Young Identity
@youngidentitymcr.bsky.social
Manchester's premier spoken-word collective combined arts charity developing young writers and creatives.
Email enquiries@youngidentity.org for more information or bookings.
🔗 linktr.ee/youngidentity
Email enquiries@youngidentity.org for more information or bookings.
🔗 linktr.ee/youngidentity
Our members Seth Connor-Fullwood and Skye Lilly, were selected as guest writers for the Forward Prizes blog in the run-up to this year’s Young Poets Summit, exploring the challenges of poetry as a career and the support arts organisations provided for young poets.
🖋️✨ Read at youngidentity.org/news
🖋️✨ Read at youngidentity.org/news
November 20, 2025 at 11:42 AM
Our members Seth Connor-Fullwood and Skye Lilly, were selected as guest writers for the Forward Prizes blog in the run-up to this year’s Young Poets Summit, exploring the challenges of poetry as a career and the support arts organisations provided for young poets.
🖋️✨ Read at youngidentity.org/news
🖋️✨ Read at youngidentity.org/news
🌟 This week at Poetry Together our Executive Director Nicole May facilitated workshops for the UK-wide initiative that pairs schools with older adult communities to connect through poetry. A huge thank you to founder and host Gyles Brandreth for making this celebration possible. 💛
#PoetryTogether
#PoetryTogether
November 18, 2025 at 12:04 PM
🌟 This week at Poetry Together our Executive Director Nicole May facilitated workshops for the UK-wide initiative that pairs schools with older adult communities to connect through poetry. A huge thank you to founder and host Gyles Brandreth for making this celebration possible. 💛
#PoetryTogether
#PoetryTogether
🌿 Island to Island
Join our brand new bursary supported, digital cultural exchange project, connecting writers from the UK 🇬🇧 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 in partnership with @mtcloudbaguio.bsky.social.
📧 How to apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
‼️ Deadline: 9th Nov
Supported by britishcouncil.org.
Join our brand new bursary supported, digital cultural exchange project, connecting writers from the UK 🇬🇧 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 in partnership with @mtcloudbaguio.bsky.social.
📧 How to apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
‼️ Deadline: 9th Nov
Supported by britishcouncil.org.
October 30, 2025 at 4:07 PM
🌿 Island to Island
Join our brand new bursary supported, digital cultural exchange project, connecting writers from the UK 🇬🇧 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 in partnership with @mtcloudbaguio.bsky.social.
📧 How to apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
‼️ Deadline: 9th Nov
Supported by britishcouncil.org.
Join our brand new bursary supported, digital cultural exchange project, connecting writers from the UK 🇬🇧 and the Philippines 🇵🇭 in partnership with @mtcloudbaguio.bsky.social.
📧 How to apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
‼️ Deadline: 9th Nov
Supported by britishcouncil.org.
🚀 We are currently onboarding new participants for our Creating Pathways programme, which expands learning for Young Identity members, offering opportunities in youth governance, event production, publishing and workshop facilitation.
Register at https://www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Register at https://www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
October 21, 2025 at 1:11 PM
🚀 We are currently onboarding new participants for our Creating Pathways programme, which expands learning for Young Identity members, offering opportunities in youth governance, event production, publishing and workshop facilitation.
Register at https://www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Register at https://www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Last night we launched The Big Picture Show with Imperial War Museums and Soup Collective, marking 50 years since the Pan African Congress in Manchester. Hosted by Reece Williams, Young Identity poets shared work honouring the voices and stories of the time.
✊🏾 Huge thank you to everyone involved.
✊🏾 Huge thank you to everyone involved.
October 17, 2025 at 3:08 PM
Last night we launched The Big Picture Show with Imperial War Museums and Soup Collective, marking 50 years since the Pan African Congress in Manchester. Hosted by Reece Williams, Young Identity poets shared work honouring the voices and stories of the time.
✊🏾 Huge thank you to everyone involved.
✊🏾 Huge thank you to everyone involved.
