Bedford Poetry Slam

Join NUSE media’s Poetry Slam: Words Matter for Bedford’s Creatives!

Are you ready to let your words take the stage?  NUSE media is thrilled to announce our first “Words Matter” Poetry Slam and Open Mic event in 2026 – a celebration of creativity, expression and community right here in Bedford.  Whether you’re a budding young poet or an experienced wordsmith, this is your chance to share stories of freedom, resilience and hope.

Mark your calendars for Sunday, 1st March 2026, from 3pm to 6pm at Nu Focus HQ, 7 Church Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1LQ.

For Young Poets Under 17: Enter the Poetry Slam

If you’re 16 or younger, dive into our Poetry Slam competition! A poetry slam is a dynamic, judged event where participants perform their original poems live on stage. It’s not just about the words – it’s about delivery, emotion, and connecting with the audience.  Judges (including local educators and poets) score based on content, performance and crowd response, with prizes for top entries like book vouchers and certificates.  Themes? We’re encouraging reflections on over coming challenge or becoming a young entrepreneur, but any original work is welcome.  Just remember, entries must be your own creation, no more than 3 minutes when performed.

For Ages 17 and Up: Shine at the Open Mic
For those 17 and older, join our Open Mic segment!

An open mic is a welcoming, non-competitive space where anyone can sign up to share poetry, spoken word or even short prose in front of a supportive crowd.  No judges, no pressure just pure expression.  Feel free to draw inspiration from our specially curated sound track (available on here), which features uplifting beats and themes of renewal to spark your creativity.

Event Highlights and How to Get Involved

• Live Performances: Every participant gets their moment in the spotlight—bring your energy and let’s make it memorable!
• Live Stream & Attendance: The whole event will be live-streamed on our YouTube channel, so friends and family anywhere can tune in.  In-person attendance is free for parents, family, friends and guests; seating is limited, so arrive early.  Refreshments will be available.
• Curated Anthology: Selected entries from the day will be curated into a special “Words Matter” anthology, showcasing the best of Bedford’s voices. Winners will receive a printed copy, with an additional one for their school or group if applicable.

Words Matter – Entry Rules & Guidelines

1. Eligibility
   
   • The Poetry Slam is open to young people aged 7–16 years (under 17 on 1 March 2026).
   • The Open Mic segment is open to anyone aged 17 years and over.
   • Entries must be original work created by the entrant. No AI-generated content is permitted.
   • Entries previously published, broadcast, placed first–third in other competitions, or awarded prizes are ineligible.
   • Simultaneous submissions are allowed, but inform us immediately if your piece wins a prize or is published elsewhere before the event.
   • Members of the Nu Focus organising team, judges, or immediate family are not eligible to enter.
2. Entry Requirements
   
   • One entry per person (poem or spoken word piece). No limit on entries per school/group, but submit separately.
   • Poems/pieces must be in English and family-friendly (suitable for all ages).
   • Maximum performance length: 3 minutes when read aloud (approximately 400–500 words; no strict word limit, but keep it concise).
   • Theme: encouraged (but not required) to reflect on over coming a challenge or becoming a young entrepreneur, but any original subject is welcome.
   • Parental/guardian consent is required for all entrants under 18 (consent form will be sent upon submission).
   • All entrants must be available to perform live in person on Sunday 1st March 2026, 3pm–6pm at Nu Focus HQ, 7 Church Arcade, Bedford, MK40 1LQ. No pre-recorded performances.
3. Submission Details
   
   • Submit by email to info@nuse.media or via the online form (link in bio/socials) by midnight on 21 February 2026.
   • Include: full name, age, school/year group (if applicable), contact email/phone, and title of your piece.
   • Attach your poem as a Word document (.doc/.docx) or PDF, named only with your initials and title (e.g., JD_BackToPlayground.docx). Do not include your full name in the file itself for anonymous judging where possible.
   • No entry fee—participation is free.
   • You will receive an automatic confirmation email. Keep a copy of your work.
4. Formatting & Performance Guidelines
   
   • Typed, readable font (e.g., 12pt Arial or Times New Roman), double-spaced if printed.
   • Title your piece (required).
   • For the slam: focus on delivery, emotion, and audience connection—memorisation encouraged but not required.
   • Props or music (beyond our provided sound track for 17+) are not permitted unless pre-approved.
   • No identifying author information on the submitted file for fair judging.
5. Judging & Selection
   
   • Poetry Slam (under 17): judged anonymously by a panel of educators, poets, and community leaders. Criteria: originality, content, performance impact, clarity, and emotional resonance.
   • Judges’ decision is final; no correspondence on scores.
   • Top 10 poems will be selected for performance and inclusion in the anthology.
   • Open Mic (17+): non-competitive—no judging, all accepted performers get stage time (first-come, first-served sign-up on the day).
6. Anthology & Publication
   
   • Selected poems from the Poetry Slam (and potentially standout Open Mic pieces) will be curated into a free digital and limited print “Words Matter” anthology.
   • Copyright remains with the author. By entering, you grant Nu Focus non-exclusive rights to publish your work in the anthology and promote the event (with credit to you).
   • Anthology contributors will receive a free copy.
7. Disqualification
   
   • Non-compliance with rules (e.g., not original, published elsewhere, AI-generated, exceeds time limit).
   • Plagiarism or breach of family-friendly content.
   • Failure to attend/perform on the day without prior notice.
   • No refunds or re-entry for disqualified participants.
8. Event Day Essentials
   
   • Arrive by 2:15pm for registration and warm-up.
   • Bring water and any notes. Microphones and basic lighting provided.
   • Safe, inclusive space—bullying, discrimination, or disruptive behaviour will result in removal.
   • Photos/video may be taken for promotion (consent form covers this).
   • Free refreshments available.
9. Announcement of Results
   
   • Results will **not** be announced before the event. All selections (top 10 for performance and anthology inclusion) will be revealed **live** on stage during the event on 1 March 2026.
   • After the entry deadline (21 February 2026), all entrants will receive a thank-you email confirming receipt and reminding them that winners will be announced live.
   • On event day:
     – We will thank all entrants publicly.
     – Top 10 poems will be announced one by one with short performances and judge comments.
     – Prizes and anthology inclusions will be presented immediately.
   • After the event:
     Full results, photos and live-stream recording will be posted on our socials and website. All entrants will receive a follow-up email with a digital participation certificate and anthology details.

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This is a supportive, no-pressure event designed to celebrate young voices and community creativity. If you have questions or need help with your piece, email us—we’re here to support you!

Submit by 21 February 2026 and join us on 1 March 2026. Let’s make words matter together.

No entry fee, it’s all about participation!

– Safety and Support: We’ll follow current health guidelines for a safe, inclusive space.  If you’re new to performing, we’ll have tips and warm-up sessions available on the day (from midday).

This event is more than a competition, it’s a way for Bedford’s community to come together, share experiences, and inspire one another.  Spots will fill up fast, so don’t miss out!

Questions? Drop us a line.  See you there!

Empowering young voices, one slam at a time.