The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub.

This month’s headliner is novelist, poet and short story writer Koushik Banerjea! Will he read poems? Will he read short stories? Will he read a whole dang novel? We just don't know! But it will be excellent.

Before Koushik, we have our regular open mic. You may not read a whole novel at this bit, but as long as you keep it timely and not too offesive you can do whatever you want. Poems, spoken word, short stories, maybe just a little bit of your novel. Sign up on the night!

Entry is free but you can optionally support us using the Eventbrite link below.

More about Koushik:
Koushik Banerjea is the author of two novels: Another kind of Concrete (Jacaranda 2020) & Category Unknown (London Books 2022). His short stories have appeared in: Jerry Jazz Musician, Salvation in Stereo, Minor Literatures, Verbal, Writers Resist, and in the crime fiction anthologies, Shots in the Dark and Shots in the Dark II. His poetry has featured in: Third Space, Scumbag Press, Mogadored, Razur Cuts and online in House of Poetry magazine. A former youth worker and DJ, it's the quiet life he's working on nowadays. He can generally be found in south London, or at any rate caught up in some literary scheme heading south.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub.

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

Come join us for the October edition of our regular poetry and spoken word event. All welcome to read your own work (or someone else's), be it poetry, spoken word, short stories, dramatic monologue or manifesto. All in the cool (temperature-wise) underground bar at The Mole Hole.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

Gravesend's very own Joe Cleary and Harriet Hammond will be celebrating the 10th Hypermedia Open Space event, which they launched tentatively last August 2023 at the Fourth Portal.

Harriet and Joe had little idea what to expect when they announced to the world their first event and were happily surprised, as was everyone else to see the turnout here! Since then Hypermedia events have grown in size and stature attracting people from across the Southeast of England and beyond.

As always, the event will be one filled with DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic and discussion at the Fourth Portal in Gravesend.

Age range
Welcoming to all ages and stages of the creative journey, the evening offers a relaxed space to perform or listen in an informal atmosphere.

7.30pm-11.00pm | Licensed bar | Donate if you can.

For more, contact Harriet and Joe from Hypermedia.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

An afternoon and evening of performance and discussion open to everyone, for free, discussing the decision of former Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to grant licences to begin drilling for new oil in the North Sea. 

What to Expect
The evening features the return of the popular Wavelength Orchestra (watch), performing around an oil rig sculpture and steel crab, created by artist Alice Helps on Bawley Bay Beach. As the sun sets, projections of sea creatures,  which Alice 3D modelled and animated using Blender software, will illuminate the exterior of St Andrew's Waterside Mission Church, Gravesend. 

Following sunset, a short procession of the orchestra and audience will carry the oil rig and crab into the Fourth Portal.  

Set around the sculptures with projections filling the wall, anyone wishing to recite a gentle poem or spoken word will be welcomed while the audience chats over drinks.  Pianist Julian Jacobson will briefly perform a few classical river and sea compositions. 

Before the Wavelength Orchestra's performance, Professor John Wood will host a discussion with artist Alice Helps and the audience on the environmental impact of our resource-extraction-based economic model.

Approximate schedule for the day.
Afternoon from 3pm

• Prof. John Wood (Goldsmiths) hosts a discussion on energy alternatives with artist Alice Helps and guests (tbc) and audience participation - all invited.

• Sculpture installed on Bawley Bay beach following high tide.

• Short Wavelength Orchestra workshop - all invited.

Early evening from 5.30pm

• Wavelength Orchestra performance begins

• Sculpture procession into the Fourth Portal

• Sculptures, projections, spoken word, soft performance

• Pianist Prof. Julian Jacobson plays some short piano pieces about our rivers and seas

• -- End approximate 10.45pm --

Wavelength Orchestra
Following on from the two well-attended Wavelength Orchestra performances during summer 2023, we expect an even larger ensemble to return to Bawley Bay (next to the Fourth Portal) for another evening of sound-making.  

