Presented by The Thing Itself, the Fermanagh heat of the All Ireland Poetry Slam will take place on Friday, September 30 at Mulhern’s Cellar Bar, Enniskillen, along with a regular open mic section for non-slam contestants.

The Thing Itself is a poetry, spoken word and song event based in Enniskillen.

The Fermanagh Slam and Open Mic is a free event. Doors will open at 7.30pm with the night starting at 8pm.

All are welcome to come along and show their skills as part of the poetry slam competition. The usual slam rules apply: poets will perform over two rounds, one performance poem in each round.

There will be prizes for 1st, 2nd and 3rd places, with 1st and 2nd place going through to the All Ulster Slam heat, which will take place in Pat’s Bar, Enniskillen on Saturday, October 8, which forms part of the FLive festival programme.

Poems are to be performed from memory, with no props or guides. Participants may use a sheet, if needed, but it may affect their score.

Poems are to be no longer than three minutes in length, and points may be deducted for going over three minutes or under two minutes.

The Thing Itself will also be hosting its regular open mic for non-slam contestants. Slam contestants can feel free to do both, but cannot use the open mic for practise or repeat poems.