Literati Arts at Light Up Leicester Festival 15/03/2025

 

 

The bright lights of the city

have never been brighter,

prettier, or more enticing,

but more...

this is a cake layered in icing,

there are words

living in the lighting.

As part of the

Light Up Leicester festival

the city was home

to a whole host of light installations,

really showing the beauty of the city,

the history seen under a whole new light.

 

This was a great way to get people

together, when we seem

more and more divided,

when people seem a bit frightened

of the darkness that can

sometimes make a city seem uninviting.

 

This was the perfect way to enlighten.

Show that the shadows

don't always hide monsters,

just shades of our history.

This is the perfect time

to sample some

of the cities grand cuisines,

many social gatherings,

the drinking establishments,

and much more importantly

it was an opportunity

to connect with people

from all different walks of life

and embrace the love that sits

when we put difference aside.

 

 

But Kyle, what does this have

to do with poetry?

I hear you yell.

Well...

Let me begin,

(I do like a long rambling intro)

 

The brilliant team at Literati Arts

put on some shows over the weekend,

and I was lucky enough

to catch the last of these.

I'm really glad I did.

There in the bustling

St Martins Square,

the atmosphere

was electric.

We were treated

to three brilliant poets,

each with important

words to share.

To start things off

we had Literati Arts

very own Tyrone Haughton,

a true poet & spoken word artist,

but also a great host,

who knows how

to let people truly shine.

 

He owned the little stage area,

not an easy task

when people are just passing through,

but he lured them in, with words

that they could feel,

the crowd grew,

not thinning until the last act

had spoken.

Tyrone's words draw you in instantly,

they grab you asking

to listen to the stories held within.

A truly brilliant opening.

 

Then @Shareefaenergy took the mic,

and though I've seen her before,

and have been following for a long time,

it was a true delight

to get to listen

to her words of insight.

She has a way of making

you feel every emotion,

taking you through

her childhood, eating the cuisine,

feeling the beating heart of community.

If you get a chance to hear her words

or read her book then please take it.

 

Last but not least was Mr Shay,

who again

gave us stories of his youth, his life,

all infused with love and laughter.

He shared memories that those of us

of a certain age

will be able to reminisce about,

whilst also teaching things

that we may have not known.

And that's the beauty of poetry,

three poets of different styles,

backgrounds and lives,

All sharing little snippets

that help us to understand

each other a little better,

and hopefully heal this world

that is feeling very

under the weather.

 

It was such a great moment

to see so many people

embracing spoken word poetry.

People that otherwise would not

usually experience the way

words can move a crowd.

Well done to the Literati Arts team

and all of the light up Leicester people

for giving poetry such a great home,

and I'm sure,

in future there will be

many more opportunities,

to share our city’s

brilliant poets

and their stories.