Hundreds of poetry enthusiasts filled a Whitchurch pub last week to witness the town’s second annual Poetry Slam. Held on Monday, August 19, at Percy’s Café Bar, the event featured 15 poets, both local and from afar, competing before a lively audience.
Gareth Von Dinther, a Trustee for Poetry Whitchurch, commended the poets, noting the high caliber of performances throughout the night. “The evening showcased incredible talent, with poets ranging from first-time slam participants to seasoned veterans,” he said.
Judging the competition were members from a local community group and Sir John Talbot’s School. Adding an extra layer of excitement was a “clapometer” that measured audience reactions, intensifying the thrill of the event. The night offered a mix of humor and depth, with the audience responding enthusiastically to both clever wordplay and more profound messages.
After five heats, the winner from each heat advanced to the final round, where they performed another poem. Morgan Birch ultimately captivated both the judges and the audience, earning the title of Slam winner for 2024.
The trustees of Poetry Whitchurch expressed their gratitude to all the poets, judges, audience members, and the team at Percy’s Café Bar for making the event a success. “We look forward to holding another Slam in 2025,” Von Dinther added.
For those interested in future events like Open Mic nights, seminars, and development groups, Poetry Whitchurch can be contacted through their Facebook page. An upcoming Online Open Mic event is scheduled for Monday, September 16, at 8 p.m., featuring guest poet Olga Dermott-Bond.
Reflecting on his win, Morgan Birch said, “What a great slam – the quirky venue, diverse talent, thoughtful judging, and responsive audience all contributed to a wonderful atmosphere and a truly memorable event.”
Another performer, Lateral G, added, “Lovely night. Congratulations to Morgan and well done to everyone involved.”