Poetry Rivals News | Poetry Rivals 2009 Slam Final
They say the best things come to those who wait, and Poetry Rivals Slam Final was definitely worth waiting for. With a great mix of poets of all ages, all walks of life and from all over the UK, the slam was never going to disappoint!
The afternoon started with Mark Grist, Mark Niel and Hollie McNish taking the stage to perform a selection of their poems, what a great way to start the slam! Then the under 18s took the stage. 26 finalists read out their brilliant poems, while the audience clapped, whooped and encouraged them on. The atmosphere was full of excitement and admiration – it’s not easy getting on stage in front of 150 strangers and reading your poem out! As the judges deliberated who the winner would be, A F Harrold gave a hilarious performance.
Cleo Henry (14) was announced the under 18s winner in the early afternoon. Her poem ‘Child Snatcher’ was beautifully performed, winning the judges over with her words as well as her slam style. As all the under 18s did so well, the judges asked if they could award 2 runner-up prizes! Rachel Gaffney, with her poem ‘Lost Cuddle’, and Beth Cortese, with her poem ‘Over Shakespeare's Romance’, both were awarded a copy of ‘I Eat Squirrels – Poetry for Kids’ by A F Harrold.
The evening came and with it 19 adult finalists’ turn to perform their poems. Before the finalists took the stage, the professionals did and what an amazing show they gave. Mark Niel gave us laughs, a part strip show and a touching love poem. Deanna Rodger gave us a passionate performance, full of emotion and power. Fran Landesman made us laugh and made us stop and think. What a legend! Once again, the atmosphere brimmed with excitement, nerves and anticipation as the first poet took the stage …
So many styles of poems were performed, covering an abundance of themes and every finalist did themselves proud. One finalist was overheard commenting to another that it was a privilege to see the poets read their work, to see the person behind the words, something I’m sure all the judges, finalists and audience would agree with. Some poets shared tender moments, others heartbreak and turmoil, some amused us, while others were inspired by the world around us. A truly diverse spectrum of poems and poets, all brought together through their love of the written word. In a word … sensational!
While the judges deliberated once more, A F Harrold took the stage and delivered another absolutely hilarious performance. If you were ever led to believe poetry was boring and traditional, A F Harrold certainly will show you the error of your ways!
With the audience in good spirits the judges announced the winner as … Andrew Barber, whose poem ‘Money God’ clinched him the publishing contract. Watch this space for all the latest news on Andrew’s book.
We’d like to take this opportunity to thank all the finalists who attended the slam – every one performed their poem brilliantly, and we hope you enjoyed the experience of poetry slamming. Congratulations to Cleo Henry and Andrew Barber – our first ever Poetry Rivals Champions!
Thanks to the judges and performers, and to Farrago Poetry for supporting the event. The final was even better than we imagined, we just cannot wait until next year’s slam – hopefully see you there!
If you can’t wait that long, why not write a poem for Poetry Rivals 2010 while you wait? And don’t forget to read our interviews with the judges and performers. For details on how to enter Poetry Rivals 2010 please visit our Competition Page.
If you would like further information about Poetry Rivals please email us at info@poetryrivals.com
Click here to view the full list of 2009 finalists.
Click here to purchase 2009 finalist books.