Art:Up! Homecoming Poetry Reading And Open Mic

Saturday 20 June 2026, 4.00pm – 6.00pm
Reuby’s Salt Beef and Cheesecake Bar, 66-68 Rosemary Rd, Clacton-on-Sea CO15 1TE

Join The Art:UP! This collaborative poetry project launched at the 2025 Essex Book Festival, and has seen more than fifty poets from across Essex get together and share new poetry.

The final instalment of this year’s project is on the topic ‘Homecoming’.

You can get involved by:
signing up to write something new with a partner,
writing your own poem on the theme,
or just coming along to support diverse voices from around the county.

This project is lead by The University of Essex, Essex Book Festival, Waxes Lyrical in Chelmsford, PoetryPlus in Manningtree and Clacton’s own Boho Banter.

We actively encourage new and neurodivergent writers to participate in this project.

Tickets: Free, booking recommended
Box Office: eventbrite.co.uk

To find out more, email Dr Jordan Savage: jksava@essex.ac.uk, or find us on insta: art_up_poetry

Part of Clacton Rocks!

Essex Book Festival is teaming up with Essex Cultural Diversity Project and Clacton Arts Centre to host Clacton Rocks! a 1-day (and night) programme of events, including Stand up For Diversity; Performance poet Atilla the Stockbroker; The Human Library; Art:Up Poetry Open Mic; Storytelling and Workshops. Visit essexbookfestival.org.uk/event/clacton-rocks/ for details.