Upcoming Spoken Word Highlights at First Fortnight 2025
First Fortnight Festival 2025 runs from January 4th to 18th, celebrating the power of the arts to challenge mental health stigma and inspire meaningful conversations. With a vibrant lineup of spoken word events, this year’s festival promises to deliver impactful performances, storytelling, and community engagement. First Fortnight continues to inspire and challenge mental health stigma through its diverse spoken word events, fostering community connection and meaningful conversations across Ireland.
Dublin Story Slam Workshop
Sunday, January 5, 2025 | 2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
In partnership with Dublin Story Slam, this workshop invites participants—especially first-time storytellers—to develop authentic, empowering stories about mental health, preparing them to share their voices at the January 15th Story Slam.
Nollaig na mBan with Mary Coughlan and Paula Meehan
Monday, January 6, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Whelan’s
In association with Poetry Ireland, Whelan’s hosts an intimate Nollaig na mBan celebration featuring legendary Irish artists Mary Coughlan and Paula Meehan, blending poetry and music in a tribute to women’s voices and creativity.
LGBTI+ Traveller Spoken Word Event
Tuesday, January 7, 2025 | 10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
In collaboration with the National Action Group for LGBTI+ Travellers & Roma, this spoken word event amplifies the voices and culture of LGBTI+ Traveller community members, encouraging connection and understanding through performance and conversation.
Amplify: A Creative Response
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM
In partnership with Safe to Create, this event highlights the AMPLIFY report on diverse artists’ experiences, featuring a screening of Diversity Hire by FELISPEAKS and a commissioned artistic response by Chandrika Narayanan Mohan.
So Say So
Thursday, January 9, 2025 | 8:00 PM - 10:00 PM
Curated by poet Stephen James Smith, So Say So offers a monthly showcase of poetry, storytelling, and music, spotlighting both emerging and established voices.
Therapy Sessions Dublin
Friday, January 10, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Workman’s
Hosted by Stephen James Smith, Therapy Sessions returns to Dublin with a dynamic evening of spoken word and music, headlined by Poetry World Slam Champion Harry Baker.
Therapy Sessions Belfast
Saturday, January 11, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | The Duncairn
Therapy Sessions makes its way to Belfast, featuring host Stephen James Smith and headline performer Harry Baker, promising a night of powerful spoken word and musical performances in the heart of the Duncairn.
Tongue Fu
Sunday, January 12, 2025 | 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM | Dublin
In association with Poetry Ireland, Tongue Fu presents an electrifying mix of live spoken word and improvised music. Led by Chris Redmond, this high-energy show features collaborations with acclaimed poets, musicians, and writers.
Ó Bhéal
Monday, January 13, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 11:00 PM | Long Valley Bar, Cork
Ó Bhéal, in association with First Fortnight, hosts poets Jeanann Verlee (via Zoom) and Lauren McNamara (in person), providing a platform for powerful open mic poetry upstairs in Cork’s Long Valley Bar.
Dublin Story Slam
Wednesday, January 15, 2025 | 7:00 PM - 9:30 PM | The Sugar Club
The Dublin Story Slam invites audience members to share true, personal stories inspired by monthly themes, competing for the title of Story Slam Champion in this beloved open mic storytelling night.
Cistin with Emma Langford, Luke Clerkin, and Dagogo Hart
Thursday, January 16, 2025 | 6:00 PM - 8:00 PM
This heartwarming evening celebrates the transformative power of art, featuring captivating performances by singer-songwriter Emma Langford, musician and mental health advocate Luke Clerkin, and spoken-word artist Dagogo Hart.