To participate
The Fourth Portal and orchestra lead Richard Sanderson, extend a warm welcome to everyone to join the Wavelength Orchestra.
The performance is free to attend and additional performers are sought, of any age right up to the beginning of the performance. 

Requirements
A portable instrument, which doesn't need mains electricity, and to attend a short workshop in the Fourth Portal at 4.30 before the performance. 
All skill levels are welcome, from none to professional. 

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub.

This month we are delighted to welcome Nick Goodall, the feted Bard of Broadstairs, as our headliner. Nick writes observational poetry about love and death, occasionally trains, mostly,, including the semi-famous 'St Pancras Prayer'. Official poet of the Broadstairs Blues Bash, he had a seven-day residency during the Broadstairs Folk Festival in 2023. He'll be doing the same this year between the 9th and 16th of August, so go along and see him!

Follow Nick on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/poetryperformed/
or read more about his work on his website, https://nicholasjohngoodall.com/.

Plus, as ever, you can read your own poems, spoken word pieces and anything verbal really at our regular open mic section. See you there!

Tickets: Entry is free but you can support us by buying an optional ticket here:
https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/nick-goodall-at-holy-moly-spoken-word-tickets-958170392437

The Studio, Civic Centre, Gravesend

Join us for an evening of live music & spoken word:

Angel Dee is a neurodiverse trans female singer songwriter hailing from Southeast England. Growing up in the 80s in Thanet and being who she was, she was really out of time, but after obsessively listening to any Beatles record she could get her hands on, she travelled through hip hop, punk, metal, baggy, rave, electronica, reggae, ambient and psychedelic rock to mould her sound that she would later form which would help her express herself and heal her soul.

Performing as part of the indie pop group the Pretty Route and producing with Drum and Bass collective Retronym, she has had an official release under her belt and has played at large LGBTQIA+ festivals up and down the country.

Nowadays she is crafting thoughtful and thought-provoking songs delivered with passion and belief in the hope to connect with as many souls as she can from as many walks of life as the universe will allow. Love is love and love is life after all.

—

Emma True is a Kent-based actress, filmmaker, and spoken word artist. Her writing explores themes of mental health, nature, relationships and our place in the world. She believes our greatest struggles can also be the greatest inspiration for creativity, and enjoys sharing stories through self-penned short films and performance.

From a young age, she has acted on stage, in films, and in television series, winning a BAFTA award and (more locally) a TryAngle Award for her contribution to the arts. Her enjoyment for writing led her naturally into a merging of both – and into the world of spoken word. Emma is the resident poet for She Lives Collective, and can be found featuring at live scratch nights and on BBC Radio.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub.

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

This month we have an extended set from Lee Campbell, who's wowed us recently with his wit, passion, and willingness to take poetic performance to the next level. Lee has constantly surprised us with his inventiveness and humour, and we're looking forward to seeing what he's got in store for us!

Dr Lee Campbell is an artist and Senior Lecturer at University of the Arts London. He has performed extensively across the world since 2000 including solo performances for the National Poetry Library, Whitstable Biennale and Prague Biennale. His first chapbook 'Slang Bang' will be published by Back Room Poetry in November 2024 and debut poetry collection 'SEE ME: An (Almost) Autobiography' is forthcoming with London Poetry Books. Other Publications of his poetry include The Atticus Review, Ink, Sweat and Tears, Otherwise, You Are Here - The Journal of Creative Geography, Queerlings, New Note Poetry, Streetcake.
The New Normal and Step Away Magazine. His experimental performance poetry films have been selected for many international film festivals since 2019.

Holy Moly is held in the Mole Hole's cosy secret back room. The event takes place on the third Sunday of every month.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub.

Join our special guests, Alby Stockley and Elric John, for an evening of spoken word performance in Gravesend's finest micropub.
Both top-notch acts who hold nothing back about issues that really matter, Alby and Elric are not to be missed.

