The Forward Book of Poetry 2025: Launch Event
Celebrate the launch of a new anthology of highly commended poems from the Forward Prizes, with readings from some of the best poets from the UK and beyond.
The Forward Book of Poetry collects the best new writing available to UK readers, bringing together the shortlisted poets from the Forward Prizes, as well as dozens of highly commended poets.
Join us to hear readings from a selection of poets featured in the book, including Eve Esfandiari-Denney, Travis Mossotti, Oluwaseun Olayiwola and Victoria Chang, in an event hosted by Joelle Taylor.
Need to know
Bookers for this event receive an exclusive discount for the live stream of the Forward Prizes for Poetry ceremony on Thursday 10 October 2024.
Copies of the Forward Book of Poetry 2024 are available as an optional add on for £7.49 (£9.99 RRP). Books must be collected on the night of the event as we aren’t able to distribute copies afterwards.
For your visit
This event is held at the Purcell Room Southbank Centre
The Purcell Room is located in the Queen Elizabeth Hall, which is open from 90 minutes before events start until they finish. It’s closed at all other times.
Plan your visit
The Purcell Room is an auditorium located within our Queen Elizabeth Hall.
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.