After the great success of the inaugural Verve Poetry Festival last February the event returns in 2018 for another round of readings, performances, workshops, theatre and a literary glut of imaginative events. It all kicks off with the established Poetry Parlour event, a chance for local poets to shine followed by a Q&A and reading from Imtiaz Dharker. Look out for Dead or Alive Slam, a battle of word wills between three contemporary poets and three dead ones, the audience will choose the winners. Other highlights include workshops with Liz Berry and Nuar Alsadir, masterclasses from Anthony Anaxagorou and Sabrina Mahfouz, children’s activities including the delightful Little Tyke open mic, and some of the region’s best talents combined at a specially curated Local Legends performance. Weekend passes are available for £35, day passess for £25 or tickets for individual events can be purchased, some are free but booking is still required as space is limited.

Thu 15 Feb to Sun 18 Feb at Waterstones, 24-26 High Street, Birmingham B4 7SL www.vervepoetryfestival.com