Word Up North
@thewordupnorth.bsky.social
Word Up North is an Arts Council NPO arts charity that raises UP voices, stories and writers in the north ✍️ wordupnorth.org.uk
We also produce the longest-running literature festival in the north @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social 🍂
We also produce the longest-running literature festival in the north @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social 🍂
A Poet's Life Podcast is now available to stream!
Our podcast host Laura Strickland has been speaking to her fellow New Northern Poet’s Nóra Blascsók, Rachel Curzon, Nigeen Dara, Jamie Field & Vanessa Napolitano about their path to poetry and their poetry advice!
Listen now: buff.ly/PpgwPoz
Our podcast host Laura Strickland has been speaking to her fellow New Northern Poet’s Nóra Blascsók, Rachel Curzon, Nigeen Dara, Jamie Field & Vanessa Napolitano about their path to poetry and their poetry advice!
Listen now: buff.ly/PpgwPoz
November 25, 2025 at 11:45 AM
A Poet's Life Podcast is now available to stream!
Our podcast host Laura Strickland has been speaking to her fellow New Northern Poet’s Nóra Blascsók, Rachel Curzon, Nigeen Dara, Jamie Field & Vanessa Napolitano about their path to poetry and their poetry advice!
Listen now: buff.ly/PpgwPoz
Our podcast host Laura Strickland has been speaking to her fellow New Northern Poet’s Nóra Blascsók, Rachel Curzon, Nigeen Dara, Jamie Field & Vanessa Napolitano about their path to poetry and their poetry advice!
Listen now: buff.ly/PpgwPoz
Our New Northern Poets debuted their latest work at an amazing @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social showcase last month. They also took the chance to record the new series of the New Northern Poets podcast - focussing on the life of a poet. Keep your ears out - coming soon! 🎧
November 11, 2025 at 5:20 PM
Our New Northern Poets debuted their latest work at an amazing @ilkleylitfest.bsky.social showcase last month. They also took the chance to record the new series of the New Northern Poets podcast - focussing on the life of a poet. Keep your ears out - coming soon! 🎧
Reposted by Word Up North
Running a workshop for @thewordupnorth.bsky.social in March. Come break some rules with me :)
We’ve all come up against certain ‘rules’ in writing before - guidance intended to improve our craft. But in this workshop, New Northern Poet Nóra Blascsók explains how breaking these rules can work as an exciting jumping-off point to push boundaries in your poetry.
Book now: buff.ly/39JzWvN
Book now: buff.ly/39JzWvN
October 30, 2025 at 7:46 AM
Running a workshop for @thewordupnorth.bsky.social in March. Come break some rules with me :)
We're delighted to reveal our programme of online writing workshops taking place in early 2026. Ignite your imagination and develop your writing at any of our poetry, fiction and food writing workshops. And, as they're all online, you don't even have to be up north to take part!
wordupnorth.org.uk
wordupnorth.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 4:05 PM
We're delighted to reveal our programme of online writing workshops taking place in early 2026. Ignite your imagination and develop your writing at any of our poetry, fiction and food writing workshops. And, as they're all online, you don't even have to be up north to take part!
wordupnorth.org.uk
wordupnorth.org.uk
We're delighted to reveal our programme of online writing workshops taking place in early 2026. Ignite your imagination and develop your writing at any of our poetry, fiction and food writing workshops. And, as they're all online, you don't even have to be up north to take part!
wordupnorth.org.uk
wordupnorth.org.uk
October 28, 2025 at 3:58 PM
We're delighted to reveal our programme of online writing workshops taking place in early 2026. Ignite your imagination and develop your writing at any of our poetry, fiction and food writing workshops. And, as they're all online, you don't even have to be up north to take part!
