Poetry lovers, get ready! Hidden Literature is thrilled to be part of an incredible celebration of spoken word, poetry, and community. On Thursday, 27th March 2025, we’re teaming up with Civil Society Consulting and Modern Cockney Festival to launch the 2025 Togetherness Poetry Challenge, and you’re invited!
Taking place at Fitzroy House, Abbot Street, London E8 3DP, this electrifying night of poetry, music, and an open mic will be hosted by our founder, Ovyuki, alongside Arthur Smith, comedian, writer, and broadcaster. Arthur Smith will also be on the judging panel for this year’s challenge. Expect a night of passionate poetry, creative expression, and people from all walks of life celebrating togetherness through poetry.
What’s the Poetry Challenge All About?
The Togetherness Poetry Challenge is a national poetry challenge designed to foster unity, celebrate diversity, and amplify voices through the power of poetry. As part of Civil Society Consulting’s 32 Steps to Togetherness initiative. Last year’s theme was Togetherness and this year, the challenge is all about exploring Decolonising the Mind and shared identities.
With £1,000 in prizes up for grabs, the competition is open to poets of all levels, from seasoned poets and spoken word artists to those just discovering their poetic voice. Entries will be accepted from 27th March 2025 to 26th September 2025, giving you plenty of time to create your masterpiece.
A Look Back at 2024’s Poetry Challenge
Last year’s Togetherness Poetry Challenge was an incredible success, and Hidden Literature had the honour of being part of it. Our founder, Ovyuki, led an inspiring poetry workshop and co-hosted the celebration event in November 2024. It was an afternoon filled with powerful performances, heartfelt words, and an overwhelming sense of community.
For 2025, we’re taking it up a notch, we’ll be offering more workshops, and even more opportunities to explore the power of poetry together.
What to Expect at the Poetry Challenge Launch Event and Open Mic in Dalston
Poets Together Awright! is set to be an unforgettable night of poetry, spoken word, and music, bringing people together from different backgrounds and all walks of life. From traditional Cockney rhyming slang to fresh, contemporary poetry, the event will showcase the vibrancy and diversity of poets and artists in London.
Highlights of the Night Including the Open Mic
- Open Mic: Step up to the mic and share your poetry with a live audience at this open mic in London!
- Poets and Spoken Word Artists: Hear from an eclectic mix of poets and spoken word artists
- Comedy Meets Poetry: Arthur Smith brings his wit and charm to the stage, blending humour with verse.
- Community & Connection: Celebrate togetherness through the power of words.
How to Get Involved in the Togetherness Poetry Challenge Launch
Feeling inspired to share your poetry? Here’s how you can be part of this poetry revolution:
- Join us on March 27th at Fitzroy House and experience a chilled and inspiring evening.
- Spread the word! Tell your friends, and bring fellow poets along, this event will be one to remember.
- Submit your work to the Togetherness Poetry Challenge and share your voice in our nationwide challenge.
What Does “Decolonising Minds and Shared Identities” Mean?
We have come so far from historical structure, but still, division and polarisation dominate conversations and behaviour in society, the Togetherness Poetry Challenge is all about celebrating shared identities and rethinking the way we see the world. Decolonising minds isn’t just about history, it’s about questioning how colonialism has shaped our thoughts, language, and perspectives. It means breaking down outdated narratives, reclaiming voices, and making space for new stories that reflect our true experiences.
But what do shared identities really mean? They remind us that, despite our differences, we are all connected through storytelling, creativity, and resilience. The power of poetry lies in its ability to challenge stereotypes, amplify underrepresented voices, and create dialogue. Whether through a spoken word performance, an open mic in London, or the poetry challenge, poetry allows us to redefine identity, honour history, and shape a more inclusive future.
Books, Poems, Songs & Albums on Decolonisation and Identity
If you want to explore these themes further, here are some powerful works that challenge perspectives and inspire change:
Books
- “Decolonising the Mind” by Ngũgĩ wa Thiong’o (A must-read on language, power, and resistance.)
- “Brit(ish): On Race, Identity and Belonging” by Afua Hirsch (A deep dive into British identity and race.)
- “The Good Immigrant” Edited by Nikesh Shukla (A collection of essays exploring identity and belonging.)
- “Unwritten: Caribbean Poems After the First World War” Various Authors (Poetry exploring post-colonial identity.)
- “Natives: Race and Class in the Ruins of Empire” by Akala (A powerful exploration of British colonial history and class.)
Poems & Spoken Word Pieces
“The British” by Benjamin Zephaniah (A raw, rhythmic critique of British colonialism and immigration.)
“Checking Out Me History” by John Agard (Challenges Eurocentric education and reclaims Black history.)
Songs & Albums That Challenge Colonial Narratives & Identity
“What’s Going On” by Marvin Gaye (A timeless protest album addressing war, racial injustice, and inequality.) – Listen on Spotify
“The Revolution Will Not Be Televised” by Gil Scott-Heron (A spoken-word classic critiquing media, race, and systemic oppression.) – Listen on Spotify
“Changes” by 2Pac (A powerful song about systemic racism, police brutality, and social struggle.) – Listen on Spotify
“Keep Ya Head Up” by 2Pac (An uplifting anthem addressing gender inequality, resilience, and the Black experience.) – Listen on Spotify
“Black Man” by Stevie Wonder (Celebrating historical figures of colour and their contributions to society.) – Listen on Spotify
“Alright” – Kendrick Lamar (An anthem of Black resilience and resistance.) – Listen on Spotify
Album: A Seat at the Table – Solange (Exploring race, identity, and self-empowerment.) – Listen on Spotify
Through the Togetherness Poetry Challenge, we’re using poetry to reclaim our voices, reshape identities, and foster true togetherness. Whether through books, spoken word, or music, creative expression is a tool for breaking boundaries and building community.
About the Organisers
Hidden Literature
At Hidden Literature, we believe in the power of poetry to uplift, connect, and unite. Through workshops, events, and online platforms, we create spaces where voices can be heard and stories can be shared. Learn more about what we do at Hidden Literature.
Modern Cockney Festival
A celebration of non-posh Londoners, the Modern Cockney Festival champions inclusive values and contemporary voices. It’s a space where Cockney culture meets today’s diversity in London and beyond, bridging tradition and modernity.
Civil Society Consulting
The driving force behind the 32 Steps to Togetherness initiative, Civil Society Consulting brings people together through community-focused projects that promote inclusivity, collaboration, and shared identity.
Poetry for a Cause
At a time when society can feel more divided than ever, poetry reminds us of what we share. This challenge isn’t just about winning prizes, it’s about using creativity to break barriers, challenge stereotypes, and celebrate our collective humanity.
Join us in making poetry a force for togetherness. See you at Poets Together Awright! on March 27th, and don’t forget to enter the 2025 Togetherness Poetry Challenge!
