Sunday afternoon at Royal Festival Hall delivered exactly what I’d hoped for but hadn’t quite expected. The Poetry Library social created space for authentic literary conversation that reminded me why I moved to London in the first place.
David, the organiser, managed to cultivate genuine community atmosphere despite the bustling South Bank Centre environment. Tables arranged outside the Poetry Library created intimate pockets of discussion whilst maintaining connection to the broader cultural energy flowing through the building.
What surprised me most was how naturally conversations developed. No forced introductions or networking pressure. Writers simply gravitating toward each other based on shared curiosity about craft, influences, particular poets. The proximity to thousands of poetry collections meant discussions could be immediately illustrated – someone mentioning Plath, another pulling her work from the shelves.
The background noise from children’s library and other events, which organisers had warned about, actually enhanced rather than disrupted the atmosphere. Literary discussion happening alongside family activity felt authentic to how poetry exists in real world – not isolated in academic towers but woven into daily cultural life.
Several poets shared work conversationally rather than formally performing. Hearing pieces read casually whilst browsing shelves revealed different qualities than structured readings. Poetry became part of natural literary dialogue rather than staged presentation.
Met writers working across completely different traditions – performance poets, traditional formalists, experimental voices. The informal setting allowed genuine exchange about technique, inspiration, creative challenges without competitive undertones that formal events sometimes create.
Left feeling reconnected to poetry as living community practice rather than solitary artistic pursuit.
— Writer Anastasia Dubinina