City Slam
Exeter has been hosting City Slam every April since 2023. City Slam is a spoken word competition to decide Exeter’s representative for Slamovision (spoken word slam meets Eurovision).
Slamovision is an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO Cities of Literature from all across the world - including Exeter.
Photo credit: Jorbein Photography
City Slam 2025
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Spork! Poetry and Taking the Mic are joining forces once again to present the 3rd annual City Slam; an exciting competition to find the best spoken-word artist in Exeter (and across Devon).
12 poets will battle it out across 3 rounds of fierce but friendly competition. With feature slots from previous City Slam winner and stand-up poet Edward Tripp, as well as the brilliant published poet Bryony Littlefair (“Fresh, unexpected, surprising” – Pascale Petite,) and an electric headline set from comedian, author, popular science endorser and now poet Robin Ince.
The winner of the City Slam will be entered into 2025’s Slamovision; an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO Cities of Literature all across the world, as well as receiving a cash prize of £150. Runners up will also receive some exciting prizes provided by local businesses in Exeter.
Sign up to Slam!
To enter the slam, you need to register an interest by 5PM on Fri 14th March.
The 12 Slammers will be picked out of a hat at midday on the 16th. To register, just send an email to Tim on slam@speakinsong.co.uk with your name, age, and where you’re based. Slammers must be aged 16+ and based in Devon.
The Rules
After registering, you’ll receive a full list of rules. But, in short, all slammers must prepare 3 poems / pieces for the 3 rounds. These pieces must not exceed 3 mins in length, and slammers may get penalised for going over (this includes any introductions.)
The performances will be scored by a panel of judges, who will mark on writing, delivery, and the audience response. For any questions about the competition, email Chris on sporkpoetry@gmail.com
City Slam 2024
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature, Spork! Poetry and Taking the Mic joined forces once again to present the 2nd Annual City Slam; an exciting competition to find the best spoken-word artist in Exeter (and across Devon).
12 poets battled it out across 3 rounds of fierce but friendly competition. With feature slots from 2023 City Slam winner Jonah Corren, Bard of Exeter Ceri Baker, and a whopping headline set from Esther Koch; international slam champion and recent Finalist of Words First (BBC Radio 1 Xtra).
A gripping final between local legends Jackie Juno and Edward Tripp came down to the wire, with only 2 points separating the finalists; Edward Tripp took the 2024 City Slam crown!
In the autumn, Edward Tripp will represent Exeter in 2024’s Slamovision; an international slam competition featuring poets from UNESCO Cities of Literature all across the world!
Photo credit: Jorbein Photography
A huge thank you and congratulations to our featured performers and all our 2024 Slammers
James Turner | Tia Meraki | Laura Free | Micha Colombo | Shrividhya Iye | Josh Keen | Edward Tripp | Susan Taylor | Rob Casey | Peter Roe
City Slam 2023
We teamed up with local Slam experts Spork! and Taking the Mic for a very special slam, to find Exeter’s next Slamovision entry!
Exeter UNESCO City of Literature entered Slamovision for the first time in 2022, where we were represented by the fantastic Clare Morris, who finished in a fabulous 4th place.
Reigning champions Nottingham will once again host a night of Slamovision magic in 2023 — we think Exeter has got what it takes to challenge for the UNESCO Slam crown!
15 poets battled it out across 3 rounds of fierce but friendly competition. With feature slots from some local favourites and an incredible headline performance from Bristol-based poet and rapper Craft-D (aka Danny Pandolfi).
As well as entering this year’s Slamovision, the winner received a cash prize of £150!