READTHEWORLD 7 - 16 October Montpellier Gardens, Montpellier free!
Right From top Left: Nat Oaks, JPDL, Maisie Gaffney, Shirley Hasse
comedycreatemusic
Hear from some of the best and brightest local talent in The Music Works takeover. Featuring music from Maisie Gaffney and Nat Oaks, a performance from MC and rapper Griz-O and a set from DJ Cage, join us as we celebrate VOICEBOX’s return to Cheltenham. 9 - 11 PM THE MUSIC WORKS TAKEOVER
7.30 - 8.15PM
6.15 - 7PM HEAR MY xJUSSARAVOICE:NAZAREJPDL
Grab a drink and join us for laugh-out-loud stand-up. Fresh from Edinburgh Fringe, host Shirley Halse introduces a line-up of spectacular comedians.
VOICEBOX LAUGHS
return of Cheltenham's hottest venue. Join artist Jussara Nazare and musician and spoken word artist JPDL as they lead a drop-in workshop to get your creativity flowing with performances, art and collage-making. Taking ‘Hear My Voice’ as inspiration, we turn up the volume and celebrate the power of young voices to change the world.
TOM MADEDALEY:WITH WORKSHOPLOVE
Self-love queen, curve model and founder of the online movement #SelfLoveBringsBeauty Felicity Hayward is a leading voice for change in the UK’s fashion industry. She dispels harmful body myths and chats about the highs and lows of her own journey charted in her debut book, Does My Butt Look Big in This? Join Felicity as she shares practical tips on how to take control of your self-image, learn to love your authentic self and achieve true body confidence.
SATURDAY
Right: Emma-Louise Boynton & Monika Radojevic
Award-winning audio documentary-maker, creative director and author Hana Walker-Brown and podcaster, producer and radio documentary-maker Tatum Swithenbank share their top tips for starting a career in storytelling. Together they chat about telling stories that matter, the process of writing and sharing your work, and how to document non-fiction narratives through different mediums. 1.45 - 2.30PM
We explore the power of telling true stories.
This event will be British Sign Language (BSL) interpreted
5.45 - 6.30PM
11.45AM12.45PM
THE BEST STORIES ARE TRUE: WALKER-BROWNHANA x SWITHENBANKTATUM
Join founder of Feminist Invoicing and award-winning poet Monika Radojevic as she invites you to 'invoice' the patriarchy through uniquely structured poems. Past invoices have included specific memories, items of clothing, lost childhoods and more. Monika performs some of her work and shares tips and writing exercises to help you create your own ‘invoices’ that explore the unequal power dynamics that impact our everyday lives.
There is no justice without love. It helps us imagine the future we desire, and act together to bring it about. As activists campaign for change against the backdrop of a divided world, is love the answer to dismantling systems of oppression? Listen in as our panel chats about the role of love as a transformative force, add your voice to the conversation and take part in a creative activity that will respond to the ideas shared.
EMPOWER HER* VOICE: LOVE GROWS HERE
Join us for a day of all things wellness and self-care with goody bags from menstrual cycle care brand FEWE. 8.10.2022
FEMINIST INVOICING
3- 4PM
What would you reclaim from the patriarchy if you could?
SELF-LOVE BRINGS BEAUTY: HAYWARDFELICITY Stitch by stitch, Tom Daley is inspiring the next generation of crafters. Join Tom and get crafty in this special conversation and workshop, as he chats about his new book Made With Love, shares the joys of knitting and crochet and offers top tips and tricks. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, have a go at making your own creation to take home.
