Newham Poetry Prize Free Workshops: Be Manzini Leads BASS Prep

Key Points

• The Newham Poetry Prize is launching a full day of free creative workshops on Saturday, 24th January 2026, at the University of East London’s Docklands Campus.
• Workshops will be facilitated by Newham Poetry Prize founder Be Manzini, alongside award-winning local music makers Eklipse and Shadé Joseph.
• The event supports residents in preparing submissions for BASS (Barz And Stanzas Soundscaped), a new archive that sets selected poems and lyrics to original music.
• Eligibility requires participants to work, study, or live in Newham and be aged 18 or over.
• Entries for BASS close on 31st January 2026.
• One highlighted session is “Writing & Editing Mastery with Be Manzini,” focusing on developing poems, strengthening storytelling, practical editing techniques, feedback, and details on the BASS project.
• The initiative celebrates Newham’s diverse voices, preserves borough stories, and platforms local creative talent.

What Is the Newham Poetry Prize?

The Newham Poetry Prize stands as a cornerstone for literary expression in the diverse London borough of Newham. Founded by acclaimed poet and writer Be Manzini, the prize has evolved into a multifaceted programme fostering poetry and creative writing among residents.

According to the programme’s launch details, this latest phase introduces practical support for creators eyeing the BASS archive. Be Manzini, as the founder, plays a central role, bringing her expertise to the forefront. The workshops form part of a broader effort to democratise access to high-quality creative development, ensuring that barriers to entry remain low.

Who Will Lead the Workshops?

The facilitation team boasts prominent figures from Newham’s creative scene. Newham Poetry Prize founder Be Manzini will anchor the sessions, joined by award-winning local music makers Eklipse and Shadé Joseph.

As outlined in the event description, these leaders offer a rare chance for participants to engage directly with borough trailblazers. Be Manzini’s involvement, in particular, highlights her dual role as both founder and mentor. Eklipse and Shadé Joseph, recognised for their musical achievements, will contribute insights into soundscaping lyrics, aligning perfectly with the BASS project’s fusion of words and music.

What Does the Writing & Editing Mastery Workshop Entail?

A flagship session, titled “Writing & Editing Mastery with Be Manzini,” forms a highlight of the day. In this hands-on workshop, participants will dive into developing poems, strengthening storytelling, and mastering practical editing techniques.

As reported in the programme specifics, Be Manzini will guide attendees through these elements. Attendees can expect opportunities to receive feedback on their work, pose questions about craft, and gain in-depth knowledge of the BASS archive project. This session directly supports submission preparation, making it invaluable for those aiming to contribute to the archive.

Be Manzini stated in the announcement context:

“Join acclaimed poet and writer Be Manzini for a hands-on workshop focused on writing and editing. In this session, Be will guide you through developing poems, strengthening your storytelling, and practical editing techniques. Participants will have the opportunity to receive feedback on their work, ask questions about craft, and learn about the BASS archive project, where you can submit your work.”

What Is the BASS Archive and Why Does It Matter?

At the heart of this workshop day lies BASS (Barz And Stanzas Soundscaped), a groundbreaking new archive. BASS will set selected poems and lyrics to original music, creating a dynamic repository of Newham’s creative output.

The project’s goals are clear: to celebrate the borough’s diverse voices, preserve its stories, and platform local creative talent. By blending poetry with music, BASS captures the vibrancy of Newham’s multicultural communities, from spoken-word artists to emerging lyricists.

Event organisers emphasise that the workshops are tailored to help residents prepare submissions. This archival effort not only documents contemporary narratives but also ensures their longevity through innovative sound design.

Who Can Participate in the Workshops?

Participation is open exclusively to those with strong ties to Newham. Entrants must work, study, or live in the borough and be aged 18 or over.

This residency requirement reinforces the event’s focus on local empowerment. No prior experience is mentioned as necessary, broadening access for beginners and seasoned creators alike. Registration details, while not specified in initial announcements, are expected to follow standard Newham Poetry Prize protocols, likely via an online portal.

When and Where Will the Workshops Take Place?

The full day of workshops is set for Saturday, 24th January 2026, at the University of East London’s Docklands Campus. This venue, nestled in the heart of Newham, provides state-of-the-art facilities conducive to creative exploration.

The date aligns strategically with the BASS submission deadline of 31st January 2026, giving participants a week to refine and submit their entries. The Docklands Campus location enhances accessibility for borough residents, leveraging proximity to public transport links.

How Do the Workshops Prepare for BASS Submissions?

The programme explicitly designs the day to support BASS preparation. Facilitators will impart skills directly applicable to crafting archive-worthy pieces, from raw writing to polished edits and musical integration.

As per the launch details, this preparation phase addresses common challenges faced by submitters, such as refining narratives and adapting poetry for soundscapes. Feedback sessions with Be Manzini, Eklipse, and Shadé Joseph will offer personalised guidance, elevating submissions’ quality.

BASS entries close on 31st January 2026, creating urgency for workshop attendees to act swiftly post-event.

Why Is This Event Significant for Newham’s Creative Community?

Newham, known for its cultural diversity and artistic potential, benefits immensely from such initiatives. The workshops address a gap in accessible creative development, particularly for underrepresented voices.

By platforming local talents like Be Manzini, Eklipse, and Shadé Joseph, the Newham Poetry Prize reinforces community pride. BASS extends this impact, transforming individual works into a collective legacy. Preserving stories through music-poetry hybrids ensures Newham’s narratives endure.

This event arrives at a time when grassroots arts programmes face funding pressures. Free access removes financial hurdles, democratising opportunity.

What Feedback Can Participants Expect?

Hands-on feedback emerges as a cornerstone. In Be Manzini’s session, for instance, attendees will review their work with the founder herself.

The programme promises direct interaction: participants can ask craft-related questions and receive tailored advice. This mentor-style approach mirrors professional development workshops, rare in community settings.

Eklipse and Shadé Joseph’s musical perspectives will complement literary input, fostering holistic growth.

How Does BASS Celebrate Newham’s Diversity?

BASS explicitly targets the borough’s diverse voices. Newham’s population, a mosaic of cultures, finds representation through poems and lyrics set to original music.

The archive preserves stories that might otherwise fade, from immigrant tales to urban anthems. By selecting submissions from locals, it ensures authenticity and breadth.

What Are the Next Steps for Interested Residents?

Aspiring participants should mark 24th January 2026 in their calendars. Monitor Newham Poetry Prize channels for registration openings, expected soon.

Prepare by brainstorming BASS submissions, keeping the 31st January deadline in mind. Eligibility confirmation—living, working, or studying in Newham, plus being 18+—is straightforward.

This event offers a launchpad for creative careers, blending skill-building with archival permanence.

Broader Context: Newham’s Arts Scene

Newham’s creative landscape thrives on such programmes. The Poetry Prize builds on past successes, integrating music to innovate.

University of East London’s involvement signals institutional backing, potentially paving the way for future collaborations. As borough arts evolve, events like this sustain momentum.

The Newham Poetry Prize’s workshop day on 24th January 2026 promises transformative experiences. From Be Manzini’s editing mastery to Eklipse and Shadé Joseph’s musical flair, it equips locals for BASS and beyond. With entries closing 31st January, now is the time to engage.