Poetry

Dear Poetry enthusiasts, Newham Poetry Group focuses on amplifying marginalised voices, supporting young locals, LGBTQ+ individuals, migrants and people from the global majority. We know poetry has the potential to change not only individuals' lives but also communities. **Full programme** available at [www.newhampoetrygroup.com](http://www.newhampoetrygroup.com/). We have a maximum capacity of 20 participants per session, so book early to secure your spot. **Event details** Location: The Gate Library, 6-8 Woodgrange Road, E7 0QH Date: Every Thursday Time: 6:15 pm - 7:45 pm Our sessions are free of charge. However, we welcome donations. Light refreshments are provided. We look forward to welcoming you to our poetry sessions and creating meaningful experiences together.

Join us for Pink Ink - our LGBTQ+ creative writing support group! Pink Ink offers a safe writing space to all LGBTQ+ people to come together to write, share and discuss work. Each workshops will offer up 2-3 creatives writing exercises in a a fun sociable setting - refreshments, snacks and an opportunity to chat about writing, poetry, authors and a whole lot more! Our January workshops will also include a poetry exercise which will support any creative writers looking to enter the LGBT Swichboard [Poetry Competition ](https://switchboard.lgbt/switchboard-news-poetry-comp/) Every 2nd & 4th Thursday of the month 7-9pm 86 Caladonian Rd

Aerial Relaxation Pods… with Live Ambient Music! - London's Deep Relaxation Experience - Aerial Relaxation Pods - Lift Your Spirit Please watch our video to give you a taste of the experience: Our Aerial Relaxation Pods video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yxlR9u44llw London's first multi-sensory, aerial relaxation experience with Live ambient music, aromatherapy and featuring our beautiful sky-blue silky Aerial Hammocks. "An oasis of calm in our busy lives." Two sessions per evening on Thursdays: IMPORTANT: Please note your space is only confirmed once booked through Eventbrite. 7:15-8:30pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84883457707 8:45-10pm book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/84878729565 COST: 1 x ticket £17 (£18.92 inc ticket fee) Offer (limited availability) 2x tickets £28 (£30.77 inc ticket fee) "Words are inadequate to express the uniquely nurturing experience I had during your Aerial Relaxation Pod class... and the music was amazing! The feeling of being securely wrapped in a silk hammock from head to toe, suspended in the air, slowly rocking, with the crystal bowls and ambient music created a sublime and profound atmosphere. It was as if I was in a cocoon of total support, allowing peace to flow into my entire being." - Alison COVID SAFETY GUIDELINES & PREVENTION MEASURES: - If you are showing any symptoms, please do not attend. Any participant repeatedly coughing in the space will be asked to leave immediately. - You can wear a face-covering during the sessions if you choose to. - Please come already dressed in comfortable clothing ensuring your knees, armpits and torso are covered, and with a bag for your belongings. There are bathrooms at the venue but no changing rooms. - We will provide antibacterial wipes and hand sanitisers at the venue. Please wash your hands regularly and use the hand sanitiser supplied upon entering the venue. - All touch hotspots will be regularly cleaned with disinfectant between each session. - We ask that all participants keep at least 1m physical distance at all times. Any participant repeatedly breaching this distance will be asked to leave. - We will provide clean lavender eye pillows and covers will be changed between each session. You are welcome to bring your own eye pillow/ eye mask. - All hammocks will be disinfected with antibacterial spray between each session. - Blankets and cushions: we will provide separate sets for each session. You are welcome to bring your own blanket & cushion. - The venue has skylights that will be opened to allow more airflow in the space. PLEASE NOTE: 1) Strictly no latecomers! - Sorry, please arrive on time! Unfortunately, if you are more than 10 minutes late, you will not be allowed entry, (and there can be no refunds if you are more than 10 minutes late, very sorry!) as we need to make it a calm & peaceful space for people who are already here. 2) Please only arrive 5 minutes before the start of the session, as there is no waiting room. 3) No Refunds. No refunds are available as we need to have enough time to fill the space left. You are welcome to pass on your ticket to a friend, colleague or family member. 4) Clothing: Please wear a sleeved shirt that covers the armpits and leggings or yoga trousers that cover your knees. Wear form-fitting clothing. Please do not wear baggy clothing as they can snag and catch on the sling’s fabric causing accidents. Ensure that your clothing is "zipper free" and remove all jewellery (body piercings, watches and hair clips. These items can snag and damage the silk hammocks.

