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.