Mushaira: A Poetry Symposium

Inspired by the South Asian tradition of gathering to share poetry within a community, this relaxed and inclusive spoken word event invites people of all backgrounds to listen, reflect and, if they wish, share their own poetry, stories or creative writing. Contributions are welcomed in any language and style, creating a vibrant celebration of voices, cultures and lived experiences. Previous Mushairas have brought together families, women, community groups, emerging creatives and first-time performers, creating opportunities for connection, confidence-building and cultural exchange. The session is led by Yasmin Toor (Yasmin Komal), an internationally published poet, writer and creative facilitator from Oldham. Yasmin is a passionate advocate for community engagement and cultural celebration and has a wealth of experience in bringing people together through poetry, storytelling and the arts. She is the author of an acclaimed Urdu poetry collection, founder of the bilingual literary magazine Quarterly SEEP, and Chair of the SEEP Women?s Creative Writing Forum. Through her work with community organisations and cultural festivals, she continues to champion inclusive creative opportunities that inspire connection, self-expression and belonging. Join us for an afternoon of poetry, conversation and shared creativity, and experience the unique spirit of the Mushaira tradition for yourself.