Who We Are, Where We’re From

Heritage isn’t only castles and old stones. It’s the family sayings, the food we share, and the places that feel like home. Identity is how those threads weave together into us.

In this 90-minute workshop, poet-facilitator Kieren King will guide you through gentle, creative prompts that explore your connections to heritage and identity. We’ll use our senses, our memories, and the words that shaped us to create new poems. Expect a warm, welcoming space for beginners and seasoned writers alike.

Kieren King is the creative mind behind the acclaimed spoken word nights Slamchester, Evidently and the Word War Slams.

He is a Great Northern Slam champion and a four-time UK National Slam finalist. During the Edinburgh Fringe run of Stand Up & Slam, he was undefeated in a competition pitting poets against stand-up comedians.

He was commissioned by Guy Garvey of Elbow to curate a spoken word event as part of his Meltdown festival at the Southbank Centre. He has also been a featured guest performer for writer and former NME journalist and Hacienda DJ Dave Haslam as part of his Not Quite Light Weekender. Additionally, he was commissioned by Salford Reds Rugby League to write and record a poem celebrating their appearance in the Super League Grand Final - a video that received over 100,000 views across social media.

Kieren has been featured on BBC Radio 4 and was commissioned by Sky to write and perform a poem for TV to launch their channel Blaze.

His debut solo collection Spit & Sawdust will be released this autumn through Flapjack Press.

Further Information

Made possible with support from Healthy Arts and The National Lottery Heritage Fund, thanks to National Lottery players.

This workshop takes place on the first floor of the Stables Courtyard, in the Classroom. There is a lift to the first floor, accessible toilets on the ground floor and accessible parking.

The workshop is aimed at adults but is suitable for ages 14+ whether you are a beginner or a more experienced writer.