The Hip Crowd open mic (featuring Erica Hesketh)

Hey! The rumours are true. It’s…

The Hip Crowd Open Mic!

Oxford Poetry Library and Makespace Oxford bring you an open mic event especially for folks with babes-in-arms, but also open to all and everyone.

If you’re feeling like daytime is the right time for you to entertain or be entertained, join us at The Community Works on the last Friday of every month. The action begins at 11.30am, but performers please do arrive from 11am to sign up for your turn on the stage.

We welcome poetry, music, storytelling, comedy and whatever else you think might dazzle in a 5-minute slot. This month we have a very special guest joining us for an exclusive featured performance and to help launch her debut collection: Erica Hesketh

Erica Hesketh is a poet and editor, originally from Japan and Denmark, now based in London. Widely published in magazines and journals, her poetry has also been commissioned by the Royal Festival Hall, Spread the Word and the London Philharmonic Orchestra. From 2016 to 2024 she was Director of the Poetry Translation Centre. Her debut collection, In the Lily Room, is out with Nine Arches Press in May. In the Lily Room tells a story of early motherhood. It examines a new mother’s journey through mental illness, her relationships with her body, her baby and other people,a nd the often surreal landscape of mothering, against a backdrop of a changing and uncertain world. You can read more info here.

The entire event will be baby friendly and baby welcoming, with lots of floor space at the front, changing facilities, buggy parking area outside, and clear walkways to exit the performance area easily if needed.  There will also be that most beautiful and warmly appreciated of gifts: free tea and coffee provided.

The event is non-ticketed, but costs £5 to spectate (£2 for concessions) and is totally free to performers.

Be there or be square.