If you had asked me a few weeks ago whether a spoken word and poetry evening would be at the top of my list for a night out in Cardiff, I'd probably have hesitated. Yet that's exactly why events like Urban Wordsmiths matter. They challenge assumptions, open doors to new artforms and remind us that some of the most powerful creative experiences happen when we take a chance on something unfamiliar.
Last night, Urban Crofters in Cardiff hosted the latest edition of Urban Wordsmiths, an independently organised spoken word and live music event that continues to build a strong reputation within South Wales' creative community. Held in the venue's beautifully converted former church space, the sold-out evening brought together poetry, storytelling and music under the fitting theme of Remembrance, ahead of Remembrance Day.
From the moment guests arrived, there was a tangible sense that this wasn't simply another open mic night. The atmosphere was warm and welcoming, while the venue itself provided a stunning backdrop. The soaring architecture of the former church added an almost reverential quality to the evening, perfectly complementing the reflective nature of many of the performances.
The event was hosted and organised by Dan Woolridge, with co-hosting duties shared by Megan Ludlow, whose energy and stewardship kept the evening moving at exactly the right pace. One of the strongest aspects of the night was its structure. The programming never felt rushed, but equally never dragged. Each performer was given space to breathe while maintaining momentum throughout the evening.
Urban Wordsmiths has built its reputation on creating opportunities for emerging voices, and the open mic section once again demonstrated why that matters. Five South Wales-based poets took to the stage, showcasing a breadth of styles, perspectives and experiences before a packed audience. In an arts landscape where platforms for new talent can often feel scarce, evenings like this provide something invaluable: visibility, confidence and connection.
Cardiff Talent Shines
One of the evening's most memorable performances came from Cardiff-born writer and activist Tia-Zakura Camilleri, whose growing creative profile already spans journalism, presenting and spoken word performance. She is involved with organisations including Wales Millennium Centre and Welsh National Opera, while also advocating for greater representation within the creative industries.
Camilleri delivered a performance that was thoughtful, personal and utterly captivating. A particularly magical moment arrived when she invited her boyfriend onstage to accompany her on piano. What followed was completely improvised, existing purely in the moment between spoken word and music. It felt intimate, authentic and impossible to replicate.
For me, it was one of those rare festival-style moments where you realise you're witnessing something genuinely special unfold in real time.
A Guitar Performance Unlike Any Other
Musician James Kirby also left a lasting impression. Known for his songwriting and emotionally intelligent performances, Kirby's artistry combines technical excellence with heart.
Yet no written review can quite do justice to one specific moment from the evening.
At one point, Kirby wasn't just playing his guitar. He was seemingly playing every part of it. Percussion, rhythm, melody and performance merged together into something that genuinely needs to be seen to be fully appreciated. It was inventive, engaging and drew audible reactions from across the room.
His performance perfectly illustrated how Urban Wordsmiths embraces the intersection between spoken word, music and experimentation.
Woodzy Delivers a Headline Performance to Remember
Headliner Woodzy brought the evening to an energetic and triumphant close.
An award-winning poet, educator and performer whose work has appeared on Life and Rhymes and other major platforms, Woodzy has developed a reputation for making poetry accessible, relatable and entertaining.
That reputation was more than evident in Cardiff.
His stage presence immediately elevated the room, drawing the audience into every piece through humour, observation and exceptional command of language. While many standout moments could be highlighted, his hugely popular poem centred around being a 90s baby was particularly memorable.
As cultural references came thick and fast, the audience responded with laughter, recognition and enthusiasm. It became less of a performance and more of a shared experience, built around collective memories and nostalgia.
The crowd interaction during the latter part of his set demonstrated exactly why spoken word can be such a powerful live artform. Rather than simply reciting words, Woodzy created a conversation with the room.
It was impressive, energetic and completely captivating.
Why Events Like This Matter
What Urban Wordsmiths does remarkably well is make poetry feel accessible.
Too often spoken word is perceived as niche, intimidating or "not for people like me". Yet the audience inside Urban Crofters told a different story. People from all backgrounds, ages and experiences gathered together to laugh, reflect and listen.
There was joy, vulnerability, humour and honesty throughout the evening.
Most importantly, there was community.
That's something Cardiff's independent creative sector does exceptionally well, and Urban Wordsmiths is fast becoming one of the city's most important spaces for exactly that reason. Literature Wales has previously highlighted the event as a spoken word, open mic and live music evening taking place in the heart of Roath at Urban Crofters.
Looking Ahead to February
If, like me, you've ever assumed spoken word might not be for you, consider this your invitation to think again.
Urban Wordsmiths isn't just an evening of poetry. It's an evening of stories, music, connection and discovery. It's a chance to hear voices you might never otherwise encounter and leave with a different perspective than the one you arrived with.
And judging by the sold-out audience at this latest event, plenty of people have already discovered its appeal.
The good news? You won't have to wait too long to experience it for yourself.
Urban Wordsmiths returns for its 13th event in February, and if this latest edition is anything to go by, you'll want to secure a ticket early.
Whether you're a lifelong poetry lover or a complete newcomer wondering if it's your sort of thing, take the leap.
I did.
And I'm very glad I did.
