GET ON YOUR SOAPBOX! Stand Up Poetry Open Mic night feat: The 2015 Young Poet Laureate for London finalists A call to arms for all poets, writers, rappers and social commentators to take the stage at a free, spoken word open mic night in Ipswich this week. This Thursday SoapBox is inviting local poets, rappers and wordsmiths to read alongside some of the UK's finest young poetical talent at a one-off open mic night, at Cult Cafe on the Waterfront. Do you secretly scribble in your bedroom? Or have you been speaking your mind for years? Then come along and sign up for what promises to be an eclectic, vibrant night of stand up poetry and live literature. Spoken word and poetry is having something of a popular resurgence, with home grown talent like Mercury prize nominated Kate Tempest playing the main stages at Glastonbury and Bestival with her band, and reading poems on the main stages! Also rising star, Brit Award nominated George The Poet, has hit the headlines recently, acquiring fans at a nuclear rate. Youtube sensation Hollie McNish has over 1 million views, discussing her views on immigration and breast feeding - these are young, exciting and politically engaged writers whose poetry is relevant AND funny. This is stand up poetry for the people. This week we are proud to be hosting the final six in the running to become this year’s Young Poet Laureate for London, at this special open mic. A prestigious programme that develops outstanding young poets (18-30) from the capital, in partnership with leading poetry organisations such as Spread The Word. Every year they spend a week in a writing residency in Ipswich; then come out to read at SoapBox in our hometown, alongside talented local writers – to celebrate the best spoken word and poetry across the UK. This is a very special opportunity to listen to some of the UK’s most talented writers at the beginning of their career, for free. Do come and pay attention, you will be rewarded for your efforts. SoapBox is ‘shouting out’ for all Ipswich writers to make themselves known and be heard at this welcoming night for poetry. There will be a sign up board in Cult from 8pm that night, with limited spaces available. The first half will be the six finalists of the Young Poet Laureate for London, then we will open up the mic for the second half of the gig to those who have written their name on the board. Everyone who signs up gets to read 2 poems, or 5 minutes per person. Originals and covers are equally welcome. Read something important that you want to share? Bring it along and take the mic. We are welcoming and celebrating all forms of spoken word.