York performance poetry group celebrates their eighth birthday with special gig

Performance poetry group Say Owt are celebrating their eighth birthday this weekend — with a special gig featuring guest poet Malaika Kegode.

First established in 2014, the gang of performance poets have consistently hosted high energy nights of word and verse.

The slam aims to be ‘full of humour, passion and warmth’ and gives performers a maximum of three minutes to wow randomly selected judges with their poetry.

The special gig will take place on Saturday 29 October at The Crescent.

Artistic director and host Henry Raby says: “It started as a one-off gig! I can’t believe we’re still slamming eight years later.

“Whether you’re a veteran or looking for something new, everyone is welcome at a Say Owt Slam.”

Say Owt Slam is hosted by Stu Freestone, Henry Raby, Hannah Davies and David Jarman.

The gig will also feature special guest poet Malaika Kegode — who is a writer, performer and producer based in Bristol.

Malaika has performed for the BBC at the Edinburgh Festival and worked with the Roundhouse, Historic England and Elstree Studios, and in 2018 she was included in the BME Power List, celebrating Bristol’s 100 most influential black and minority ethnic people.

Malaika’s work tells of how we can find beauty and hope through the darkness and explores themes of family, mental health, addiction and love.

Tickets are £10 in advance and are available here. Get tickets while you can as this is Say Owt’s last slam until 2023!