We'll also have our regular open mic section for poetry, spoken word, short stories, or even (if last month is anything to go by) sea shanties!

As ever, this will be on the third Sunday of every month - in this case, Sunday March 17th, 7-9pm, at The Mole Hole, Gravesend.
Entry is free, but you can support us by finding our Eventbrite page and buying an optional ticket.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/holy-moly-spoken-word-featuring-alby-stockley-and-elric-john-tickets-857233547617

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoken word open mic night in Gravesend's best micropub. This February our special guest is the fabulous Sam Rapp, the Dyslexic Poet!

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

This February we have the added attraction of Sam Rapp, the Dyslexic Poet! Sam has gone from being a regular on the Medway scene to taking her show, "The Amazing Dyslexic Poetry Show", as far afield as Edinburgh and Gibraltar. Her poetic style is warm, intense and funny, and in 2017 she won the Crisis Homeless Charity UK Poetry Slam.

As well as performing, Sam runs writing workshops with her company "Fun With Words". She has attended parliamentary committees as part of her dyslexia advocacy work. Sam's first collection, "Rant: Dyslexic Me" is published by Whiskey and Beards, and its title poem was exhibited at the Turner Gallery, Margate.

Holy Moly is held in the Mole Hole's cosy secret back room. The event takes place on the third Sunday of every month.

Tickets for this event are optional. If you want to support Holy Moly and our headline acts, please consider making a donation by purchasing a ticket.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

Gravesend's very own Hypermedia presents an emerging evening of DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic and discussion at the Fourth Portal.

Instigated by local Gravesend artists Hypermedia, this is an open emerging format pushing the boundaries of open mic. Any performative medium is welcome - poetry, music, video, story telling, visual performance, dance etc.

Welcoming to all ages and stages of the creative journey, the evening offers a relaxed space to perform or listen in an informal atmosphere.

Licenced bar | Event is free, although donations of pay what you can afford are always welcome.

For more, contact Harriet and Joe from Hypermedia.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

Hypermedia returns for a BIG WEEKEND of DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic, visuals, artist talks and discussion.

Curated by Gravesend’s very own Hypermedia Events.

11am-7pm: FREE ENTRY
7pm - Close: Pay What You Can

Licensed bar | Open to all ages | Everyone welcome.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

Hypermedia returns for a BIG WEEKEND of DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic, visuals, artist talks and discussion.

Curated by Gravesend’s very own Hypermedia Events.

11am-7pm: FREE ENTRY
7pm - Close: Pay What You Can

Licensed bar | Open to all ages | Everyone welcome.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

This month Holy Moly welcomes the inestimable Christopher Hopkins, who will be reading from his new chapbook The Rhyming Sky. Christopher is a Welsh working class writer of lyrical poetry, now based in Kent. The Rhyming Sky (Clare Songbirds) has been described as a lesson in deep observation and presence, and that his poems read like lament songs composed of mist and senses, a dazzling depiction of moments witnessing the largesse of nature.

Christopher has been published in Reliquiae, The Honest Ulsterman, The New European, Morning Star and Spelt Magazine among others. He has three other chapbooks with the New York based publisher Clare Songbirds and Christopher’s work has been nominated the Pushcart Prize three times.

And before Christopher rounds out the night, Holy Moly will have their regular open mic. No need to book, turn up and read!

Entry is free, but we welcome donations via Eventbrite:

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Road, Gravesend, DA12 2BD

Building upon the incredibly previous busy and exciting Open House, Hypermedia returns to the Fourth Portal for an emerging evening of DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic and discussion.

Curated by Gravesend artists Hypermedia.

Free entry | Licensed bar | Open to all ages | Everyone welcome

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

This month, Holy Moly wants something new from you. As well as your original poetry, short stories and spoken word pieces, we want you all to bring one all-time favourite work by your all-time favourite poet. Baldwin or Baldrick, it's up to you!

