Swindon Poetry Café - Open-Mic - Feb 2026

Calling local poets and songwriters! Come share your stories, stanzas and songs at Swindon’s new, cosy open-mic night, launching in Feb.

Join us for an open-mic night at the Swindon Poetry Café! Whether you’re a poet or a songwriter, this is your chance to share your work live and connect with fellow creatives. Bring your verses, strum your tunes, and enjoy a relaxed, in-person vibe with others who love words and music.

What?

A warm, friendly space to grab a drink, buy a cake and share your stuff (or support others sharing theirs).

Twelve open-mic spots (3 minutes) are available on a first-come, first-served basis, by emailing hello@torncurtain.co.uk, or by signing up on the door for remaining spots. We provide one vocal mic and you can plug in one instrument (bring your own jack cable!).

Where?

Caffe Vialottie is a family-run coffee shop in Redhouse, with the aim of helping people connect after the division of the pandemic. Serving a top-notch selection of teas, coffees, hot chocolates, soft drinks, baked goods and snacks, a team of devoted staff share a desire to bring people together and create an environment that replicates 'home'.

Who?

Our February headliner is Swindon-based poet, Mary Mungai. Mary's work is rooted in personal experience, weaving together themes of culture, family and faith. Each poem is a tapestry of colour and voice uplifting the black experience while guiding listeners on a journey to her home Africa. She often blends English with Swahili creating rhythms that honour heritage and identity.

The Swindon Poetry Café is organised and hosted by local slam-winning poet and producer, Rebecca Rocker. She is the current Swindon Mayor's Poet and produces Swindon Wordsmiths, a popular poetry and comedy night in Abbey Meads. Rebecca recently founded Torn Curtain, a non-profit using poetry and performance to help people open up and let the light back in. She is currently developing community poetry projects in Swindon, focused on creating safe spaces to weave words, share stories and connect communities.

Money matters...

All open-mic performers and audience members need to buy a ticket. The ticket price covers the cost of producing, ticketing and running the event, plus paying our brilliant headliner.

We have a 25% discount code for 11-18 year olds. If you are over the age of 18 and face financial barriers - just email us for the code (no questions asked!) and apply it before you check out.

Why not?

Don’t be shy—step up and get your voice heard in February 2026!