Arise! An evening of poetry & song

Nine strong & varied working-class voices from the North East of England.

This event includes the launch of ‘arise!’, a new pamphlet-length poem by Paul Summers commissioned by Culture Matters for the Durham Miners’ Gala.

Poets:

Jane Burn Poet & illustrator, originally from South Yorkshire, now based in the North East.
Julie Hogg Poet, performer & teacher from Redcar.
Joan Johnston Poet, performer & tutor from Tyneside.
Mandy Maxwell Poet, performer & organiser originally from Scotland but living in Tyneside.
Paul Summers Northumbrian poet, performer & literary activist.
Rob Walton Writer, performer & teacher, originally from Scunthorpe, now lives in North Shields.
Andy Willoughby Poet, performer & literary activist from Middlesbrough now living in Durham.

Singers:

Nev Clay
A tender & lyrical observer of everyday pain & wonder, a fine wordsmith & legend of the local scene.

Bugman (Ryan Siddal)
A post-punk pop troubadour, whose work moves effortlessly between well crafted rage & beautifully reported sensitivity, from dark urban narratives to the wryly comic.