Explore pop-up poetry emporia, engage in wandering wordplay and delight in the freshest of sounds and the free-est of speech performed live. Retreat to the Sunken Garden to indulge in a drink on the lawn from our chill-out bar, enjoy retro DJs and join Scrabble Sunday to play vintage, giant, spinny or junior versions of the classic game.

Wild Sideshows & Activities (12 - 6pm)

The Poetry Takeaway the world’s first purpose-built mobile poetry emporium, Its poetry chefs write and perform free, bespoke, made-to-order poems for the hungry literary consumer.

For Books’ Sake challenge you to hunt down hidden words and tame them into DIY stories, inspired by wild women writers. Weave together original remixes of classic and contemporary yarns, from Angela Carter to Emily Bronte, around the gardens. Allow For Books’ Sake to help you release the writer within ‘Into the Wild’. Plus bring a book to swap at the Travelling Suitcase Library.

Lost & Found invite you to don a letter and put your heads together to make the silliest words imaginable with wandering wordplay and nonsensical games.

The Saison Poetry Library share watery words, books to borrow and poetry prescriptions for all ages.  Sign up for free membership to the most comprehensive and accessible collection of poetry from 1912 in Britain.

Bandstand Stage (12 - 10pm)

Hosted by performance poet Catherine Brogan

12pm    Undercurrent presents ‘Taking the Plunge’ - original songs from artists who swim just outside of the mainstream. Featuring Annalie Wilson, The Hobos  and Amy Firth.
2pm     Roundhouse Summer Jam  - Roundhouse young performers present a mash-up of fresh acoustic music and spoken word. Featuring Callum Rafferty, Kat Head, Vanessa Gimenez, Jessica Sweeny & Oliver Mascarenhas.
3pm       Catherine Brogan - BBC Edinburgh Fringe Poetry Slam Winner.
4pm      Poejazzi - one of London's leading spoken word and music nights provide a platform for the most exciting performers you haven't seen or heard of yet. Featuring James Massiah, Theo Bard, Deanna Rodger, GREEDS & Fiona Bevan.
6pm      Lyrix Organix: Relay - rewrites the rulebook for live music and spoken word. A 360 degree mix of potent poetry, revolutionist hiphop, spine-tingling soul and jaw-dropping beatbox. Expect lyrical fireworks!
Featuring:
Grace Savage UK female beatbox champion who has been wowing Relay audiences and recently performed sell-out shows at Southbank with Shlomo’s Vocal Orchestra.  
Dean Atta multi-award winning poet and playwright who captured public attention with his Stephen Lawrence poem when it went viral. ‘Gil Scott-Heron of his generation’ (Charlie Dark)
Zee Gachette (Z-Star)  dazzling and accomplished singer-songwriter rooted in true blues’n’soul who has achieved international success, major label deals and even featured on Ugly Betty and CSI: Miami.
Natty Speaks inspirational freestyle rapper, beatboxer and youth workshop leader who mixes undeniable talent with irrepressible energy. 
Jally K Susso & Manding Sabu - a headline set of irresistible West African music from kora master and full live band
8.30pm  Lyrix Organix: DJ set
 

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