Name: Spoken Word and Song - Scott James, Ryan Chambers, Cathy Galvin and open mic.
Start: 2026-04-18T20:45:00+01:00
Location: Friends Meeting House, Cheltenham

Spoken Word and Song - Scott James, Ryan Chambers, Cathy Galvin and open mic.

A showcase of poetry, spoken word and lyrical, literate songwriting from Scott James, Ryan Chambers, Cathy Galvin and guests. Hosted by Chris Hemingway.
Born in Gloucestershire and raised in the historical regions of The Forest of Dean and Wye Valley, acclaimed singer-songwriter Scott James writes and performs songs inspired by his bucolic surroundings and influenced by his passion for English poets like John Clare, Keats, and Edward Thomas. Scott’s set at the Festival includes some newly commissioned songs inspired by Dylan Thomas.
Ryan Chambers is a spoken-word performer and poet renowned for his hilarious, sometimes socially and politically conscious sets. He's featured in Southsea Folk, Steel Jackdaw and The Wee Sparrow Poetry Press. Also appearing on BBC Upload, The Poetry's Dead Podcast, All FM and at the Victorious Festival.
Cathy Galvin is the author of 3 pamphlets and the collection Ethnology: a love song for Connemara (Bloodaxe Books, 2026). Ethnology draws on the mystical cry for the dead of Cathy Galvin’s Irish-speaking ancestors. Within an epic narrative, she reclaims place, people, and language, in a richly lyrical collection praised as a ‘ profound achievement' - by John Deane.