Roundhouse Poetry Slam: Express your interest

Calling poets and spoken word artists! The Roundhouse Poetry Slam is back this March/April and we’re looking for emerging artists nationwide to step up to the mic.

About Roundhouse Poetry Slam

Roundhouse Poetry Slam 2025 is not just a competition – it’s a celebration of the power of words and the artists who wield them.

Showcase your original work at one of our national heats across the country, with locations in London, Bristol, Leeds, Liverpool and one online in March/April 2025. 

Top ten poets from across the country will take part in the Slam Final at our iconic Main Space on Thursday 17 April.

The winner will receive: a cash prize of £1,000, a professional performance or commission opportunity via the Roundhouse, professional development support from the Roundhouse and mentoring from an award-winning poet. 

2nd and 3rd place poets and people’s vote winner will also received cash prizes.

Watch the 2024 slam final on our YouTube channel.

What you get

• Audience Exposure: Share your talent with live and online audiences. 
• Networking: Connect with peers and professionals in the spoken word industry. 
• Judges: Shortlisting will be done by a panel of highly respected poets. The slam heats and final will also be judged by a panel of esteemed writers and performers (to be announced). 
• Cash Prizes: Compete for the top three spots or win the audience vote for a chance to take home a cash prize. 

Professional Filming: Finalists’ performances will be expertly captured and showcased on the Roundhouse YouTube Channel with 16,000 subscribers. Past videos have garnered 5 million views and caught the eye of global publications. 

How to Join

Express your interest in applying by filling in our online expression of interest form by 10am Friday 15 November and be the first to know when applications open. 

Roundhouse Poetry Slam is in partnership with Taylor Wessing.