Pen to Print: A Gentleman’s Evening of Poetry – Open Mic Night

20 October 2026

Pen to Print proudly presents this special event in celebration of International Men’s Day 2026

Celebrated around the world, International Men’s Day recognises the positive value men and boys bring to the world, their families and communities.

To help raise awareness, Pen to Print are celebrating with the return of A Gentleman’s Evening of Poetry – Open Mic Night.

Hosted by local poet Danny Baxter, we are inviting men and poets from all communities, whoever you are and wherever you are from, to come together for an intimate and interactive evening, featuring poetry and spoken word.

If you’ve never read your poetry aloud before – this is the opportunity for you. Providing a safe, comfortable atmosphere, bring your favourite poetry works, reading in any form, including Free Verse, Rap or Limerick, encouraging more men to confront their innermost thoughts and feelings.

Suitable for anyone aged 18+ as there may be mild language!

If you have any accessibility requirements, please directly get in touch with us at pentoprint@lbbd.gov.uk

Booking is essential and you will be asked to present your booking confirmation upon arrival.

Pen to Print and our partners reserve the right to remove participants who are disruptive to a session.

NB: May feature content that some people may find upsetting, uses language or depicts scenes reflecting attitudes that are no longer seen as acceptable.

Pen to Print shall not be liable to attendees for any injury, loss or damage of or to personal equipment belonging to the attendees or any indirect or consequential loss or damage whatsoever arising out of the attendance of the event

Pen to Print reserves the right to cancel, delay or postpone the event for any reason, including adverse weather conditions, an emergency situation or unforeseen or unavoidable circumstances out of its reasonable control. In such cases, the event organiser will endeavour to inform participants as quickly as is possible.

The National Year of Reading 2026 is a UK-wide campaign designed to inspire people to make reading a regular part of their lives.

We all understand the benefits of reading and how it expands our minds, builds confidence and fuels creativity, yet fewer people are doing it. With growing distractions and limited time, reading for pleasure is declining across many groups.

This national campaign aims to change this by reconnecting reading with everyday culture. It is not about guilt or obligation, it is about showing that stories, ideas and imagination have a place in everyone’s daily life. Click here to find out more!