Big Church Festival, Urban Wordsmiths and AStepFWD are once again providing poets with an incredible opportunity to perform on not just one but two big stages. Get your voice heard by a generation through the ‘Big Church Poetry Slam’ with auditions now open for all spoken word poetry artists. You could be performing live to an audience at the AStepFWD’s Poetic event (otherwise known as PIA London) on 5th of July, in London, with finalists getting through to feature on the iconic Big Church Festival – Spoken Word Stage on the 23rd of August (last year’s winner Rebecca Rocker in picture above). Whether you are a performance poet, slam poet or spoken word artist, this could be your chance to find that winning flow and share your gift. To enter, prepare a two-minute spoken word piece based on the theme “Grace and Truth” (inspired by John 1), record it in one take and submit your audition to us by midday 30th June.
EVENT PARTNERS
Big Church Festival (formerly Big Church Day Out) is the UK’s largest annual Christian music festival, taking place 22–24 August in Wiston, West Sussex. This year’s lineup features international acts like Brandon Lake, Phil Wickham, Jonathan McReynolds, Pat Barrett, Israel Houghton & New Breed, and Elevation Rhythm. The Spoken Word Stage will host poets including Joshua Luke Smith, Dai Woolridge, Sophia Thakur, and Poetess Jess. Founded in 2009 by Delirious? member Tim Jupp, the non-profit festival now draws up to 40,000 attendees. A family-friendly event, it’s an unmissable opportunity to enjoy contemporary Christian Music at its best in a beautiful countryside location.
Partnering with Urban Wordsmiths for the Big Church Poetry Slam brings in another powerful platform with a shared passion for creativity rooted in faith. Based in the heart of Roath, Urban Wordsmiths is a standout evening of spoken word and live music, hosted by award-winning poet Dai Woolridge. Held at the unique Urban Crofters venue, it has quickly grown into one of Cardiff’s most vibrant poetry nights, blending open mic, live performance, and authentic community. More than just an event, their presence at the Poetry Slam helps spotlight the power of storytelling, honesty, and hope through spoken word inspired by the life and message of Jesus.
AStepFWD, a pioneering multimedia organization, was established by founder O’Neil Dennis to provide a platform to showcase the talent, richness and diversity of Christian and Gospel music artists by curating monthly UK Christian Charts. In addition to the charts, AStepFWD provides news, information, interviews and runs many live events such as Poetic, iMPACT Conference and perhaps its greatest achievement – the StepFWD Awards. In just four short years, StepFWD Awards has become the UK’s definitive Christian & Gospel music awards, warmly supported by artists and with growing influence in the music industry, attracting international accolades.
Big Church Poetry Slam auditions are now open, with live event tickets available now from just £10. Book Now!
