Join us for a spectacular evening of poetry, spoken word & music at MY WORD celebrating National Poetry Month. Hidden Literature presents MY WORD, a poetry and music open mic in London where spoken word, storytelling, and music come alive. This night happens every first Tuesday of the month and is for those who want to share their words, emotions, and experiences in a welcoming, judgment-free space.
Join us at Grow Hackney, where doors open at 6:30 PM, and performances run until 10:30 PM—hosted by Ovyuki, poet, spoken word artist, photographer, and founder of Hidden Literature. This is an event where creativity thrives. Learn more about Ovyuki’s work on ovyuki.com and stream her poetry and music online.
Get your tickets now on Eventbrite
A Poetry Open Mic Night Like No Other in Celebration of National Poetry Month
MY WORD is more than a poetry open mic night in London—it’s a space where creativity is celebrated. Whether you’re a seasoned poet, an aspiring spoken word artist, or a musician with something to say, this is your space to express yourself.
- Performances from spoken word artists, poets, rappers, and musicians.
- A vibrant open mic session where anyone can take the stage.
- A welcoming and creative community to connect and share with.
Want to perform? Fill out our open mic sign-up form.
Join Our National Poetry Month (NaPoWriMo) Challenge!
April is National Poetry Month, originally founded in the U.S. in 1996 by the Academy of American Poets. Though it started across the Atlantic, our founder Ovyuki has always embraced it, challenging herself to write a poem a day throughout the month.
We’re inviting YOU to do the same! Whether you’re a first-time writer or a seasoned poet, challenge yourself to write a new piece daily. Share your poetry on Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, or X using #HiddenLiterature and tag us!
🔗 Academy of American Poets – National Poetry Month
🔗 NaPoWriMo
30 Poetry Prompts for April 2025 (National Poetry Month)
Need inspiration? Here are 30 poetry prompts, each connected to notable themes and holidays:
- April 1 – Write about new beginnings. Picture yourself stepping into a fresh start—what does the air smell like? What colors surround you? How does hope taste?
- April 2 – Think back to your favorite childhood story. Imagine yourself inside its pages. How does the world feel, sound, and move around you? (International Children’s Book Day)
- April 3 – Hope is a feeling that carries us forward. Describe a moment where hope felt tangible—like a warm breeze, a distant melody, or a gentle touch.
- April 4 – Think of a historical moment that moved you. What emotions rise to the surface? What would you say to those involved? What would you change? Retell it poetically. (MLK assassination anniversary)
- April 5 – Close your eyes and recall an unexpected moment of joy. Was it laughter shared in a coffee shop? A child’s first steps? Capture that feeling.
- April 6 – Step into nature. Imagine a forest at dawn, waves crashing on a shore, or the stillness of a snowy night. Use your senses to bring it to life.
- April 7 – Health is more than the absence of illness. Write about a moment of healing—physically, emotionally, or spiritually. (World Health Day)
- April 8 – Drive through the city in your mind. What do you see out the window? Neon lights, crumbling buildings, murals? What do you hear and smell?
- April 9 – Silence can be frustrating or comforting. Describe a moment when silence spoke louder than words.
- April 10 – Gratitude is a powerful force. Write a poem about someone or something you’re deeply grateful for.
- April 11 – Pick a historical event. Stand in the shoes of someone who lived it. How did the air feel? What could they hear?
- April 12 – Music is poetry in motion. Describe a song that moves you—what does it taste like, feel like, or look like?
- April 13 – Think about a dream you’ve had. Let your subconscious paint the images you saw.
- April 14 – Friendship is layered—sometimes warm, sometimes painful. Capture its complexity.
- April 15 – Adulting is tough. Write about taxes, responsibilities, or moments of financial struggle—but in a poetic way.
- April 16 – Freedom means different things to different people. What does it mean to you?
- April 17 – If you could speak to your younger self, what would you say? What advice would you give?
- April 18 – Beauty lies in imperfection. Write about flaws, scars, or something uniquely beautiful.
- April 19 – Words have power. Write a poem where every word carries weight, like footsteps on wet sand.
- April 20 – Reflect on the environment. Describe a river, a tree, or the earth itself—give it a voice. (Earth Week)
- April 21 – Books are portals to other worlds. Write about the first book that changed you.
- April 22 – Earth Day—write a love letter to our planet.
- April 23 – Shakespeare’s birthday—try your hand at a sonnet!
- April 24 – Imagine life from an inanimate object’s perspective—a clock, a forgotten letter, a streetlamp.
- April 25 – Nostalgia—describe a memory that still lingers in your senses.
- April 26 – Community—what does belonging feel like?
- April 27 – Life is a journey. Write about a path you’ve walked—literal or metaphorical.
- April 28 – Solitude can be peaceful or lonely. Explore the quiet moments.
- April 29 – Capture the feeling of movement—dance, running, flying. (International Dance Day)
- April 30 – Write a farewell poem—wrap up the month with reflection.
Writing Workshops & Creative Brand Collaborations
At Hidden Literature, we go beyond poetry open mic nights. We offer:
- Creative Writing Workshops – Perfect for beginners and experienced writers.
- Brand Collaborations – We partner with brands for poetic storytelling and creative projects for product launches, social media campaigns, advertising, events, and more.
- Sponsorships & Event Partnerships – Interested in sponsoring MY WORD? Let’s collaborate!
📩 Contact us at hello@hiddenliterature.com or fill out our collaboration form here.
Follow Us for Updates & More Poetry News
Instagram: @hidden.literature
TikTok: @hiddenliterature
X: @hiddenlitpoetry
FAQs: Open Mic London – MY WORD
How can I sign up to perform?
To perform at MY WORD open mic in London, complete our sign-up form on our website.
Will I get a confirmation email after signing up?
No confirmation email is sent. Just arrive early and sign up at the door—performance slots are allocated on the night.
Do I need a ticket to perform?
Yes, all performers must have a valid ticket to MY WORD poetry open mic London. Get your ticket here.
How long can my performance be?
Each performer has 5 minutes on stage to share their poetry, spoken word, or music. Please plan your set ahead of the event.
Can I perform with a backing track?
Yes! Bring your track on a USB drive, formatted as a 16-bit MP3 file. Name your folder ‘MY WORD’ for easy access.
When should I arrive?
Arrive early—spots fill up fast! Doors open at 6:30 PM, so get there as soon as possible to secure your place.
Is the venue accessible?
Yes! Grow Hackney offers step-free access. If you have additional needs, contact the venue in advance.
Will there be an amp for musicians?
Yes! If you’re performing music, an amp will be available to use at the venue.
Join Us for MY WORD!
If you’re looking for an unforgettable London poetry night, spoken word event, or open mic London experience, MY WORD is the place to be. Whether you’re performing or soaking in the vibes, join us at Grow Hackney and let your voice be heard.
🎟 Book your ticket now
📢 Tag us using #hiddenliterature on social media and share your poetry journey!
See you at MY WORD!
