Waltham Forest Amnesty International presents: ‘F

Open Mic Event

Contact: k.barlow919@btinternet.com

Do you write stories? Poems? Lyrics? Non-fiction? Fancy performing them in front of a willing audience? Or just fancy coming along to listen to a fantastic afternoon of spoken word? If so, then read on…

To celebrate Amnesty International’s 50th birthday, the Waltham Forest Group will be hosting ‘Freedom in 50 Words’. Amnesty supporters as well as members of the public will be invited to perform stories, poems, lyrics or non-fiction pieces of exactly 50 words on the theme of ‘Freedom’. Beyond this, participants are free to interpret the brief as they like – pieces can be serious or humorous, personal or political. In addition to the 50-word contest, the event will feature a number of headline acts, including acclaimed musician Darren Hayman (of Hefner fame), Shaun Attwood (author of Hard Time: A Brit in America’s Toughest Jail), and poets John Stiles (author of Scouts Are Cancelled and Taking the Stairs) and Jacqueline Gabbitas. Participants will be asked to read their work (up to a maximum of five pieces) aloud in front of the audience, as well as a panel of three judges – Bea Moyes (Ether Books), Gabriella Apicella (Storytails) and Katy Darby (Litro magazine and Liars’ League). The 5 best acts, as determined by the judges, will then return to the stage for a Grand Final, where the overall winner of the night will be determined by audience vote. The best entries on the night will also have the possibility of being considered for publication in Litro magazine.

If you'd like to participate or would like further info, please get in touch with Ken Barlow at k.barlow919@btinternet.com, find us on Facebook (Waltham Forest Amnesty International), follow us on Twitter (http://twitter.com/Waltham ForestAI) or visit http://waltham.amnesty.org.uk (campaigns>diary of events).

Price: £5.00

Time: 2:00pm