Listen to the experiences of others or take to the mic and share your creations in this welcoming and inclusive Findspace.out more about the project @feministinvoicing 4.30 - 5.15PM
debateactivistswriters
Right From Top; Tatum Swithenbank, Rizpah Amadasun, Felicity Hayward & Thembe Mvula
Leena Norms reads poetry from Bargain Bin Rom-Com, her debut poetry collection. From the politics of ice-cream to the permission slip you didn't know you needed, her poems are a tongue-in-cheek look at living on a planet that is filled with both doom and glitter. Poetry sceptics and newbies welcome. 9 - 9.30PM
In part two of our Lit Crawl Takeover, don’t miss the chance to see an energetic set of spoken word and poetry from Bristol-based performers Raise the Bar. 9.45 - 10.30PM
VOICEBOX x LIT CRAWL TAKEOVER: RAISE THE BAR
VOICEBOX x LIT CRAWL TAKEOVER: LEENA ROM-COMBARGAINNORMS’BIN
What does modern love look like? With more people remaining ‘consciously single’, a surge in couples opening up their relationships to explore non-monogamy, and fewer people opting to get married or have children, how are we breaking free from the norms and expectations that have long shaped how we live our intimate lives? n this special edition of Sex Talks host Emma-Louise Boynton is joined by guests including journalist and writer Alya Mooro (The Greater Freedom) to explore what sex, love and intimacy mean today. 7 - 7.45PM SEX LOVERETHINKINGMODERNTALKSLOVE:SEX,ANDINTIMACY 8.15 - 8.45PM
SPOKEN WORD DOUBLE BILL: RIZPAH AMADASUN x THEMBE MVULA
Before our Lit Crawl takeover, join us for a mesmerising double-bill of spoken word and poetry from South African-British poet, writer and filmmaker Thembe Mvula and Gloucester-based spoken word artist Rizpah Amadasun. Thembe celebrates, unpacks or laments all that is tied to home, relationships and self, while Rizpah delves into the humanity of Black women in Britain as they live among others. Don’t miss this spellbinding and emotive performance.
Right From top Left: Hussain Manawer, Tiwalola Ogunlesi, Hana Walker-Brown & Memoona Ahmed
SUNDAY
CONFIDENT AND KILLING IT
We celebrate taking care of our minds in a day of content that delves into all things mental health.
2 - 2.30PM
Join confidence coach and author Tiwalola Ogunlesi for a masterclass in becoming the most unapologetic and unstoppable version of yourself. Sharing practical tips and tricks and real-life stories, she’ll show you how to master your mind, overcome fear and live life to the fullest.
3.45 - 4PM
12.30 - 4.30PM
Globally acclaimed poet, mental health campaigner and producer Hussain Manawer joins us for a special VOICEBOX event. Sharing poems from his debut collection, he channels his journey through depression and grief, and out the other side to a better place. Through his words, Hussain harnesses the power of creativity to connect with others, reminding us that even in your lowest moments you can find gold dust.
9.10.2022
MEMOONA AHMED
HUSSAIN MANAWER: LIFE IS SAD AND BEAUTIFUL
MANIFESTO FOR MINDS ARTWORK
3 - 3.30 PM
Writer, poet and psychology graduate Memoona Ahmed’s poetry explores themes of adversity, mental illness, identity and the highs and lows of the human experience. She performs a selection of her work to coincide with our VOICEBOX mental health takeover day.
inspirewellness poet
What matters to you – at home, school, work, or in your community – when it comes to mental health?
What are your hopes and dreams for your own wellbeing and the happiness of others? To celebrate our mental health day takeover, add your ideas, words and images to our MANIFESTO FOR MINDS, an artwork that will grow throughout the day and capture your ideas for a world where our minds come first. Led by artist Jussara Nazare.
5 - 5.45PM
FRIENDSHIP AND FINDING CRAGGSCAUGHTCOMMUNITY:YOURALEXISxCHARLIE
Autistic writer and author of Obsessive, Intrusive, Magical Thinking Marianne Eloise was born obsessive. Her debut essay collection explores her fixations, from death to Medusa to Disneyland. She chats to Hana Walker-Brown, who has been open about her own experiences of living with ADHD, about life through the lens of her uniquely obsessive brain. Together they explore the power of living life as your true self and the importance of bringing neurodivergent voices to the forefront.
Described by Bernardine Evaraisto as a ‘cultural changemaker of tomorrow’ Travis shares their powerful tribute to the bravery it takes to truly be who you are.
Award-winning writer, performer and theatre maker Travis Alabanza (None of the Above) takes us on an electric exploration of what it means to live outside society’s gender binary, and the importance of amplifying the voices of marginalised identities.