**London's first multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with live ambient music, gongs, aromatherapy and aerial hammocks. An Oasis of Calm in our Busy Lives.** # Aerial Relaxation Pods - Sound Journey Gong Bath Meditation in Hammocks ### **ABOUT AERIAL RELAXATION PODS™** London's first **multi-sensory aerial relaxation experience with a short guided meditation, live ambient music: gongs, crystal bowls, vocals, other live instruments and nurturing electronica, aromatherapy eye pillows and scents, sky-blue silky aerial hammocks** to soothe your stresses away and lift your spirit! **A very unique, next level sound journey experience!** *"An oasis of calm in our busy lives."* Londoners stressed out by their busy lives can now turn to Aerial Relaxation Pods™ to transform their tension to calm, and restore the body’s natural healing wisdom. ***(please confirm all dates / times / venue via eventbrite. Not all dates are correct on meetup!)*** **PLEASE NOTE:** Please book via eventbrite. There are very limited spaces, and no sales on the door. an RSVP here on meetup is not a ticket! **For more information and bookings:** [https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator](https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/aerial-relaxation-pods-sound-journey-gong-bath-meditation-in-hammocks-tickets-84883457707?aff=oddtdtcreator) *“Our pods are here to help Londoners relax. As a former teacher myself, I am fully aware of just how busy and stressed a lot of people are. And most of us just don't find the time to unwind. Our **Aerial Relaxation Pods** are going to help you alleviate stress, providing time & space to allow your body to deeply rest, harmonising your nervous system. You’ll feel rejuvenated and refreshed after one session.” -* Seth Newman, co-founder of Aerial Relaxation Pods**™**.

\*\*Fadi K & F K Dance team - present The best Salsa Night the UK has ever seen. **With FREE INTRO SALSA CLASS at 7:00PM** & Free Entry All Night !! Classes 7:00 PM - FREE INTRO TO SALSA CLASS This Class is an introduction to our regular 2 hours salsa classes run every Thursday 7:30 & 8:30 **CROSS BODY SALSA** 7:30 Level 1 & Level 2/3 8:30 Level 1, Level 2 & level 3/4 Beginners / improvers / intermediate **Teachers** ▪️Fadi K & Cristina Varga ▪️Camy Marina ▪️Tiffany Salsera ▪️Chris diamond ▪️F K Dance Team & Guests on Rotation DJs ▪️ Fadi K & Guests on rotation PRICES £10 FOR 1 CLASS £15 FOR 2 CLASS A night brought & created by dancers to the dancers. Great dance floor / Happy hour / ultimate location & late party till 11am. More info 07907945534

**WELCOME** **This is a supportive, growing community for writers — a quiet space to return to yourself, your words, and the simple rhythm of creating alongside others. I organise and gently hold the space, and it’s been beautiful watching this become a regular place to focus, write, and connect.** **WHAT TO EXPECT** **Simply arrive, order your food or drink at the counter, then settle into your writing persona. Together, we’ll share 90 minutes of quiet focused writing — a calm co-working space for writers of all levels.** **No critiques. No pressure. No one reads your work.** **Just the quiet companionship of people showing up for their creativity.** **Afterwards, everyone is welcome to stay, unwind, and socialise with fellow members until closing time.** **TIME & DATE** **Focused writing time:** **Every Thursday, 7pm–8:30pm** **The venue closes at 10pm.** **VENUE** **I’m holding this space at the warm, beautiful, and intimate British Patagonia café, opposite Islington Town Hall on Upper Street.** **TRANSPORT** **The venue is situated between Angel Tube Station and Highbury & Islington Station.** **Closest bus routes: 4, 19, 30, 43.** **There’s also free street parking after 6:30pm (please check signs).** **ABOUT ME** **I create from lived experience — rooted in care, healing, and meaningful connection. I hope to meet you all in time, but if we don’t get the chance to speak, please know you are warmly welcome here.** **See you soon,** **Sara x**

Bethnal Beats @ The Beehive is our poetry performance night! Whether you want to perform or just enjoy some poetry and cheer on others - it is set to be a fun night. We will open the doors at 7pm and kick off at 7.30pm. Drinks will be available from the bar. So come along, bring some friends and feel the bethnal beats. If you would like to perform at the event please contact James, one of the organisers!