Holy Moly is held in the Mole Hole's cosy secret back room. The event takes place on the third Sunday of every month.

Tickets for this event are optional. If you want to support Holy Moly and our headline acts, please consider making a donation by purchasing a ticket.

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Rd, Gravesend DA12 2BD, UK

In association with Gravesend's Hypermedia, the Fourth Portal is hosting an afternoon and evening of laidback social table discussions about the town's past and where people see it in the near future.   

THE PAST AND FUTURE ALWAYS MEET IN THE PRESENT

We welcome anyone wishing to become a table host for an hour or more, discussing anything Gravesend. 

Fourth Portal, 19 Royal Pier Rd, Gravesend DA12 2BD, UK

Fourth Portal and Gravesend's very own Hypermedia presents an emerging evening of DIY poetry, spoken word, music, open mic and discussion.

Instigated by local Gravesend artists Hypermedia, this is an open emerging format pushing the boundaries of open mic.
Welcoming to all ages and stages of the creative journey, the evening offers a relaxed space to perform or listen in an informal atmosphere.

An appearance from the Fourth Portal own AI poet might be on the cards. 

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoke Word Open Mic Night - Third Sunday of every month

Come to our regular poetry and spoken word open mic hosted by Zack Davies.

This month we are joined by Sam Hall and Barry Fentiman-Hall, who together form the literary entity known as WORDSMITHERY!
Fresh from putting on Medway's River Lit festival, each has a fantastic new book to showcase.
Come check it out! Plus, our regular open mic section

Event details and updates posted online at:
www.facebook.com/MoleHolePub

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Got a three-minute poem or spoken word piece? Want to win £50? Gravesend’s regular poetry night Holy Moly is giving you the chance to win a cash prize, courtesy of the Gravesend Fringe. Free entry for contestants and audience – stick around later for live music!

Holy Moly presents its first (and maybe Gravesend’s first?) ever poetry slam! Come and compete for a cash prize of £50, courtesy of the Gravesham Fringe, or watch the battle from a safe distance with a delicious beverage. Then stay on for live music!

Here are some questions and answers about the slam:

1) How does it work?

Contestants read a three-minute poem for an audience, who will then vote in secret for their top three performances. Whoever scores highest wins!

2) How do I enter?

Message us (Holy Moly Poetry) here, on Facebook, Instagram or Twitter to say you want to take part. We’ll confirm your entry. We’d appreciate a photo, and if you send a bio or material in advance we can share that.

3) Do I need to have performed before?

No, we encourage one and all to take part. We don’t read out everyone’s scores, we just declare a winner. People tend not to boo at this sort of thing.

4) Is this event ticketed?

No, though as with all Holy Moly events, you can support us by buying an optional ticket on Eventbrite.

5) What can my poem/performance be about?

Any subject, though we are very right-on and don’t want any of the -isms or -phobias thank you very much.

6) Is this one of those rap battles like in 8-Mile?

No, we are too British for that sort of thing and frankly not talented enough.

7) How can you even compare poems, man? It’s just, like, free expression, man.

That’s certainly the view we take at the regular Holy Moly nights, which are intended to be a supportive environment for all. But we can treat ourselves once a year to a bit of judgement.

8) What’s second prize?

There is no second prize, just the cruel taste of defeat.

Iron Pier Brewery, Northfleet

Naked Frank Theatre’s ‘PISSED OFF POETRY’ promises a selection of raucous and ridiculous performance poetry skits about trivial little things that get on their tits.

Performing at St. Andrew’s Quayside on Saturday 10th, the set will be followed by an open mic event for selected audiences to indulge in the irritating idiosyncrasies of human existence, and perform their own pissed off prose.

Performed pieces will automatically be selected into the Passionate Poets Competition, with prizes being awarded to first, second, and third place winners.

This FREE event is for anyone you know who would love a playful bit of fun in the sun.