WALKER-BROWNELOISETHINKING:INTRUSIVE,OBSESSIVE,MAGICALMARIANNExHANA
Right From top Left: Roxie Nafousi, Alexis Caught, Charlie Craggs & Travis Alabanza
6.15 - 7PM
7.30 - 8.15PM
4.15 - 4.30PM
identity
Podcaster, presenter and mental health campaigner Alexis Caught (Queer Up) and presenter, activist and founder of Nail Transphobia Charlie Craggs (To My Trans Sisters) chat friendship, belonging and the power of finding your community when it comes to taking care of your mental health. Add your voice to the conversation as they share their experiences of growing up and navigating the world of love, life and identity.
TRAVIS ALABANZA: WHO I AM
ROXIE MENTALMANIFESTINGNAFOUSI:ANDHEALTH voice talk
‘Queen of Manifesting’ and self-development coach Roxie Nafousi shares her essential guide to manifestation. Hear from Roxie as she offers her seven-step guide to creating the life you’ve always dreamed of. With Roxie on-hand to offer tips and advice, unlock the magic for yourself and have a go at some simple exercises that are designed to cultivate self-awareness, reflection and growth, empowering and enhancing your manifesting process.
VOICEBOX FILM NIGHT: BIG SCREEN BOOK CLUB Ever wondered why your favourite book hasn't been made into a film yet? Do you have what it takes to convince the industry that your bookish pick is screen-worthy? Big Screen Book Club hosts Clarisse and Joseph battle it out and decide which of their favourite books most deserves silver screen status. Pitch your ideas and get ready for the gang's honest opinions on what's hot and what's not. 9 - 10PM
THURSDAY
VOICEBOX FILM NIGHT: PLEASE!PITCH, Right: Jack Howard, Clarisse Loughrey
6 - 7PM
VOICEBOX FILM NIGHT: INTO FILM Big Screen Book Club is the podcast that celebrates the loving relationship between literature and film. In this special live event, join film critic Clarisse Loughrey and journalist Joseph Kime as they dissect this month’s book pick The Handmaiden (2016). They delve into the wins and woes of its on-screen adaptation with special guest author Rowan Hisayo Buchanan (East Side Voices).
Explore what it means to be human in today’s uncertain world with young people from across Gloucestershire.
8 - 9.30PM
UoG REGENERATIONTAKEOVER: 12.10.2022
13.10.2022
7.30 - 8.30PM
Listen to short readings from the REGENERATION anthology as writers share their work and hear stories from people within our community in a series of mini conversations. Together, their words help remind us that in the face of global issues and those closer to home, the human spirit remains strong.
Grab a drink and settle in for VOICEBOX's first ever film night. In the first part of our VOICEBOX film night, join critic Clarisse Loughrey, filmmaker and director Jack Howard and actor Ciaran O’Brien for tips, tricks and insights into getting into the film industry. Whether it’s using your writing talent to create an award-worthy script or developing your keen creative eye, this panel has the know-how to help you take your first steps into film.
Right: UoG Regeneration
6.30 - 7.30PM
WEDNESDAY
In the first part of the University of Gloucestershire takeover, we take a trip around the globe through books. From ancient ways across the world to contemporary travel writing, through Homer’s Odyssey to stories from the Windrush generation, books have the unique ability to capture a sense of time and place. Be swept away by readings and reflections from a range of voices as we celebrate the words that have captured journeys – both real and imagined – across the centuries and into the present day.
UoG THROUGHJOURNEYSTAKEOVER:BOOKS
Drop into our open mic session for a celebration of new writing with host and former Bath Young Poet Laureate, Polly Denny. Whether you want to share snippets of a work-in-progress or a finished masterpiece, be inspired by the words of others and stand up to the mic. Performances will include those from participants in our Write Now project.
Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall, The Actual + Essays) brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event to VOICEBOX. Pick a word, any word. Prompted by audience suggestions, Inua Ellams will search through his poetry and perform a reactive and spontaneous selection inspired by your choices.
