Join Our TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Reading Group – Starting October 2025
This October, dive into the very best of contemporary poetry with our TS Eliot Prize Shortlist Reading Group. Each session, we’ll explore poems from two of the shortlisted collections, discussing their themes, language, and impact. Whether you're a lifelong poetry lover or just starting out and curious to read more poetry, this is a welcoming space to read, reflect, and connect through some of the most powerful voices in poetry today.
The shortlist of ten books is announced in early October each year. Participants may wish to buy the books but there is no obligation to do so as we’ll hone in on a small number of representative poems from each collection which will be provided in a handout. The prize shortlist readings take place at the Southbank Centre in early-mid January after the reading group has finished – why not treat yourself to a trip to London then to see your favourite poet read?!
In an age increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence, taking time to read, think, and talk about poetry is more vital than ever. Poetry asks us to slow down, to sit with ambiguity, and to engage deeply with language and emotion—things that resist automation. As machines get better at mimicking thought, the act of truly human thinking becomes a kind of quiet resistance. You don’t have to be a poet or even an avid poetry reader to come along, you just need to have an interested in stretching your mind, sharpening your attention and celebrating the irreplaceable richness of human creativity—together.
Five sessions on Friday lunchtimes between late October and early January. Feel free to bring along your own lunch. Tea and coffee will be provided.
Each session runs 1pm – 2.45pm and take place at the recently refurbished Coach House (Scout Hut), 74 Chapel Street, Stroud, Glos, GL5 1DU.
24th October
14th November
28th November
12th December
9th January
The sessions will be facilitated by JLM Morton.
Cost: £60 / £50 concessions.
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