📓 We are currently onboarding new participants for our Creating Pathways programme, which expands learning for members, offering opportunities in youth governance, production, publishing and workshop facilitation.
Register: www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Deadline: 2nd November
Register: www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Deadline: 2nd November
October 15, 2025 at 4:08 PM
📓 We are currently onboarding new participants for our Creating Pathways programme, which expands learning for members, offering opportunities in youth governance, production, publishing and workshop facilitation.
Register: www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Deadline: 2nd November
Register: www.youngidentity.org/creating-pathways
Deadline: 2nd November
We have a brand new project callout for Young Identity members from Waterside Arts - Prism Festival.
Read more at youngidentity.org/opportunities to see how to sign up and take part.
Deadline: Sun 19 Oct, midnight
For more information about Prism Festival visit prismfestival.org
Read more at youngidentity.org/opportunities to see how to sign up and take part.
Deadline: Sun 19 Oct, midnight
For more information about Prism Festival visit prismfestival.org
October 14, 2025 at 12:55 PM
We have a brand new project callout for Young Identity members from Waterside Arts - Prism Festival.
Read more at youngidentity.org/opportunities to see how to sign up and take part.
Deadline: Sun 19 Oct, midnight
For more information about Prism Festival visit prismfestival.org
Read more at youngidentity.org/opportunities to see how to sign up and take part.
Deadline: Sun 19 Oct, midnight
For more information about Prism Festival visit prismfestival.org
Don't forget to grab your tickets to our evening with @mcrlitfest.bsky.social est.bsky.social; Cabaret for Freedom
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
October 9, 2025 at 2:01 PM
Don't forget to grab your tickets to our evening with @mcrlitfest.bsky.social est.bsky.social; Cabaret for Freedom
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
Those from Distant Lands: Chapter 2
Film, photography and spoken word exploring South Asian heritage in Pendle and how those early explorers built the community that we see today.
🗓️ 18th and 19th October
📍 Burnley Youth Theatre
Free Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/respect-and-dignity-arts
Film, photography and spoken word exploring South Asian heritage in Pendle and how those early explorers built the community that we see today.
🗓️ 18th and 19th October
📍 Burnley Youth Theatre
Free Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/respect-and-dignity-arts
October 6, 2025 at 9:03 AM
Those from Distant Lands: Chapter 2
Film, photography and spoken word exploring South Asian heritage in Pendle and how those early explorers built the community that we see today.
🗓️ 18th and 19th October
📍 Burnley Youth Theatre
Free Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/respect-and-dignity-arts
Film, photography and spoken word exploring South Asian heritage in Pendle and how those early explorers built the community that we see today.
🗓️ 18th and 19th October
📍 Burnley Youth Theatre
Free Tickets: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/respect-and-dignity-arts
This weekend our board came together for an away day to focus on our key aims for the next three years. It was a brilliant day of skill sharing, reflection and forward planning, all with the goal to continue to create opportunities and provide meaningful platforms for young people. ✨
September 24, 2025 at 8:35 AM
This weekend our board came together for an away day to focus on our key aims for the next three years. It was a brilliant day of skill sharing, reflection and forward planning, all with the goal to continue to create opportunities and provide meaningful platforms for young people. ✨
✨ Support the next generation of voices ✨
Young Identity empowers young people to create, write, perform and take up space. With your support, we can continue to nurture creativity, confidence and community.
Donate today at youngidentity.org/support-us
#SupportTheArts
Young Identity empowers young people to create, write, perform and take up space. With your support, we can continue to nurture creativity, confidence and community.
Donate today at youngidentity.org/support-us
#SupportTheArts
September 17, 2025 at 4:07 PM
✨ Support the next generation of voices ✨
Young Identity empowers young people to create, write, perform and take up space. With your support, we can continue to nurture creativity, confidence and community.
Donate today at youngidentity.org/support-us
#SupportTheArts
Young Identity empowers young people to create, write, perform and take up space. With your support, we can continue to nurture creativity, confidence and community.
Donate today at youngidentity.org/support-us
#SupportTheArts
An evening with @mcrlitfest.bsky.social, celebrating the legacy of writer, dub poet and political activist Benjamin Zephaniah.