Iron Pier Brewery, Northfleet

Naked Frank Theatre’s ‘PISSED OFF POETRY’ promises a selection of raucous and ridiculous performance poetry skits about trivial little things that get on their tits.

Performing at the Iron Pier Brewery on Friday 9th, and St. Andrew’s Quayside on Saturday 10th, the set will be followed by an open mic event for selected audiences to indulge in the irritating idiosyncrasies of human existence, and perform their own pissed off prose.

Performed pieces will automatically be selected into the Passionate Poets Competition, with prizes being awarded to first, second, and third place winners.

This FREE event is for anyone you know who would love a playful night out with some craft beer, or a bit of fun in the sun.

The Woodville, Civic Centre

Join us for an evening spoken word & of live music

Emma True is a Kent-based actress, filmmaker, and spoken word artist. Her writing explores themes of mental health, nature, relationships and our place in the world. She believes our greatest struggles can also be the greatest inspiration for creativity, and enjoys sharing stories through self-penned short films and performance.

From a young age, she has acted on stage, in films, and in television series, winning a BAFTA award and (more locally) a TryAngle Award for her contribution to the arts. Her enjoyment for writing led her naturally into a merging of both – and into the world of spoken word. Emma is the resident poet for She Lives Collective, and can be found featuring at live scratch nights and on BBC Radio.

Discover more of her work on socials: YouTube as Emma True / Instagram as @ejtrue / Facebook as Emma True Actress/Spoken Word

Angel Dee is a trans female singer songwriter, who will bring songs of a topical nature, with subjects around self identity, fitting in to society and living in the modern world to name but a few! Vocals accompanied by acoustic guitar.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

Our special guest this month is Jon Terranova. Jon's first collection, "Longing for More" (Wordsmithery) is a powerful and honest look at the worst of what life can throw at you. It has received that rarest of all poetry accolades, a second print run. Jon writes about the bleakest of subjects with a gentle humour and an eye for beauty in the least likely of places.

Read more about Jon in this interview for Confluence magazine:

https://www.confluencemagazine.co.uk/terranova-interview

This event has been rescheduled from March, when personal circumstances prevented us from enjoying the work of Jon and our Holy Moly regulars. Thanks for bearing with us!

Holy Moly is held in the Mole Hole's cosy secret back room. The event takes place on the third Sunday of every month.

Tickets for this event are optional, whether you're watching or performing. If you want to support Holy Moly and help us book headline acts in the future, please consider making a donation by purchasing a ticket.

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Join host Zack Davies for an evening of Gravesend's finest literary offerings: Poetry, spoken word, short stories, whatever you - the audience - want to share. Whether you're a beginner or have been writing for years, come and show us what you've got!

This month we have an outstanding headline act in the person of Sven Stears. An international slam champion, Sven has released two EPs, 'The Wave' and 'The Torch'. The latter was described by Tom Robinson as "Some of the most painfully raw songwriting I've heard all year" when he played it on BBC Radio 6 Music.

Sven's first book, This Is Your Tragic Back Story (Whisky and Beards, 2021) is available from Waterstones or online. He describes his poetry as touching on themes of personal loss, societal trauma, mental health and addiction, but always with little messages of hope.

Holy Moly is held in the Mole Hole's cosy secret back room. The event takes place on the third Sunday of every month.

Event details and updates posted online at:
www.facebook.com/MoleHolePub

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Spoke Word Open Mic Night - Third Sunday of every month

Come to our regular poetry and spoken word open mic hosted by Zack Davies.
No booking or prior experience needed - just you and your enthusiasm.
Audience members also welcome!

Event details and updates posted online at:
www.facebook.com/MoleHolePub

The Mole Hole Micro Pub 17 High Street, Gravesend, DA11 0BA UK

Holy Moly Spoken Word with special guest Pauline Holmes!

Come to our regular poetry and spoken word open mic hosted by Zack Davies.
No booking or prior experience needed - just you and your enthusiasm.
Audience members also welcome!