FRIDAY
From personality traits to interests, aspirations and skills, how do you want to be understood and remembered, both in-person and online? In this mini masterclass on building your personal brand, Yvonne Kekeliadis from Brightstarz delves into how to understand and influence how others perceive you, create an honest reflection of who you are and ultimately become the best version of yourself. Join us for an afternoon of content created by young people from across Cheltenham in The Student Voice Takeover.
How can young people’s mental health be supported by the adults in our lives? Hear from students from Cheltenham as they share their experiences, ideas and priorities around positive mental health. They are joined by industry experts to look at what matters to young people when it comes to mental wellbeing and creating real and meaningful change. Add your voice to the conversation and share your ideas by adding to posters in VOICEBOX.
3 - 3.40PM VOICE
YOMI MANORISMSODE: Award-winning poet, playwright and Festival Guest Curator
6.15 - 7PM
Right: Natalie & Naomi Evans Right: Inua Ellams
x PERSONALCREATINGVOICEBOX:YOURBRAND
x HEADSPACETEENAGEVOICEBOX:
SHARE WORDS:YOUROPEN MIC Once long-listed as one of MTV’s Brand New Artists, award-winning writer Yomi Sode balances the fine line between both Nigerian and British cultures in his work. He shares poems from Manorism, a collection that explores family, survival, generational trauma and the complexities of belonging in an examination of the vulnerabilities and nuances of Black masculinity in Britain.
THE STUDENT
5 - 5.45PM THE STUDENT VOICE x VOICEBOX: SPILL THE TEA WITH NAOMI AND NATALIE EVANS
7.30 - 7.50PM
THE STUDENT
14.10.2022
4 - 4.45PM VOICE In this special live episode of student-led podcast Spill the Tea, students are joined by Natalie and Naomi Evans, the founders of Everyday Racism and authors of The Mixed-Race Experience. They chat about their activism and reflect on what it means to be mixed race today, exploring how we can recognise and confront racism within our communities. Natalie and Naomi will also be sharing tips and advice for families and friendships that will help us raise awareness and commit to allyship.
INUA SEARCHELLAMS:PARTY
8.30 - 9.30PM
Creativity has the power to amplify young voices of today, and Amnesty International UK's human rights poetry project Words That Burn has done just that. Breaking down barriers of difference, the project empowers young people to give voice to those who are suppressed and marginalised through creativity and language. To celebrate the launch of Words That Burn 2.0, poets Joelle Taylor, Patrick Cash and Deanna Rodger share powerful performances and discuss the role of poetry in the fight against injustice and inequality.
Wellness is oppressive, self-love is a trap, hustling is a health risk. Using her experience with disability to cast a fresh gaze on the particularly peculiar cultural moment in which young women find themselves, writer and editor-in-chief of Polyester Zine Ione Gamble explores the pressures faced - as well as the power of existing as - an unacceptable woman in our current era of empowerment.
MASTERCLASSBOOKTOK
Journalist, broadcaster and podcast host Jack Shute brings together LGBTQ+ voices from across Gloucestershire for The Queer Takeover to reflect upon the experiences and priorities of our LGBTQ+ community. From mental health, education and hate crime to queer venues and nightlife, hear personal stories from the stage, add your voice to the conversation and be inspired by the activists and experts creating change for the better.
15.10.2022
Proudly supported by Cheltenham Pride and Love, MeMeMe who are providing treats throughout the day.
Words That Burn was developed in partnership with Cheltenham Festivals.
2.45 - 3.30PM
LGBTQ+ BOOKSHELF Record-breaking author, podcaster, influencer and illustrator Florence Given chats about her debut novel, Girlcrush A dark, feminist retelling of Jekyll and Hyde, we follow Eartha on a wild, weird and seductive exploration of life as a bisexual woman whilst also becoming a viral sensation on Wonderland, a social media app where people project their dream selves online.
