Newham Word Festival has a vibrant schedule of literature, poetry, film, performance and participation - 4-17 July 2022
Newham Word Festival, running from 4-17 July, is a borough-wide festival of over 40 free events taking place at Newham’s Libraries and other interesting cultural venues all over Newham.
The Newham Word Festival is funded by Newham Council, Royal Docks Team and Arts Council England, and returns for a fourth year with live and in-person events, after two years of restricted gatherings, with over 40 extraordinary free events.
There is a rich series of inclusive free performances and interactive sessions for all ages. The schedule includes poetry reading and writing, drawing, embroidery, spoken word, and readings and performances from big names.
There are events for adults and children alike, with a packed schedule for younger readers and listeners to participate in and be inspired by. Some events include British Sign Language (BSL) or Open Captioned Speech. Events can also be watched on the Newham Word YouTube channel.
There is genuinely something for everyone, including stimulating debates about how space has defined our borough and who owns it.
On 15 July there is a screening of a film about tennis legend Arthur Ashe who in 1975 became the first black man to win Wimbledon. Citizen Ashe describes his massive contribution to both tennis and civil rights, the film will be followed by a Q&A with Charmaine Simpson from Black History Studies.
On 7 and 16 July, Poetry at the Park will explore the seven Olympic values of friendship, respect, excellence, equality, determination, inspiration, and courage. There is also an online session on the 5 July. Poems written during the session will be selected, designed and used to create an open exhibition at the entrances of Stratford Park and then as a part of a permanent poetry exhibition.
Other highlights include
- An Evening with the Booker prize-winning author Ben Okri
- Good News Shared - how words can have an impact on our mental wellbeing
- An evening with award-winning author playwright and performer Lemn Sissay whose powerful memoir My Name is Why was an international hit.