Spoken Word Weekend: Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic

Sun 1 February

Jesus College

Introduction to Hip Hop Culture and a Brief History of Rap with Francis Winston | Spoken Word Weekend
January 31, 2026 11:00am
West Road Concert Hall

Hip Hop culture has become arguably the biggest youth movement in history. It has transformed not only the way in which young people see themselves within the world, but also the way in which corporations have hijacked elements of the culture for marketing and financial gain. Free entry. Sign up. Limited spaces.

The Art & Techniques of Rap Workshop | Spoken Word Weekend
January 31, 2026 2:00pm
West Road Concert Hall

This interactive session will breakdown the ‘Four Pillars of Rap’ which are essential for understanding the craft and developing your skills. Flow, Articulation, Vocal technique and Dynamics are the skills you will explore. Free entry. Sign up. Limited Spaces

Hip Hop Society Cypher | Spoken Word Weekend
January 31, 2026 7:00 pm
Brewery Room, Jesus College

Centre for Music Performance and Cambridge University Hip-Hop Society invite students and local community rappers to come and exchange bars and freestyle alongside University artists, or you can just come and watch! Free entry

Spoken Word Masterclass With Francesca Beard | Spoken Word Weekend
February 1, 2026 2:00 pm
Jesus College

Through devised theatre and creative writing exercises, we’ll explore persona, the ’I’ in spoken word, as constructed by the text, the performance and the audience. We’ll play with autobiography and story, fact and fiction, oral histories and dramatic monologues. The session will be a practical, hands-on experience which involves some collaborative, improvisational exercises. Register your place

Poetry and Spoken Word Open Mic | Spoken Word Weekend
February 1, 2026 7:00 pm
Sibilla Room, Jesus College

Expect an electric night of student performance poetry, bold voices, and big vibes — plus an open mic for anyone ready to grab the stage. You can sign up in advance, or jump in on the night if you want.

This is a pay-what-you-like event, with advance open mic sign-ups available here

Cost: Variable