Spreading the love of poetry, this session will involve creating a poem by; working on at least 2 poetry techniques, the use of prompts, refinement, and reading out loud. And you get to meet really nice people!!! x

Join us at the top of the biggest bookshop in Europe to work in company on your own writing, be it a book, blog, screenplay, dissertation, poem, song, coursework, memoir, play, journal, travel writing, work stuff or anything else. Newcomers always welcome. No one will see what you're writing or give you unsolicited advice. Now that our regular Saturday events are filling all the seats we're adding some Sundays when we're able to - check Meetup for dates. Same format but an hour later. WHERE? FIFTH FLOOR CAFÉ, Floor 5, Waterstones, 203-206 Piccadilly, W1J 9LE TIMINGS:- 12.00 - Shop and café open 12:30 - Host will be there. Say hello, especially if you’re new. 12.40 - Brief introductions from everybody - your name and what you’re working on 12:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 13:30 – Break, chat to your neighbours if you like 13:45 - Timer starts: write for 45 minutes 14:30 - The End…feel free to stay and keep writing or chat some more. Bring whatever you need to be able to write. It’s a café, there’s some noise so earbuds/headphones/earplugs are handy. There’s very few mains sockets so charged-up laptops are a good idea too. And please remember everybody, thank our venue by buying a drink or food, and don’t consume anything from outside while you're here. We’re looking forward to writing with you, your hosts, Sarah, Nick, Laura, Anna, Solitaire and John

**A** thoughtfully curated urban workshop designed to help you reconnect with what truly brings happiness and inner balance. Are you feeling the relentless pace of living? Do you need more clarity, calm and genuine connection in your day? Inspired by the work of Dr Arthur C. Brooks, this experience blends science, reflection and nature-based practices to explore a deeper, more sustainable sense of wellbeing. Set in a **beautiful, calming venue**, this workshop offers a rare opportunity to pause, reflect and reset — right in the heart of urban life. Throughout the day, you’ll be nourished with a **delicious, nutritious vegetarian lunch**, along with drinks and snacks to keep you energised and comfortable. **Who it’s for:** Anyone feeling the pace of city living and looking to cultivate more clarity, calm and connection.

Walk length 12miles/19km approx. Linear. A chance to enjoy a seaside hike from Newhaven to Brighton on a moderate although undulating coastal downland and urban hike. At the end of the hike there should be sometime to enjoy Brighton a town once described as London-by-the-Sea with a rich and varied history. We may get the chance to have a swim on Brighton Beach at the end of the hike. The meeting point is London Bridge Train Station. Meet next to the main ticket office opposite the WHSmith. See photo below. Meet from 8.30am to give us time to get tickets. The 0905am train gets to Brighton for 10.13am. We need to get a single train ticket at Brighton to Newhaven Town. The 10.36am gets to Newhaven Town at 11.11am for the walk to start. Cost: Train £16.50 (Super Off-Peak Return) or less with a group save, network railcard or ordered online. Single ticket to Newhaven town £5.90 but could be cheaper with a network or railcard discount. Meet at 11.15am outside Newhaven Town Station for the walk to start after the train arrives from Brighton (linear walk) . There are regular trains back from Brighton to London or Newhaven if you are collecting your car. Car Parking in Newhaven but if driving you will need to collect your car as this is a linear walk. Walk Cost: £7 cash on the day organizer fee (the host is a qualified London guide). For paypal it is '[colin45@hotmail.co.uk](http://colin45@hotmail.co.uk/)' Please send as friends and family to avoid charges. For bank transfer message organizer. The walk should finish about 5pm at Brighton but the time may be slightly earlier or later. Please make a note of the organizers numbers - Colin 07709305681 Walking Safety Walking is a great way to keep fit and generally very safe; however it does contain an element of risk. Before going on any of these walks you need to be reasonably fit and be prepared to be responsible for your own safety. You should wear appropriate clothing such as proper walking shoes, warm and wet weather clothing and carry sufficient food and water. Please see our Terms and Conditions ([https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/](https://www.meetup.com/Escape-London-City-Explorers/pages/23195445/Terms_and_Conditions/)) COULD EVERYONE PLEASE AVOID COMMENTS BELOW THAT ARE NOT SPECIFIC TO THE EVENT AS THIS GENERATES SPAM, JUST CHANGE YOUR RSVP IF YOU CAN'T GO. YOU CAN MESSAGE ME. MANY THANKS.

