New for 2026, we’re delighted to launch Bad Betty’s East Midlands Poetic Pathways – a programme of developmental and professional opportunities for local poets, helping writers at every level to take new steps in their work. It’s possible thanks to the support and partnership of Inspire, GOBS Poetry Collective, Writing East Midlands, New Art Exchange, Nottingham Poetry Festival, Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature and Arts Council England.

Here’s a rundown of what we’ve got lined up. We’ll update this page with more details and booking links as they go live.

Bad Betty Live poetry masterclasses

Afternoon workshops from BBL featured acts
⭐ New Art Exchange, Hyson Green, Nottingham
⭐ Friday afternoons (2-4pm)
⭐ SPRING SEASON: 20th March, 17th April, 15th May
⭐ AUTUMN SEASON: 18th September, 16th October, 20th November

Bad Betty Live poetry & music nights

Part of NAE’s Friday Night Socials, BBL events bring world-class poetry to local audiences, showcasing new and established artists from the East Midlands and beyond
⭐ Hosted by Bridie Squires and Jake Wild Hall
⭐ BSL interpretation by Steph Lehrle
⭐ New Art Exchange, Hyson Green, Nottingham
⭐ SPRING SEASON: 20th March, 17th April, 15th May
⭐ AUTUMN SEASON: 18th September, 16th October, 20th November

Bad Betty Live open mic sessions

And end-of-season party for our spring and autumn programmes, where the stage is open to all
⭐ Hosted by Jake Wild Hall
⭐ Corner Cafe, New Art Exchange, Hyson Green, Nottingham
⭐ 19th June and 18th December
⭐ Sign up to the open mic with your ticket or on the door

East Midlands Pamphlet Prize

This new prize offers publication to East Midlands poets, with Little Betty, in partnership with Writing East Midlands and Nottingham Poetry Festival
⭐ Submissions open 1st – 31st June
⭐ Open to anyone living, working, studying or born in the East Midlands
⭐ Winners will be selected by Little Betty editors, Vanessa Kisuule and Anja Konig
⭐ Resulting pamphlets will launch at Nottingham Poetry Festival 2027

Bad Ideas Club

FREE poetry workshops at Inspire libraries. Work with local poets to explore your practice, generate new work and share them in front of a live audience
⭐ Mansfield Central Library, Hucknall Library and Newark Library
⭐ August – September (dates TBC)
⭐ Final participants’ showcase at Inspire Poetry Festival
⭐ Sign up via Inspire (links coming soon)

Bad Betty Summer School

Go deeper with your poetic practice, in our online summer courses run by Bad Betty poets
⭐ 2026 summer courses run by Jess Murrain and Antosh Wojcik
⭐ 6 weekly evening Zooms, June – July
⭐ Discounts available for East Midlands residents
⭐ More details coming soon