UniSlam is the UK’s largest team poetry slam, bringing together teams of the UK and Ireland’s top emerging poets for a tournament of searing poetry slam performances over two weekends this March.

See our FAQ guide for more information about streaming UniSlam 2021.

Sat 20 Mar

The Semi Finals

See the country’s highest scoring 8 university poetry slam teams go head to head, alongside performances from the esteemed judging panel, including creator of ‘Barbershop Chronicles’ and ‘An evening with an immigrant’, Inua Ellams, Edinburgh-based researcher, poet and performer, Katie Ailes, and Soweto-born storyteller, actress, poet and editor, Mandi Vundla.

Sat 27 Mar 

UniSlam 2021 Artists Panel

This intimate discussion between host Vanessa Kisuule and poets Mona Arshi, Paul Tran and Deanna Rodger is designed to provide a frank, open and thought-provoking insight into what it means to produce art and survive as a writer today.

The Grand Finals

UniSlam Grand Finals is the culmination of the UK’s premier student and young people’s poetry event.

The Finals will see the country’s top 4 poetry slam teams go head to head for the champions trophy and prize package. Electrifying performances from some of the most exciting emerging poets in the UK alongside readings from our high profile judges, including Mona Arshi, Paul Tran and Deanna Rodger. It’s poetry, but not as you know it.

The Judges

Former human rights lawyer and winner of the Forward Prize for Best First Collection 2015, Mona Arshi (she/her pronouns).

The first Asian American poet since 1993—and first transgender poet ever—to win the Nuyorican Poets Cafe Grand Slam, debut collection (All the flowers kneeling) published by Penguin in 2022, multiple slam champion, Paul Tran (they/them pronouns).

Poet, facilitator, host and performer, Deanna Rodger.

Sun 28 Mar – National Youth Poetry Showcase

The National Youth Poetry Showcase highlights work from some of the most talented young poets in the country aged 16-25 years. Bringing together electrifying performances from youth poetry collectives across the country, the showcase is a chance to celebrate the talent of young writers, hear their stories and uplift their voices.