Last drum circle of the season! We've met at the Wheatsheaf Hall every month since October, journeying through the huge cosmic shift underway in the skies and in the human spirit - let's make May 30th a celebration of Spring in its full glory and cast our spells for the summer months ahead. Radical Faeries and Queer Spirits gather in south London at the Full Moon in Sagittarius, a time when the Gemini Sun and Sagittarius Moon bring our attention to the union of the lower and higher mind - our individual and collective consciousness. Through the drum rhythms and trance dancing we unite the body, mind, heart and spirit. As we play, we heal, we feel our interconnectedness, we become whole. Uranus, the queerest planet of the solar system, has recently completed 8 years in Taurus - a place where his liberating energy meets resistance. The last time Uranus was in Taurus was 1934-42, and just like that period, his Taurean sojourn this time has seen the rise of authoritarian leaders and attacks on LGTBQ+ rights. But now Uranus is free to express himself again in the air energy of Gemini, where he will be until 2032. At the drum circle let's celebrate the liberation of the Uranian spirit. Shokti has studied the parallels between the transits of Uranus and the cause of LGBTQ liberation -with uncanny results that might suggest that, as Plato wrote and Edward Carpenter and other 19th century queers celebrated, we really are the people of Aphrodite Urania - [read more here](https://rainbowmessenger.blog/2025/05/22/uranus-is-the-queerest-planet/) We gather from 7 to set up the space and greet each other, cast a circle at 8pm then we drum, dance, socialise and play through the evening. There's lots of drums and percussion to share around, you are welcome to bring your own instruments too, your own refreshments and maybe snacks to share. Entry suggested £5 - £10, cash at the venue, or via PayPal [PayPal.Me](https://www.paypal.com/paypalme/shokti) NOTAFLOF - No One Turned Away For Lack Of Funds. SIGN UP FOR EMAIL ANNOUNCEMENTS AT [queerspirit.net](http://queerspirit.net/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZVlKQno3TTQ4RjRLN2VpeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR5xwz0GTBRsNsPzxM4BFgzJC95U9YPnWgBbp5kj2qUQ9UVdou5u5V4Bf55L-Q_aem_R3HodUHSsRfqcxxlUv_Cpg) Queer Spirit Circle has been bringing spiritual queers together to make magic since 2005, and at the Wheatsheaf Hall since Winter Solstice 2012. Usually around 50 or more people come along and the rhythms and dancing can get ecstatic. Read more about the drum circle - [https://rainbowmessenger.blog/queer-spirit-circle/](https://rainbowmessenger.blog/queer-spirit-circle/?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAYnJpZBExZVlKQno3TTQ4RjRLN2VpeXNydGMGYXBwX2lkEDIyMjAzOTE3ODgyMDA4OTIAAR43kypzdRhbWax7K4pi-QULep2kcmpeqyNdhvGl4cmpmCy96-YGsqAGsT8SEg_aem_Zkg_K1A2WyF6ouks8LN84g)

The topic for June is "Roadtrip" Speak Easy: true stories, told live. The idea is simple: an audience, an open microphone, and great stories. Hilarious, gripping, poignant- it's up to you. Audiences are invited to come to listen or come to tell as folks from all corners of Columbus offer their stories live on stage! Held at Wild Goose Creative's warm, intimate space, this night of tales occurs on the 3rd Thursday of every month. Doors open at 6:30 pm, show starts at 7:00 pm. Please arrive early if you want to tell, as we generally only have room for a limited number of tellers, and the sign-up sheet has a tendency to fill up fast. Formed around the idea that people need stories--they're what hold and draw us together--SpeakEasy celebrates the strangeness and commonness of being human. And in a world of smartphones, Facebook, Twitter, and more . . . it gives people a real, breathing, in-person way to connect. The night is geared for true stories of all kinds, taking the best tales told around kitchen tables, in darkened pubs, on the street corner, and at late-night parties and giving them an audience. Speak Easy is also a great outlet for performers, writers, and artists looking to share their favorite stories and perfect their skills. We strongly encourage tellers to please tell the story rather than read it so we keep within the spirit of good storytelling and stay engaged with the audience. All are welcome. Hang around after the show for a drink and build community!

