Opportunity to Perform at Milton Keynes International Festival 2025

Are you a young poet based in Milton Keynes? This is your chance to perform alongside our poet in residence, Maureen Onwunali, at a special evening of performance poetry, Utopia in Verse, taking place at Festival Central in Campbell Park.

About the Event: Utopia in Verse

Created by celebrated slam poet Maureen Onwunali, Utopia in Verse explores radical hope, collective liberation, and the courage to imagine a better world. This ticketed event will feature the premiere of Maureen’s new poem (commissioned by centre:mk in collaboration with the Festival) and will showcase one local poet, selected through this open call.

We’re looking for one outstanding young Milton Keynes-based poet to join Maureen on stage and perform a poem of their choice as part of this inspiring evening.

Date & Time: Thursday 24 July, 7pm
Location: Terceradix, Festival Central, Campbell Park, Milton Keynes, MK9 4AT

Commissioning Partner:

centremk.com

Who We’re Looking For

You must:

Live within the unitary authority of Milton Keynes
Be aged 16–30 on the date of the performance (24 July 2025)
Be confident performing in front of a live audience
Be available to perform on Thursday 24 July 2025

No formal poetry training is required. We welcome all styles and voices.

How to Apply

Please send the following by midday on Friday 27 June 2025 to takepart@stables.org with Local Poet Application in the subject line:

A written (max 500 words) or video (max 3 minutes) statement telling us:

Why you want to take part
Confirmation that you live in Milton Keynes and meet the age requirement
A photo of you performing
A video of you performing a poem

You may send materials via WeTransfer, Dropbox, or include links to YouTube, SoundCloud, or other platforms.

Selection Criteria

A panel will select the poet based on:

Talent
Originality
Performance presence

If you have any questions, contact: Rachel Wright, Project Manager – Community Engagement rachel.wright@stables.org

About Maureen Owunali

Maureen Onwunali is a Dublin-born Nigerian poet and a two-time national slam champion. She is currently a Resident Artist at the Roundhouse and has been featured by the likes of BFI, Pearson, Penguin, BBC Radio London, Apples and Snakes, and the Poetry Society. Maureen has also performed at festivals including We Out Here Festival, Ledbury Poetry Festival, Hay Festival, Jazzx Festival, and Dulwich Festival.