A spooky evening of spoken word at Vitello Lounge. Sign up for a 5-minute reading slot, put your name in the hat, or come and watch.

Moor Words is excited to host its next Spoken Word Night, in association with The Grove Bookshop Writing Group.

If you're interested in writing and would like to practise sharing your words with an audience in a relaxed, friendly environment, or you simply enjoy listening to other people's stories and poetry, then this evening is for you.

This time, we have an optional spooky theme - with prizes for the spookiest readings - so bring your best uncanny fiction (think ghosts, folk horror and Halloween inspired pieces).

Date: Thursday, 22 October, 2026

Time: Readings start at 7.30pm and end around 9.45pm, with breaks in between. Arrive from 7pm (register for a reading slot, put your name in the hat or come and support our readers by being part of the audience)

Venue: Vitello Lounge, 1-2 Station Plaza, Brook St, Ilkley, LS29 8DE (open 9am-10pm, food served)

Tickets: £6.50

Refunds: Available, minus Eventbrite fee, up to 3 days before the event

What's the format?

Readings will take place throughout the evening, with breaks in between so you can chat, buy refreshments etc. There will be several groups of readings , with 6-7 slots in each group:

7 .30-8.15 (timed slots)

8 .45-9.30 (timed slots)

Performer slots will be allocated on a first come, first served basis (when you purchase your ticket), with additional readings being decided using a names out of a hat system (to put your name in the hat, choose the Lucky dip performer slot option). If you'd prefer to watch, choose an audience (non performer) ticket. Please note that timings may change depending on numbers of sign ups, and reading places may become available on the day.

What should I read and how long should it be?

Readings should be no longer than 5 minutes, including introductions, so please avoid lengthy pre-ambles. Short is best, as we're hoping to have as many different readers as possible. You may wish to share an extract from a longer piece. As a guide, most people speak at around 150 words per minute - aim for no more than 750 words (it's best to practice beforehand to check the timings).

You're welcome to read fiction, poetry, or creative non fiction - it's up to you.

Please do not share material that could be regarded as racist, offensive to minorities or any specific groups or communities. If sensitive material is shared, a content warning is advised.

Does it matter if I'm not a published writer?

Not at all. Writers of all levels of experience are welcome.

Will I be able to use a microphone?

There will be a microphone and a PA set up on the night (thanks to Ben, our resident sound engineer).

How much does it cost?

Tickets are £ 6.50. Sales go towards the costs of equipment hire, marketing etc. with any money left over going back into The Grove Bookshop Writing Group running costs.

I have accessibility needs - can you accommodate me?

Please let us know if you have any accessibility/mobility needs and we will do our best to make it possible for you to join us. The space at Vitello Lounge is upstairs, accessed via wide steps. There is unfortunately no lift at this venue. There are toilets on the same floor.

Due to the layout of Vitello Lounge, there will be some background noise from the kitchen/toilets/downstairs. We have asked that the volume of the downstairs music is turned down a little. We will also move the tables and chairs closer to the speaker, to help minimise sound interference.

I'm not a member of the Grove Bookshop Writing Group. Does it matter?

Not at all - everyone is welcome! If you're interested in joining the group, we meet on the second/third Thursday of the month at The Grove Bookshop, Ilkley. Sessions are free but places are limited. Contact Emily at moorwordsilkley@gmail.com for more information (our next writing group session is on Thursday, 18 September).

I'd like to learn more about writing - do you have any advice?

Emily runs online and in person workshops and courses. Ask about being added to her e-mail list for the latest news, or follow Moor Words on Eventbrite. She will also share relevant submissions tips, advice and opportunities during sessions.

Please note that this is a social group, with the primary purpose of sharing good practice, sharing work and building a community of writers. The aim is to keep feedback constructive and encouraging.

Your Host:

Emily Devane is a writer, editor and teacher based in Ilkley, West Yorkshire. She has taught workshops and courses for Comma Press, Dahlia Press, London Writers' Café and Northern Writers' Studio. She has won the Bath Flash Fiction Award, a Northern Writers' Award and a Word Factory Apprenticeship. Emily's work has been published in Smokelong Quarterly (third place, Grand Micro Contest 2021), Best Microfictions Anthology (2021), New Flash Fiction Review, Lost Balloon, Ellipsis, New Flash Fiction Review, Janus, Ambit and othe

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