East Midlands Poetic Pathways is 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
⭐ Check events calendar for upcoming dates and tickets
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 or studying 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
⭐ Read full details and submission guidelines
Bad Ideas Club
FREE poetry workshops at Inspire libraries. Explore your practice, generate new work and share them in front of a live audience
⭐ Workshops are led by poets Leanne Moden, Chris Lanyon and Casey Bailey
⭐ Mansfield Central Library: Saturdays 8th, 15th and 22nd August, 11am-1pm
⭐ Newark Library: Wednesdays 2nd, 9th and 16th September, 11am-1pm
⭐ Hucknall Library: Saturdays 5th, 12th and 19th September, 11am-1pm
⭐ 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 – August
⭐ Discounts available for East Midlands residents
⭐ Sign up for Jess Murrain’s course
⭐ Sign up for Antosh Wojcik’s course