Anaxagorou, Sabrina Mahfouz, Kate Wakeling, Raymond Antrobus, Sarah Howe, Fran Lock, Hannah Silva, Dean Atter, Deanna Rodger, Emma Purshouse, Roy McFarlane, Emily Harrison, Jess Green, Geraldine Clarkson, Luke Kennard, Abegail Morley, and Robert Peake. More details