wordupnorth.org.uk
wordupnorth.org.uk
Did you know we also programme and run the annual Ilkley Literature Festival? Ilkley Lit Fest is the longest-running book festival in the north (and the first in the north!). ILF runs until Sunday 19 October, with events on topics ranging from politics & poetry to comedy & cavapoos (yes, really). 📚
October 4, 2025 at 9:25 AM
Did you know we also programme and run the annual Ilkley Literature Festival? Ilkley Lit Fest is the longest-running book festival in the north (and the first in the north!). ILF runs until Sunday 19 October, with events on topics ranging from politics & poetry to comedy & cavapoos (yes, really). 📚
CSL, you did not disappoint! Thank you to every poet, artist, audience member, volunteer and partner who made this year's Contains Strong Language festival possible. It was a fantastic turn out and we're still revelling in the afterglow of a luminescent celebration of spoken word and poetry 🎤
September 23, 2025 at 12:06 PM
CSL, you did not disappoint! Thank you to every poet, artist, audience member, volunteer and partner who made this year's Contains Strong Language festival possible. It was a fantastic turn out and we're still revelling in the afterglow of a luminescent celebration of spoken word and poetry 🎤
A huge congratulations to Claire Lynn, one of our 2024 New Northern Poets, on being shortlisted for the Forward Prize's Best Single Poem for her poem Live Stream! 👏
forwardartsfoundation.org/in-conversat...
forwardartsfoundation.org/in-conversat...
In Conversation with Claire Lynn - Forward Arts Foundation
When did you start writing poetry and what drew you into it? I remember writing poems as a child, and...
forwardartsfoundation.org
September 9, 2025 at 1:10 PM
A huge congratulations to Claire Lynn, one of our 2024 New Northern Poets, on being shortlisted for the Forward Prize's Best Single Poem for her poem Live Stream! 👏
forwardartsfoundation.org/in-conversat...
forwardartsfoundation.org/in-conversat...
Nothing like a cuppa and picking out which Contains Strong Language events you're going to book...
CSL comes to Bradford 18-21 Sept, with broadcasts, workshops, new playwriting, poetry and spoken word, and exclusive performances: bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
CSL comes to Bradford 18-21 Sept, with broadcasts, workshops, new playwriting, poetry and spoken word, and exclusive performances: bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
August 6, 2025 at 9:02 AM
Nothing like a cuppa and picking out which Contains Strong Language events you're going to book...
CSL comes to Bradford 18-21 Sept, with broadcasts, workshops, new playwriting, poetry and spoken word, and exclusive performances: bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
CSL comes to Bradford 18-21 Sept, with broadcasts, workshops, new playwriting, poetry and spoken word, and exclusive performances: bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
Reposted by Word Up North
as people have been asking me, you now get tickets to see me perform at these dates form the BBC contains strong language event. i'm playing the St. George's Hall, who for my own history saw Motorhead there as my first proper gig in 2006. tickets available HERE www.bbc.co.uk/events/ewbv9...
Contains Strong Language 2025 - CSL Poetry Gala: Part II
The second part of our very special events with our Core CSL Poets on the same bill for the first time. Part II includes: Nabeela Ahmed, Andy Craven-Griffiths, Imtiaz Dharker, Kate Fox, Keiron Higgins...
www.bbc.co.uk
August 4, 2025 at 11:19 AM
as people have been asking me, you now get tickets to see me perform at these dates form the BBC contains strong language event. i'm playing the St. George's Hall, who for my own history saw Motorhead there as my first proper gig in 2006. tickets available HERE www.bbc.co.uk/events/ewbv9...
All events are now bookable for the BBC Contains Strong Language festival coming to Bradford 18-21 September! We're proud partners, alongside BBC Arts and Bradford City of Culture, in bringing CSL to Bradford for the first time.
Book now! bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
Book now! bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
August 4, 2025 at 11:30 AM
All events are now bookable for the BBC Contains Strong Language festival coming to Bradford 18-21 September! We're proud partners, alongside BBC Arts and Bradford City of Culture, in bringing CSL to Bradford for the first time.
