Featured Performances
GOBS Collective took poetry beyond its regular programming, bringing the voices of Nottingham's poets to festivals, stages and audiences across the country.
Through featured performances and collaborations with established artists and cultural organisations, GOBS created opportunities for Collective Members to showcase their work, reach new audiences and gain valuable performance experience.
Performance Highlights
Nottingham Poetry Festival
GOBS Collective was a regular contributor to Nottingham Poetry Festival, creating opportunities for local poets to perform alongside established artists and connect with new audiences. Collective Members supported acclaimed poets Yomi Ṣode (2023) and Vanessa Kisuule (2026), showcasing Nottingham's spoken word talent. In 2022, GOBS also facilitated a Word Walk as part of the festival, inviting participants to explore the city through poetry, creative writing and connections to place.
We Out Here Festival, 2022
GOBS Collective members Bridie, Ioney, Cara and Cheska delivered a featured poetry performance at We Out Here Festival, supported by Randolph Matthews and Apples and Snakes. Bringing Nottingham's spoken word talent to a national festival audience and showcasing the diversity of voices within the Collective.
Green Hustle Festival
GOBS Collective contributed to Nottingham's Green Hustle Festival, celebrating creativity, community and environmental awareness by delivering specially written poetry performances on the outdoor stage in Sneinton Market in 2022, and through GOBS Artist Gathering in 2026.
Hockley Hustle Festival
GOBS Collective performed at Hockley Hustle over the years, Nottingham's multi-venue music and arts festival, collaborating with Poets Off the Ends to bring live verse to venues like Emmanuel House and Ronin Bar. All raising money for local charities.
GOBS Collective have also appeared at Dot to Dot Festival, YOUnique Festival, Bad Betty Live events, Lincs & Notts Air Ambulance’s Christmas Concert, NTU WRAP events, The Gaza Monologues, and appeared on Notts TV.