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
September 17, 2025 at 1:36 PM
An evening with @mcrlitfest.bsky.social, celebrating the legacy of writer, dub poet and political activist Benjamin Zephaniah.
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
Saturday 18th October
🎫 Tickets - www.manchesterliteraturefestival.co.uk/events/cabaret-for-freedom-with-salena-godden-nick-makoha-j-chambers-young-identity
We’ve partnered with Three Meem Foundation (3meem.org) for a FREE 6-week poetry course with Nasima Bee! 🌱
Boost your English, unlock creativity + get 1:1 mentoring
🗓 Fridays | 12 Sept–17 Oct
🕕 6-8pm
📍 Coppice Library, Sale
🎯 Ages 14 -18
Limited places – https://www.youngidentity.org/opportunities
Boost your English, unlock creativity + get 1:1 mentoring
🗓 Fridays | 12 Sept–17 Oct
🕕 6-8pm
📍 Coppice Library, Sale
🎯 Ages 14 -18
Limited places – https://www.youngidentity.org/opportunities
July 24, 2025 at 9:16 AM
We’ve partnered with Three Meem Foundation (3meem.org) for a FREE 6-week poetry course with Nasima Bee! 🌱
Boost your English, unlock creativity + get 1:1 mentoring
🗓 Fridays | 12 Sept–17 Oct
🕕 6-8pm
📍 Coppice Library, Sale
🎯 Ages 14 -18
Limited places – https://www.youngidentity.org/opportunities
Boost your English, unlock creativity + get 1:1 mentoring
🗓 Fridays | 12 Sept–17 Oct
🕕 6-8pm
📍 Coppice Library, Sale
🎯 Ages 14 -18
Limited places – https://www.youngidentity.org/opportunities
Incredible shots from BREATHE, where spoken word artists and dancers teamed up to deliver one story through duet.
Huge thanks to the poets, dancers, host Reggie “Roc” Gray, headliners Banks Artiste & Jardel Rodrigues, and the team who brought it all to life.
📷 Photos: Alex Morgan
Huge thanks to the poets, dancers, host Reggie “Roc” Gray, headliners Banks Artiste & Jardel Rodrigues, and the team who brought it all to life.
📷 Photos: Alex Morgan
July 22, 2025 at 3:58 PM
Incredible shots from BREATHE, where spoken word artists and dancers teamed up to deliver one story through duet.
Huge thanks to the poets, dancers, host Reggie “Roc” Gray, headliners Banks Artiste & Jardel Rodrigues, and the team who brought it all to life.
📷 Photos: Alex Morgan
Huge thanks to the poets, dancers, host Reggie “Roc” Gray, headliners Banks Artiste & Jardel Rodrigues, and the team who brought it all to life.
📷 Photos: Alex Morgan
As a continuation of their Imperial War Museum commission on the Pan African Anniversary.
Our poets are working alongside soupcollective.co.uk they’re developing work to premiere this October as part of The Big Picture Show.
#PanAfrican80 #IWM
Our poets are working alongside soupcollective.co.uk they’re developing work to premiere this October as part of The Big Picture Show.
#PanAfrican80 #IWM
July 21, 2025 at 1:30 PM
As a continuation of their Imperial War Museum commission on the Pan African Anniversary.
Our poets are working alongside soupcollective.co.uk they’re developing work to premiere this October as part of The Big Picture Show.
#PanAfrican80 #IWM
Our poets are working alongside soupcollective.co.uk they’re developing work to premiere this October as part of The Big Picture Show.
#PanAfrican80 #IWM
Join us for the launch of Creation Through Form, a stunning new poetry anthology with art by Matthew Baines, developed by our Publishers Team.
🗓️ Mon 14 July, 7pm
📍 HOME
🔗 Free RSVP: tinyurl.com/Creation-Through-Form-RSVP
Come celebrate and grab your copy!
🗓️ Mon 14 July, 7pm
📍 HOME
🔗 Free RSVP: tinyurl.com/Creation-Through-Form-RSVP
Come celebrate and grab your copy!
