Enter 2012 Competition

The slam final took place on Saturday 21st April, welcoming the finalists from across the UK.

Firstly I would like thank everyone who turned up for the slam. It was truly amazing how many people had come to perform along with others to show their support; the turnout was excellent.

The under 18s category, which had been split into two age groups this year, saw poets as young as 8 years old take to the stage, with all poems being performed at an extraordinary standard. The judges had the near impossible task of choosing one under 14s winner and one 15 and over winner. After much deliberation all judges agreed Ellie Fisher, aged 11, should be crowned the under 14s champion for her well structured poem ‘The Writer's Meditation’, and the 15 and over slam champion should be Megan Beech, aged 18, with an energetic and passionate depiction of Glastonbury festival in her poem ‘Glastonbury’.

The evening session welcomed the over 18 entrants, who went on to perform their poetry. The range of topics and styles of poetry was amazing and was a pleasure to watch and be part of. The judges again found the task of picking a winner difficult, however at the end of the evening session Vanessa Kisuule was announced as the winner after giving an accomplished and touching performance of her wistful poem ‘Jjajja’. This year the slam champion had the option of a publishing contract with Bonacia Ltd or £1000, Vanessa choose to take the £1000!

After the event I spoke to many people and each and every one of them said that they had enjoyed the experience and were impressed with the standard of poetry performed.

Mark Grist, slam host, said how much the judges enjoyed taking part and that they too were blown away with how much talent was shown during the event.