GOBS Poetry Slam 2024
The first-ever GOBS Poetry Slam brought together 20 of Nottingham's spoken-word poets for an electrifying evening of competitive poetry at the newly opened Nottingham Central Library. Following the success of GOBS Collective's sold-out EARTH showcase at Nottingham Playhouse, the slam provided a platform for local poets to showcase their writing, performance skills and stage presence in front of a live audience.
Twenty poets went head-to-head in a tournament of original spoken-word performances, judged on their writing, delivery and stage presence. The event celebrated the diversity and talent of Nottingham's poetry community, creating an exciting and supportive environment for performers to challenge themselves, share their work and connect with new audiences.
Rebecca 'Bep' Summerscales was crowned GOBS Poetry Slam Champion, winning a £200 cash prize, a Bad Betty Press book bundle and the opportunity to represent Nottingham in Slamovision, an international poetry slam connecting UNESCO Cities of Literature across the world.
Davina Songbird received the People's Choice Award, recognising her performance as an audience favourite.
The event showcased the strength of Nottingham's spoken-word scene, bringing together emerging and established performers for an evening of creativity, friendly competition and community celebration.
Who Was Involved
Hosts
Caetano Capurro
Bridie Squires
Performers
Rachelle Foster • Gail Webb • Demi Lloyd • Nipa Uddin • John Hughes • Husna Khalid • Hilário Alves • Marjorie Griffiths • Robbert van Dongen • Beth Parker • Kathy Giddins • Davina Songbird • Elias Serghi • Sonia Burns • Jack Joseph • Caroline Kerr • Rehannah Mian • Chris Oliver • Rebecca 'Bep' Summerscales • Harry Mellor
GOBS Poetry Slam Champion
Rebecca 'Bep' Summerscales
People's Choice Award
Davina Songbird
Judges
Ioney Smallhorne
Jake Wild Hall
Oli Nichol
Carolina (NUCOL)
Organising Committee
Bridie, Alex, Oak, Cae, Sarah, Vicky
Collaborators
Nottingham Central Library
Nottingham UNESCO City of Literature
Bad Betty Press
Nottingham Poetry Festival
Props Designer
Sarah Wheatley
