BLF 2026 - VERVE Headine Event
The Lab, Royal Birmingham Conservatoire
200 Jennens Road, B4 7XR
£10
£8 under 18s, over 60s
Wheelchair users are entitled to a complimentary companion seat.
You can book a free companion ticket by selecting the seat next to yours on the seating plan.
Or, for unreserved seating plans, add a second ticket to your basket.
If you wish to discuss your accessibility needs with a member of our team, please call 0121 331 5909.
Assistance dogs are welcome at Royal Birmingham Conservatoire venues. If you wish to bring an assistance dog, please let the Events Office know by calling 0121 331 5909.
Birmingham Literature Festival 2026
VERVE HEADLINE EVENT: Mona Arshi, Sarah Howe, Rachel Long with host Jo Bell
Our regular VERVE tea-time headline features three incredible poets, all giants in their way on the contemporary UK and world poetry scene. We’re thrilled to have Mona Arshi back for the first time since 2017 reading from her PBS Autumn Choice, Mouth (Chatto, 2025). Joining Mona are Sarah Howe and Rachel Long. Sarah also returns for the first time since our very first festival. Her most recent publication, Foretokens (Chatto, 2025) was shortlisted for the TS Eliots. Rachel joins us to celebrate publication of her acclaimed second full collection, Sparrow on the Rooftop (Chatto, 2026) Hosting these three amazing poets for readings and discussion is Jo Bell, renowned poet and co-author of How to be a Poet (Nine Arches Press, 2017).
Running time approx. one hour and 30 minutes