Poetics Lab Anthology Showcase

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Date

Saturday 28 March 2026

Time

4:00pm - 5:00pm

Costs

£3

Location

Deptford Lounge, Studio

Please email for any further access needs here

Celebrate London Writers Centre’s emerging poets at the Poetics Lab Showcase where they will read their new poems from their anthology.

London Writers Centre’s emerging poets at the Poetic Lab Showcase feature young creatives from Lewisham, Bromley, Greenwich and Southwark. This vibrant event celebrates emerging voices through live readings that span personal stories, social reflections, and bold creative expressions. Their poetic themes range from friendship, to love, grief, migration, intergenerational trauma and more. Connect with the next generation of poets as they share their unique perspectives in an intimate, welcoming space. Whether you’re a poetry lover or curious creative, this event promises inspiration and connection.

Poets: Ahana Banerji, Alice Foxhall, Alison Tan, Annabelle Sami, Anya Hunt-Byer, Bhumika Billa, Caz Grassmann, Dianne Danquah, Ellie Spirrett, Eliezer Gore, Erwin Arroyo Pérez, Yuwei Hua, Izzy Radford, Jay Mitra, Julz Motcho, Lauren Hurrell, Leon Ray-Fernandes, Lily Stevens, Magdalen Simões-Brown, Mamour Touray, Olive Franklin, Pallas Yiu, Precious Ogunlowo, Shermya Modupe, Simone Eligon and Taylor Beidler.

Poetics Lab is part of our Lewisham, Borough of Literature work, alongside Young Writers Collective, opening up spaces and opportunities for young people to explore and develop their creativity, and creative community and careers.

Photo (C) Nelson Ekaragha

If you require BSL interpretation, please book a ticket by Friday 6 March, and request BSL interpretation as you book.

About Deptford Literature Festival

Deptford Literature Festival takes place each March and celebrates the diversity and creativity of Deptford and Lewisham through words, stories and performance. It is run by London Writers Centre in a collaboration with independent producer Tom MacAndrew, with support from the Albany, Deptford Lounge and Lewisham Libraries. The festival is part of our campaign to make Lewisham the UK’s first Borough of Literature. You can find out more about Deptford Literature Festival and see the full festival programme at: deptfordlitfest.com

Book Tickets

FAQs

How much will events cost?

This year, the festival is running with limited public or charitable support. We have brought in a ticket price of £3 for the majority of the events to help cover some of the festival costs.
Will there be free tickets available for parents and carers?

Yes.

Children’s and family events are free for parents, guardians and carers. Tickets must be purchased for children. Parents, guardians carers must stay with their child/ children during the event.

Carers can attend for free. When booking your ticket, you can add a free carers ticket to your basket.
Are there any free events in the programme?

Six of the festival events are free to attend: Lewisham Libraries Celebrates Local Writers (Saturday 21 March), The Goldsmiths Prize Presents: Kate Briggs In Conversation (Wednesday 25 March), Poetry in the Library (Thursday 26 March) and on the festival day – Saturday 28 March: Lewisham Writers’ Link Up, Lewisham Writes: Writing the Seasons, and CRIPtic x London Writers Centre Salon.
How can I get assistance with booking a ticket?

If you are experiencing any issues with making a booking, please contact: [email protected]
Can I cancel my ticket if I can no longer attend?

Yes.

As far as possible, by booking a ticket we ask that you commit to attending, as places for in-person events are limited. If you can no longer attend, please cancel your ticket so someone else can come along. Refunds on paid for tickets will be given up to Tuesday 24 March 2026.

You can manage your ticket/s by clicking on the ‘manage tickets’ link at the end of your booking confirmation email.

Read the festival’s cancellation and refunds policy: londonwriterscentre.org.uk/deptford-literature-festival-2026-refunds-and-cancellations/

Access

Will all events have BSL?

Three of our in-person events on the festival day (Saturday 28 March) will have BSL Interpretation in-place for audiences that require it: South London in Fiction; Mother Tongue: Poetry, Family and Inheritance; and Navigating Culture: Black Male Writers on Britain Today.

BSL interpretation is available on request for all other festival day (Saturday 28 March) events. If you require this, please book a ticket by Friday 6 March, and request BSL interpretation as you book. We will then arrange for this to be put in place.
Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

All festival venues are wheelchair accessible, with accessible toilets.

The festival hub on Saturday 28 March, Deptford Lounge, has Changing Place facilities, an induction loop and assistance dogs are welcome. For more information: deptfordlounge.org.uk/access
Is there a break out space?

Yes.

A quiet space is available on Saturday 28 March at Deptford Lounge, in the Music Room, on the first floor.
How do I request specific access provision?

If you require additional access provision in order to attend or take part in the festival, for example, larger print handouts at workshops, or a scribe, please get in touch before the festival day at: festival@londonwriterscentre.org.uk

For more information about the access provision available, please visit: londonwriterscentre.org.uk/news/access-at-deptford-literature-festival/
Will there be access assistance on the day of the festival?

Yes.

If you require assistance on the festival day itself, Saturday 28 March, please come to the Festival Hub in the foyer of Deptford Lounge where we will be happy to help you.

Support Deptford Literature Festival

Deptford Literature Festival celebrates local talent and introduces exciting new writers from Lewisham and nearby boroughs. We want to be able to continue to offer our workshops, readings, events and community projects at a low cost. We do not want finances to be a barrier to anyone taking part. If you are in a position to make a donation, please give a gift today. Anything you give will help more people come to future festivals.

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