Bournemouth Writing Festival to Host Night of Improvised Music and Spoken Word

Poet David Herring performs at the 2024 Bourn Jammy event with a live band improvising as he recites his poem

An exciting highlight of this year's Bournemouth Writing Festival promises to deliver an unforgettable evening of live improvised music and spoken word performances. The event, titled Bourn Jammy, will feature readings from the winners of the Bournemouth Writing Prize, an international competition held in partnership with Bournemouth University. Additionally, audience members will have the chance to take part in open mic spots throughout the evening.

Hosted by local poets Shaun Palmer and Bassie Gracie, Bourn Jammy will showcase a live band, who will improvise music in response to the spoken word performances in real-time, creating a dynamic and interactive experience for both the artists and the audience.

The event's headline act is MC Gramski, a freestyle rapper renowned for his rapid-fire wit and remarkable ability to craft original rap verses instantaneously. Using prompts from the audience, MC Gramski will create jaw-dropping rap performances that are sure to leave attendees in awe.

The evening will also feature readings from the winners of the prestigious Bournemouth Writing Prize, a key event in the festival calendar. This year’s Bourn Jammy will serve as the official launch for the 2026 Bournemouth Writing Prize, which celebrates its 10th anniversary with an increased prize fund of £3,000.

As part of the festival’s ongoing commitment to community engagement, The Outsiders Project, this year’s competition’s charity partner, will present a spoken word performance by Neil Benad. In addition, a short video produced by a BCP Young People Community Project will be shown during the event, highlighting the important work being done in the local community.

Three open mic slots will also be available for audience members to share their words on stage, offering a chance for aspiring performers to participate in this creative celebration.

Dominic Wong, Festival Director, said: “Bourn Jammy is yet another example of how we’re bringing innovative, community-driven events to Bournemouth. It’s a unique fusion of music, improvisation, and spoken word that celebrates creativity in all its forms. The event is set to be a truly exciting and inclusive experience that embodies the spirit of the festival.”

Bradford Gyori, Programme Leader of the MA Creative Writing & Publishing course at Bournemouth University, added: “We are thrilled to continue our collaboration with the Bournemouth Writing Festival as we launch the 10th anniversary of the Bournemouth Writing Prize. This event is an excellent opportunity to celebrate both the 2025 winners and the growing global impact of the prize.”

Bourn Jammy takes place on Saturday, April 26th at 7:30pm at Pavilion Dance. Tickets are priced at £10. For more information on the event and the Bournemouth Writing Festival, visit BournemouthWritingFestival.co.uk.