A collective of female and non-binary poets and spoken word artists will come together for a powerful afternoon of poetry, storytelling and community fundraising at the Cardigan Arms.
The event, on Saturday, 12 September, is in support of Refuge, the UK’s largest specialist provider of services for women and children experiencing domestic abuse.
It will run from 3pm to 7.30pm and will also celebrate the launch of the new poetry collection, That’s What She Said, written by the group and published by York-based company, Forge Press.
Forge were so taken by the groups dedication to raising awareness of domestic violence and amplifying female voices that it is their first full length book to be published, having previously published quarterly zines.
Organisers said: “That’s What She Said is more than a book launch. It’s a celebration of women’s voices, creativity and resilience. By bringing together poets and performers from different backgrounds, we hope to create an event that inspires conversation, builds community and raises vital funds for Refuge.”
Bringing together voices from across Yorkshire, the event will feature performances from a diverse lineup of poets, writers and performers including Julie Baird, Katie-Lou Clarkson, Molly Hope (Smith), Anne-Marie Draycott, Sarah Rooke and Sanah Akhtar, who have a lived experience of some form of domestic violence.
The collection and live performances explore themes including identity, resilience, feminism, survival, healing and self-expression, creating a space for women’s voices and lived experiences of domestic violence to be heard.
As well as the featured performances, the event will conclude with a one-hour open mic dedicated to female voices, offering audience members the opportunity to share their own poetry, prose and spoken word.
All proceeds from ticket and book sales will go to Refuge, helping to fund essential services for women and children affected by domestic abuse. Tickets are priced £5–£15 and can be bought here.
The That’s What She Said Collective is a community of writers and performers dedicated to amplifying women’s voices through poetry, spoken word and creative expression. The collective’s debut anthology, That’s What She Said, showcases a range of perspectives on identity, empowerment, healing and lived experience of domestic violence.
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