This Saturday 27 June, the Northern Beaches heats for the Australian Poetry Slam are being held at Manly Library.
If interested in taking part, sign-ups are from 4pm on the day. Entries don’t just have to be poems- performers can also bring their best rap, monologue or story to the stage.
Cheer on the attendees and score the performers as an audience member. Running from 4.30 to 6.30pm, the event is free and open to the public to watch performers slam dunk some poetry. On the day, a few judges will be randomly selected from the audience to give scores to the poets.
Two poets will be selected by the audience to head through to the Sydney Final. First place will receive a $100 voucher and second place a $50 voucher. Following heats and state finals, the remaining poets will face it off in the National Final at Sydney Opera House. The winner will be crowned the 2026 Australian Poetry Slam-bassador and receive a prize worth $20,000, including publishing opportunities and international gigs.
For the Northern Beaches heats, all ages are welcome. Parental supervision is required for children as content may include adult themes or coarse language.
For enquires, call 8495 5028 or email libraryprograms@northernbeaches.nsw.gov.au