Join us as we get together to see Paul Rudd in the latest comedy-drama-musical from John Carney, POWER BALLAD! The film follows a washed-up wedding singer, a fading boy band singer and a stolen hit song. Here’s a description, trailer and plan for this event: DESCRIPTION: Rick, a washed-up wedding singer, and Danny, a fading boy band star, bond over music and a late-night jam session. When Danny turns Rick's song into a hit, Rick sets out to reclaim the recognition he believes he deserves. Power Ballad is written/directed by John Carney, the master of the modern musical and creative mind behind Once, Begin Again and Sing Street! It stars Paul Rudd, Nick Jonas, Peter McDonald, Marcella Plunkett, Havana Rose Liu and Jack Reynor. BUZZ & ACCLAIM: The film premiered to rave reviews at this year’s Dublin International Film Festival where critics call it “a sure-fired crowd-pleaser” that “just might be the feel-good hit of the year!” Others say, “Paul Rudd delivers a career-best performance in this charmer” that’s both “hilarious and deeply moving." The film continues John Carney’s “long run of success with yet another charmer” and “a sharp, hopeful crowd-pleaser that strikes the right notes!” SUMMER OF ICE CREAM, VOL 2: SHAKE NO. 8! Ranked the #1 Ice Cream Shop in Columbus, this is a perfect early stop on our Summer of Ice Cream! Their menu uses made-from-scratch recipes in an array of traditional, specialty and vegan shakes, hot cocoa, crepes, waffle sticks, specialty coffee & espresso, and more! Their specialty shakes are as delicious as they are over-the-top and they offer an extensive vegan menu! You can check out their full menu here: [https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php](https://www.shakeno8.com/menu.php) PLAN: Please purchase your ticket for the 6:45pm showing and we’ll meet in the upstairs lobby between 6:25 and 6:35pm! Advance ticket purchase is advised for this opening night showing! Once you have yours, please list your seat number in the Comments section of this event. We'll head to nearby Shake No. 8 immediately following the show! Should be a fun one, Dan

Join us for an hour of writing! We’ve discovered that it’s strikingly helpful to write with other writers. See if it’s true for you at 7:00pm on Wednesday, February 11 at Streetlight Guild. Be it a book, blog, script, essay, dissertation, resume, melody, poem or just plain work stuff, you are invited to write it with us. No one will see what you've written or give you unsolicited advice. Instead of just thinking about writing, come and get some real writing done. **SCHEDULE:** 6:45ish - Quick introductions 7:00 - Timer starts: write for 1 hour 8:00 - The End **OPTIONAL SOCIALIZING** happens before and after the writing hour. Writing is very solitary. Connecting (and sometimes even commiserating) with other writers is a cool thing. **BEING LATE IS OKAY:** just show up and get settled! If you were on time, please be willing to make room for the friendly latecomer. Happy writing & I look forward to seeing you at Streetlight Guild! **WHAT SHOULD I BRING?** Whatever you need to be able to write! You're welcome to bring earplugs/headphones if noise will bother you! **OTHER IMPORTANT DETAILS:** * **RSVP:** Please RSVP by 6:00pm the evening of the meeting. This helps me know how many to expect, and if we'll need additional space! * **COVID:** While masks are not required, please be mindful of the other writers around you and their comfort levels. * **WIFI/OUTLETS:** Outlets are limited, so please ensure your devices are charged when you come! But Streetlight Guild does have free WiFi! Yay! * **PARKING:** There is free public parking at Streetlight Guild.

http://photos2.meetupstatic.com/photos/event/2/a/9/6/600_348310902.jpeg Instructor - Crow, HPS Class fee is $30 at the door or approved exchange RSVP with Advance pay of $25 (discounted) by PayPal on the web or by contacting Enchanted Elements (614) 437-2642. Reservations made directly to Enchanted Elements will be added to the class list manually not online. Private Instruction ~ Closed to the Public ~ Initiated Members Only Please come prepared for ritual. Blessings ~ Crow