July 8, 2025 at 10:34 AM
Join us for the launch of Creation Through Form, a stunning new poetry anthology with art by Matthew Baines, developed by our Publishers Team.
🗓️ Mon 14 July, 7pm
📍 HOME
🔗 Free RSVP: tinyurl.com/Creation-Through-Form-RSVP
Come celebrate and grab your copy!
🗓️ Mon 14 July, 7pm
📍 HOME
🔗 Free RSVP: tinyurl.com/Creation-Through-Form-RSVP
Come celebrate and grab your copy!
🇳🇱 We had a brilliant time in Rotterdam with One Mic Stand On Tour.
📝 The trip also included Open mic performances at PoetsClub Rotterdam, rehearsals at WORM and of course, the warm hospitality of Poetry Slam Rotterdam and their hosts 💐🫱🏾🫲🏽
📝 The trip also included Open mic performances at PoetsClub Rotterdam, rehearsals at WORM and of course, the warm hospitality of Poetry Slam Rotterdam and their hosts 💐🫱🏾🫲🏽
June 18, 2025 at 12:35 PM
🇳🇱 We had a brilliant time in Rotterdam with One Mic Stand On Tour.
📝 The trip also included Open mic performances at PoetsClub Rotterdam, rehearsals at WORM and of course, the warm hospitality of Poetry Slam Rotterdam and their hosts 💐🫱🏾🫲🏽
📝 The trip also included Open mic performances at PoetsClub Rotterdam, rehearsals at WORM and of course, the warm hospitality of Poetry Slam Rotterdam and their hosts 💐🫱🏾🫲🏽
One Mic Stand ON TOUR joins Poetry Slam Rotterdam!
Kyia KB and Teni from Young Identity will headline an electrifying night of spoken word on 5 June, 19:00 at Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam. Don’t miss this powerful showcase!
Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/poetryslamrotterdam/?hl=en
Kyia KB and Teni from Young Identity will headline an electrifying night of spoken word on 5 June, 19:00 at Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam. Don’t miss this powerful showcase!
Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/poetryslamrotterdam/?hl=en
June 3, 2025 at 3:03 PM
One Mic Stand ON TOUR joins Poetry Slam Rotterdam!
Kyia KB and Teni from Young Identity will headline an electrifying night of spoken word on 5 June, 19:00 at Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam. Don’t miss this powerful showcase!
Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/poetryslamrotterdam/?hl=en
Kyia KB and Teni from Young Identity will headline an electrifying night of spoken word on 5 June, 19:00 at Centrale Bibliotheek Rotterdam. Don’t miss this powerful showcase!
Learn more: https://www.instagram.com/poetryslamrotterdam/?hl=en
Specialist Class: Unheard Voices of Revolution and the Exploration of Its Colour
🗓️ Today 13 May, 5:30pm
📍 Manchester Central Library
Join director Ali Gadema to explore the voices behind movements and what it means to tell stories from the margins.
Register at www.youngidentity.org/register
🗓️ Today 13 May, 5:30pm
📍 Manchester Central Library
Join director Ali Gadema to explore the voices behind movements and what it means to tell stories from the margins.
Register at www.youngidentity.org/register
May 13, 2025 at 11:02 AM
Specialist Class: Unheard Voices of Revolution and the Exploration of Its Colour
🗓️ Today 13 May, 5:30pm
📍 Manchester Central Library
Join director Ali Gadema to explore the voices behind movements and what it means to tell stories from the margins.
Register at www.youngidentity.org/register
🗓️ Today 13 May, 5:30pm
📍 Manchester Central Library
Join director Ali Gadema to explore the voices behind movements and what it means to tell stories from the margins.
Register at www.youngidentity.org/register
🏫 Free Creative Writing Workshops with @stretford.bsky.social
🗓️ Every Thursday starting 15th May
🕕 6pm
📍 Stretford Public Hall
If you’re interested in developing your writing or would just like to meet other local young creatives - no experience needed!
