Wordsmith 2013 brings together, aspiring young writers, poets and MCs from schools and colleges across the Greater Manchester area. This year, the project consists of eight weeks of intense writing and performing workshops and culminates in an inter-school performance poetry showcase, which will be held on 4^th July at Burnage Media Arts College.

During the final showcase all participants will perform in front of a panel of high profile judges and there will be special guest performances from award winning slam poet, Ben Mellor and up and coming, highly acclaimed poets JT Cooper and Flex.

Prizes for this year’s participants include free books, a published poem in the Wordsmith 2013 anthology, one-to-one mentoring with professional poets and master classes led by award winning writers and performers. The winning team will also gain the opportunity to compete in a prestigious national poetry showcase, hosted by forward thinking, London based poetry organisation, Apples and Snakes at The Southbank Centre in London later this year.

Wordsmith is a poetry and performance organisation that discovers, encourages and nurtures new writing talent in young people. We work in partnership with writers, performers, schools and colleges across the Manchester area, to deliver projects that equip young people with the skills and confidence to write, to have a voice and to perform. 

 Wordsmith began in 2009 and was developed by Chris Jam, artistic director of Wordsmith, Guy Perry, senior lecturer at Xaverian College, Ian Fenn, head teacher of Burnage Media Arts College and Shirley May, artistic director of Young Identity. The project is now entering its fourth successful year.