Book now! bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
Book now! bradford2025.co.uk/programme/bbc-contains-strong-language/
Reposted by Word Up North
We're delighted to have supported this project by @thewordupnorth.bsky.social with three of our Schools of Sanctuary in Bradford District exploring what it means to feel welcomed, especially for people seeking sanctuary seekers arriving in our city.
Wonderful to see coverage of 'You're Welcome' in the @yorkshirepost.co.uk! Our creative project with primary schools in Bradford and Schools of Sanctuary explores what it means to feel welcomed, especially for refugees and sanctuary seekers.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
Creative writing and visual art project celebrating refugees and asylum seekers
Arts and culture are powerful tools through which to explore sometimes complex issues while also allowing us to find connections as human beings. A project currently running in Bradford is a perfect e...
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 12:20 PM
We're delighted to have supported this project by @thewordupnorth.bsky.social with three of our Schools of Sanctuary in Bradford District exploring what it means to feel welcomed, especially for people seeking sanctuary seekers arriving in our city.
Wonderful to see coverage of 'You're Welcome' in the @yorkshirepost.co.uk! Our creative project with primary schools in Bradford and Schools of Sanctuary explores what it means to feel welcomed, especially for refugees and sanctuary seekers.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
Creative writing and visual art project celebrating refugees and asylum seekers
Arts and culture are powerful tools through which to explore sometimes complex issues while also allowing us to find connections as human beings. A project currently running in Bradford is a perfect e...
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk
July 10, 2025 at 8:29 AM
Wonderful to see coverage of 'You're Welcome' in the @yorkshirepost.co.uk! Our creative project with primary schools in Bradford and Schools of Sanctuary explores what it means to feel welcomed, especially for refugees and sanctuary seekers.
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
www.yorkshirepost.co.uk/arts-and-cul...
Reposted by Word Up North
Some more exciting news! 👀
*Drumroll please*... We are delighted to announce this year's cohort of New Northern Poets!
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
July 3, 2025 at 12:41 PM
Some more exciting news! 👀
*Drumroll please*... We are delighted to announce this year's cohort of New Northern Poets!
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
July 3, 2025 at 10:45 AM
*Drumroll please*... We are delighted to announce this year's cohort of New Northern Poets!
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
Keep an eye on our socials to track their journeys as New Northern Poets, and find out more about this year's group here: buff.ly/x40pEXw
Introducing Bards of Bradford! We are so excited to be working with the inimitable Nabeela Ahmed and the team at Bradford Libraries to celebrate and share the people's poetry of Bradford.
June 25, 2025 at 9:24 AM
Introducing Bards of Bradford! We are so excited to be working with the inimitable Nabeela Ahmed and the team at Bradford Libraries to celebrate and share the people's poetry of Bradford.
Did you know that this week is Refugee Week? The perfect time to kick off You're Welcome, a creative project that celebrates refugees and sanctuary seekers through poetry and visual art 👋
#RefugeeWeek #Bradford2025 #cityofsanctuary #schoolsofsanctuary
#RefugeeWeek #Bradford2025 #cityofsanctuary #schoolsofsanctuary
June 17, 2025 at 11:48 AM
Did you know that this week is Refugee Week? The perfect time to kick off You're Welcome, a creative project that celebrates refugees and sanctuary seekers through poetry and visual art 👋
#RefugeeWeek #Bradford2025 #cityofsanctuary #schoolsofsanctuary
#RefugeeWeek #Bradford2025 #cityofsanctuary #schoolsofsanctuary
Aireheads kicks off this week with our first poet in residence, Leeds-based writer and performer Andy Craven-Griffiths, leading a week of creative outdoor activities with Bradford's NHS Green Therapy Team and their service users.
June 16, 2025 at 11:32 AM
Aireheads kicks off this week with our first poet in residence, Leeds-based writer and performer Andy Craven-Griffiths, leading a week of creative outdoor activities with Bradford's NHS Green Therapy Team and their service users.