Register: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓️ Every Thursday starting 15th May
🕕 6pm
📍 Stretford Public Hall
If you’re interested in developing your writing or would just like to meet other local young creatives - no experience needed!
Register: youngidentity.org/opportunities
May 8, 2025 at 12:08 PM
🏫 Free Creative Writing Workshops with @stretford.bsky.social
🗓️ Every Thursday starting 15th May
🕕 6pm
📍 Stretford Public Hall
If you’re interested in developing your writing or would just like to meet other local young creatives - no experience needed!
Register: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓️ Every Thursday starting 15th May
🕕 6pm
📍 Stretford Public Hall
If you’re interested in developing your writing or would just like to meet other local young creatives - no experience needed!
Register: youngidentity.org/opportunities
Young Identity and Tha Game Changa are running free creative writing & performance workshops at Old Trafford Boys & Girls Club.
💬 Build confidence
📚 Boost literacy
🧠 Support wellbeing
🎤 Perform your work live!
Every Friday from 2 May at 6:30pm
Ages 8–16
Register at youngidentity.org/opportunities
💬 Build confidence
📚 Boost literacy
🧠 Support wellbeing
🎤 Perform your work live!
Every Friday from 2 May at 6:30pm
Ages 8–16
Register at youngidentity.org/opportunities
May 6, 2025 at 10:02 AM
Young Identity and Tha Game Changa are running free creative writing & performance workshops at Old Trafford Boys & Girls Club.
💬 Build confidence
📚 Boost literacy
🧠 Support wellbeing
🎤 Perform your work live!
Every Friday from 2 May at 6:30pm
Ages 8–16
Register at youngidentity.org/opportunities
💬 Build confidence
📚 Boost literacy
🧠 Support wellbeing
🎤 Perform your work live!
Every Friday from 2 May at 6:30pm
Ages 8–16
Register at youngidentity.org/opportunities
☄️ One Mic Stand May Headliner Announced
Ragz-CV
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
Ragz-CV
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
April 16, 2025 at 3:45 PM
☄️ One Mic Stand May Headliner Announced
Ragz-CV
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
Ragz-CV
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
❤️🔥 One Mic Stand May Headliner Announced
GVANI
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
GVANI
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
April 16, 2025 at 12:30 PM
❤️🔥 One Mic Stand May Headliner Announced
GVANI
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
GVANI
🗓️ Wed 21 May 7:00pm
📍 The Blues Kitchen Manchester
🎟️ Tickets: youngidentity.org/one-mic-stand
Be sure to catch tomorrow's special edition workshop at the @aiucentre.bsky.social where we will be accessing the Pan-African Legacy archive and celebrating 80 years since the Congress met here in Manchester. This is a part of our collab with Imperial War Museum and Soup Collective.
April 14, 2025 at 3:48 PM
Be sure to catch tomorrow's special edition workshop at the @aiucentre.bsky.social where we will be accessing the Pan-African Legacy archive and celebrating 80 years since the Congress met here in Manchester. This is a part of our collab with Imperial War Museum and Soup Collective.
🚨 Poets, MCs, lyricists and spoken word artists aged 18-30. BBC Words First is back and open for applications.
🤲🏽 Apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓 Deadline: Mon 12 May
Develop your work with Apples and Snakes and Young Identity and if selected, will perform at the Bradford festival! 🎤🔥
🤲🏽 Apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓 Deadline: Mon 12 May
Develop your work with Apples and Snakes and Young Identity and if selected, will perform at the Bradford festival! 🎤🔥
April 14, 2025 at 3:40 PM
🚨 Poets, MCs, lyricists and spoken word artists aged 18-30. BBC Words First is back and open for applications.
🤲🏽 Apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓 Deadline: Mon 12 May
Develop your work with Apples and Snakes and Young Identity and if selected, will perform at the Bradford festival! 🎤🔥
🤲🏽 Apply: youngidentity.org/opportunities
🗓 Deadline: Mon 12 May
Develop your work with Apples and Snakes and Young Identity and if selected, will perform at the Bradford festival! 🎤🔥