Word Wise #93 Jo Bell

Word Wise returns with our first show of 2026.

We’re buzzed to announce that this month’s headliner is Jo Bell!

Jo Bell is a poet and boat-dweller, the UK's first Canal Laureate and the former director of National Poetry Day. Author of best-selling books 52: Write a Poem a Week and How to Be a Poet (with Jane Commane) she's the founder of The Poetic Licence, a perpetual poetry community. Her new memoir Boater is about to come out in paperback. Jo is a well-loved performer on stages from Glastonbury Festival to the House of Commons.

Open mic sign up is available on the night with 5minutes for each performer.

Admission is £5 on the door (Word Wise is a not-for-profit event and all funds go towards paying out artists).

See you there or be you square!

(Photograph by Alistair Cook)

Also check out other Arts events in Derby, Literary Art events in Derby, Performances in Derby.