Formed in 2006, Word Life has evolved into one of the leading advocates for literature in the Yorkshire region. Word Life started as a response to the lack of live literature events in Sheffield and since then has developed a programme across Yorkshire and beyond, including events, publications and bespoke projects designed to bring new audiences to literature.

Word Life is part of a not-for-profit social enterprise called Opus Independents which also publishes an arts and culture magazine called Now Then in Sheffield and Manchester, various music events and a promotional and distribution service. Word Life’s regular event series is the most popular and diverse regular poetry event in Yorkshire. Word Life have run events in a range of locations, from pubs to theatres, nightclubs, museums, parks and everything in between.

We’ve featured leading poets from the UK, such as Kate Tempest, Lemn Sissay and Joe Dunthorne, and the best-known poets from the US slam scene, such as Buddy Wakefield and Derrick Brown. We’ve partnered with national organisations like Apples and Snakes, The British Council and The Arts Council alongside long-standing relationships with local festivals such as Off The Shelf Festival of Words. Our events have been featured in The Independent, The Guardian and The Yorkshire Post.

Artwork: Phlegm