Skip to content

Nottingham's Slamovision finale is imminent!

Slamovision, the international slam poetry competition run across the UNESCO Cities of Literature Network, is back, and for the first time ever, hosted in Nottingham.

    Slamovision logo
    Slamovision 2022 will be hosted by Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature

    After Nottingham’s Cara Thompson’s sensational win at the 2021 competition, with her breath-taking poem ‘Island Screams’ , we won the right to host the live event in our city. As such, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and WRAP are co-hosting the Slamovision Grand Final on Tuesday 6th December at Metronome with online finalists from Quebec, Tartu, Ljubljana, Iowa, Vilnius and others. It promises to be an exciting international event with the world’s best slam poetry on display. They’ll be an open-mic after-party, for established and inspiring poets to perform at.

    Fighting our corner will be Abiodun ‘Abbey’ Abdul, with the brilliant satire on our national drink ‘Strong Tea’. Abbey is a fascinating poet whose own life has been thoroughly international: before settling in Nottingham she lived in Nigeria, Japan, and Scotland. We’re delighted to have her represent us.

    Co-hosted by Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and WRAP at Nottingham Trent University, doors open at 6pm with a Creatives Fair featuring a variety of local organisations including Dizzy Ink, Nottingham Black Archive, Nonsuch Theatre , Curated & Created, and, of course Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature. There is also chance to see an exhibition of art created by talented NTU Art & Design students, the results of a graphic novel collaboration with WRAP writers.

    Dr Rebecca Cullen,  WRAP Director, said: "We are delighted to co-host the Slamovision finals with Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature, welcoming the world and showcasing some of Nottingham's brilliant creative talent at Metronome". WRAP - creative writing, book clubs and mentoring for all NTU students - is part of NTU's Curated & Created programme of Art, Music and Literature.

    Hannah Trevarthen, Director of Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature said “Slamovision is a wonderful way to bring cities around the world together in an appreciation of poetry and performance. We were delighted to win in 2021, and privileged to be hosting in 2022 in partnership with NTU. It should prove to be an evening of delight, and show Nottingham off to the world as the creative, confident and word-loving city it is”

    Cara Thompson, Slamovision 2021 Champion said: “Winning Slamovision was an absolute game changer for me as a poet, so having the opportunity to not only perform at but work with WRAP to organise the Grand Finale event this year has been a huge honour. I can't wait for everyone to experience the magic of Slamovision and its ability to bring people together first hand and to crown our 2022 winner!”

    We would greatly appreciate your help in getting this out to a wider audience via your platforms, amplifying an event that shows that when it comes to words; when it comes to poetry; when it comes to shouting out loud from a stage Nottingham is a world-class city.

    • Notes for editors

      Please direct all enquiries to Matt Turpin (matt@nottmcityoflit.org / 07595954622) or Eleanor Flowerday (eleanor@nottmcityoflit.org). Both are available for comment or interview.

    Published on 30 November 2022
    • Category: NTU Arts; Press office