Reposted by Word Up North
Prize now open for:
Stories of joy and resilience in the face of daily challenges
Narratives of resistance, activism, and fighting against ableism in all its forms,
Personal stories of triumph, solidarity, and empowerment within disabled communities
Details in link.
Please share :)
Stories of joy and resilience in the face of daily challenges
Narratives of resistance, activism, and fighting against ableism in all its forms,
Personal stories of triumph, solidarity, and empowerment within disabled communities
Details in link.
Please share :)
JKP Writing Prize
Jessica Kingsley Publishers is the leading publisher of books on autism, social work, arts therapies and related subjects, publishing for both professionals and the general reader.
uk.jkp.com
June 5, 2025 at 10:24 AM
Prize now open for:
Stories of joy and resilience in the face of daily challenges
Narratives of resistance, activism, and fighting against ableism in all its forms,
Personal stories of triumph, solidarity, and empowerment within disabled communities
Details in link.
Please share :)
Stories of joy and resilience in the face of daily challenges
Narratives of resistance, activism, and fighting against ableism in all its forms,
Personal stories of triumph, solidarity, and empowerment within disabled communities
Details in link.
Please share :)
Our Young Writers recently explored Arabic poetry and turned their hands to calligraphy under the expert guidance of Razwan Ul-Haq. Here they are perfecting their calligraphy using traditional hand-cut bamboo pens ✍️
May 21, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Our Young Writers recently explored Arabic poetry and turned their hands to calligraphy under the expert guidance of Razwan Ul-Haq. Here they are perfecting their calligraphy using traditional hand-cut bamboo pens ✍️
As part of @bradford2025.co.uk, Rhubarb at the Triangle's resident writers (including two of our former New Northern Poets!) are inviting poets of all ages and experience levels to enter Wandering Words — a brand new poetry trail celebrating place and imagination in Shipley.
May 16, 2025 at 2:14 PM
As part of @bradford2025.co.uk, Rhubarb at the Triangle's resident writers (including two of our former New Northern Poets!) are inviting poets of all ages and experience levels to enter Wandering Words — a brand new poetry trail celebrating place and imagination in Shipley.
Introducing Aireheads! Produced in partnership with the brilliant Green Therapy Team at NHS Bradford District Care, Aireheads will explore the relationship between poetry, nature connectedness and wellbeing by appointing three resident poets within three alternative green spaces across Bradford 🌳🧵
May 14, 2025 at 12:01 PM
Introducing Aireheads! Produced in partnership with the brilliant Green Therapy Team at NHS Bradford District Care, Aireheads will explore the relationship between poetry, nature connectedness and wellbeing by appointing three resident poets within three alternative green spaces across Bradford 🌳🧵
We are THRILLED to be partnering with the BBC and @bradford2025.co.uk to bring the UK's biggest poetry and performance festival to Bradford this September! Contains Strong Language will run from 18-21 September, with performances, readings, events and activities at venues across the city ⭐
May 13, 2025 at 10:02 AM
We are THRILLED to be partnering with the BBC and @bradford2025.co.uk to bring the UK's biggest poetry and performance festival to Bradford this September! Contains Strong Language will run from 18-21 September, with performances, readings, events and activities at venues across the city ⭐
"Everyone knows the word 'war'. But very few understand what it truly means."
This term our Story Explorer Group will be reading You Don't Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska.
This term our Story Explorer Group will be reading You Don't Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska.
May 10, 2025 at 9:01 PM
"Everyone knows the word 'war'. But very few understand what it truly means."
This term our Story Explorer Group will be reading You Don't Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska.
This term our Story Explorer Group will be reading You Don't Know What War Is by Yeva Skalietska.
Very exciting news from @newwritingnorth.bsky.social - check out The Bee, their new online literary magazine showcasing working-class writing 👇🐝
We're launching The Bee magazine today because the UK publishing and writing industries have a bit of a class problem.
May 7, 2025 at 10:07 AM
Very exciting news from @newwritingnorth.bsky.social - check out The Bee, their new online literary magazine showcasing working-class writing 👇🐝