Poetry Day!
The National Poetry Library’s annual poetry day features readings and a workshop, and shows off the collection’s hidden gems.
The library’s annual Poetry Day! is a chance to view the rarities, hidden gems and new acquisitions from the largest public collection of modern poetry in the world.
Discover a whole world of ideas in poetry including reimagined classics in the work of Anne Carson, Paula Rego’s love of the written word, hand-sewn book covers, writers searching for the truth of Albion, poets on the paradoxes of everyday life, the poems of Tupac Shakur and an exploration of the links between poetry and film.
Plus, hear brilliant new poetry by up-and-coming poets in a live reading session and try your hand at writing your own. Throughout the day, the foyer is filled with sounds from the library’s audio collections, selected by Plastic Language (NTS Radio).
Schedule
1.30pm – 2.30pm
Come along for an explosive live reading from Poetic Unity, a Brixton-based poetry collective sharing stunning spoken word visuals.
11am – 5pm: workshop
Roll up and play the Poetry Fruit Machine, an addictive literary game in the form of a colourful card deck with writing prompt. One of the game’s creators, Jessica Todd, and special guest poet Lily Blacksell play all day with anyone who wants to join them. Ding ding ding!
Need to know
For your visit
This event is held at the Queen Elizabeth Hall Southbank Centre
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Queen Elizabeth Hall is home to both our second-largest auditorium and the Purcell Room.
Getting here
Our address is Southbank Centre, Belvedere Road, London, SE1 8XX.
The nearest tube stations to us are Waterloo and Embankment; Waterloo is also the nearest train station. And more than 20 different London bus routes pass within 500 metres of our venues. More information on getting here by rail, road or river is available on our Getting here page.
We’re cash-free
Please note that we’re unable to accept cash payments across our venues.
Access
We’re working hard to remove barriers, so that our facilities and events can be accessible to as many people as possible.
All help points, toilets, performance and exhibition spaces at the Southbank Centre are accessible to all, as are the cafes, bars and restaurants. We also have excellent public transport links with step-free access.
All information about booking wheelchair spaces, step-free access, blue badge parking, access maps and guides and other help available whilst you’re here, including details about our Access Scheme, can be found on our Access page.
Food & drink
From coffee to cocktails, filling favourites to fine dining, plus some of London’s best street food – it’s all here at the Southbank Centre.