Nia Broomhall to be special guest as Poets café makes triumphant return to Reading’s South Street

The regular Poets Café is returning to South Street on Friday, January 10, and will welcome guest poet Nia Broomhall.

Who is Nia Broomhall?

The award-winning creative hails from rural Somerset, and says she comes from a long line of West Country women who talk to strangers and embarrass their children.

Last year, she was the poet in residence at Painshill Park in Surrey.

Now a teacher, she writes verse that explores themes of place, loss and positivity through her fascination with sound and form.

Her pamphlet Backalong has been published by Bloodaxe Books.

And she also runs poetry workshops for all ages, saying that poetry can be a powerful force for wellbeing and that she can get a poem out of anyone.

What happens at Poets’ Café?

The event is hosted by Reading Stanza, and features a guest poet.

It also includes an open mic session for local writers to perform their works in progress in a friendly and supportive environment.

When will Poets’ Café January meeting be held and how much are tickets?

The Poets’ Café meetings are held on the second Friday of the month, starting at 8.30pm.

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They take place at Reading’s South Street Arts Centre. The venue, postcode RG1 4QU, is close to the Queen’s Road car park and there is on-street parking available, paid for by parking meter.

Entry is £5, but those taking part in the open mic aspect pay just £4.

For more details, or to book tickets, log on to: https://whatsonreading.com/venues/south-street/whats-on/poets-cafe-2025 or call the box office on 0118 960 6060.