THE TAKEOVERQUEER
12.15 - 1.15PM
FLORENCE GIRLCRUSHGIVEN:
1.45 - 2.15PM YOUR PASSION IS YOUR REALITYDREAMMAKINGPOWER:YOURJOBA
7 - 7.45PM
Think bingo is for old ladies with perms? Think again... This is a game like no other you have played before! Back by popular demand, join us for an evening of fun with Bristol’s most famous queens RED and The Gentleman Caller. With live music and cabaret, comedy, prizes, game show classics with a twist and irreverence galore, these queens will tickle your funny bone and bend your concept of bingo forever… 8.30 - 10PM
IONE GAMBLE: POOR LITTLE SICK GIRLS Bookstagram and BookTok are all over our social media feeds, bringing the hottest books to the top of our to-be-read pile. Whether you’re already creating content or have ideas at the ready, learn from the best in our BookTok masterclass with Emily Russell @emilymiahreads and Coco from @cultofbooks. They chat about how they got into BookTok, answer your burning questions and share their top tips on how to get ahead of the trends and create content with a difference. 4 - 4.45PM
Be inspired by the conversations happening in VOICEBOX and pick up a recommended read from a selection of LGBTQ+ book picks, specially curated by Waterstones.
5.15 - 6.15PM
INTERNATIONALAMNESTY UK: WORDS THAT BURN When Molly Masters launched Books That Matter, a monthly subscription box designed to bring women to the front of our bookshelves, she was only in her second year of university. Now the UK’s leading subscription box, Molly’s business has connected her with readers across the country and seen her appear on the BBC’s Dragons Den. Whether you’re looking to get your writing published or start a business inspired by your hobby, she shares top tips and advice for turning your passion into a career.
SATURDAY
5 - 7.30PM
DRAG QUEEN BINGO
positivitytalk word
1.30 - 2.15PM
YOUNG MATTERMINDS
The world’s most famous trainspotter and TikTok sensation Francis Bourgeois joins us for a very special VOICEBOX event, taking us on an epic journey through his most memorable trainspotting adventures. Full steam ahead! 3 - 3.45PM
Whether you’re new to writing or looking for inspiration, drop into VOICEBOX to create, share and explore. As we launch our Beyond Words guide that celebrates the benefits of writing for young people’s mental wellbeing, try your hand at different creative writing activities devised by writers. Hear from Bristol City Poet Caleb Parkin, author and scriptwriter Miranda Walker, and a range of young writers as they share top tips for budding writers and reflect on how writing has positively impacted their own lives and mental health.
Above: Caleb Parkin & Jonny Benjamin
Left From Top; Alex George, Samara Linton, Florence Given & Francis Bourgeois
We want to hear about what mental health means to you; at home, at school, at university, in your community. Whether you have top tips for reducing stress or lifting your mood, or want to share what causes you the most worry, get involved or listen in with Youth Mental Health Ambassador and doctor, Alex George, writer and former doctor Samara Linton and writer and mental health campaigner Jonny Benjamin. They’ll talk about their hopes for the future of mental health services and policy and listen as you share your ideas on how to support young minds.
BOURGEOIS:FRANCIS NOTEBOOKTRAINSPOTTER’STHE 16.10.2022SUNDAY
11.45AM12.45PM
BEYOND WORDS: WRITING WELLBEINGFOR
Dominique
TOLMEIAIDEALISTICALLY:GREGORY X DOMINIQUE PALMER
We know the world must take bold action if we are to tackle the environmental crisis, but what changes do we need to make as individuals? Join Claudia Naylor of Planetary Sauce as she transports you to a version of 2040 where humanity has worked together for a better future, showing that by healing the planet we’ll gain much more than we lose. Get creative as you write a letter from your future self, describing what you did to get there. Make a pledge to your future and capture this message of hope in a personalised badge that you will design, take 5.45 - 6.45PM SAUCE: LETTERS FROM YOUR FUTURE In Idealistically, climate justice activist and illustrator Tolmeia Gregory balances out the difficult conversations around the current state of the world with hope for the future. What would the world look like if we dream a little bigger? In this special live event, she chats to climate activist, storyteller and writer Dominique Palmer about the power of creativity to unite and empower, as well as delving into her ideal vision of the world and what we can do to get there. Join us for a sustainable Sunday afternoon as we delve into all things planet and environment. 4.30 - 5.15PM
PLANETARY
Above: Parker & Tolmeia Gregory
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