Past Events

Unsung – Emma Purshouse shares poems from her new collection at Wolverhampton Literature Festival

Date: February 8, 2026
Time: 12:00 pm - 1:00 pm
Location: The Making Space, Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton. WV1 1DU.

Join us for a lively and heartfelt morning as Emma Purshouse reads from her latest poetry collection, Unsung, published by Offa’s Press. Known for her sharp wit and emotional depth, Emma’s work blends humour, poignancy, and powerful storytelling rooted in the Black Country.

Emma is a freelance writer, performance poet, and novelist who served as Wolverhampton’s first Poet Laureate (2020–2022). She’s a poetry slam champion, a published author for both adults and children, and her work has earned national recognition including third place in the prestigious National Poetry Competition in 2022.

Expect an engaging performance filled with laughter, insight, and moving reflections. Whether you’re a seasoned poetry enthusiast or simply curious about voices from the Midlands, Unsung offers a unique and memorable experience.

The Best of Everything – In conversation with Kit De Waal

Date: February 7, 2026
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: Wolverhampton Art Gallery, Lichfield Street, Wolverhampton WV1 1DU

Emma Purshouse will be talking to acclaimed author Kit de Waal for a special In Conversation event to celebrate the paperback release of her powerful new novel, THE BEST OF EVERYTHING.

In this moving and thought-provoking conversation, Kit will explore the themes at the heart of her latest work — the complexities of love, the weight of loss, and the unpredictable paths life can take.

A Game of Three Halves – Roundabout Fringe Wolverhampton

Date: November 30, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Upstairs at Lych Gate Tavern, 44 Queen Square, Wolverhampton WV1 1TX.

Emma will be MCing an evening of top-notch spoken word featuring Dave Pitt, Morgan Birch and Priyanka Joshi.

There will be 9 open mic slots available of a strict 5 minutes each.  Sign up on the door, names will be drawn from at hat to see who gets to share their work.

This is a Free event as part of Roundabout Fringe.  To find out more about other events going on over the weekend of the 28th/29th/30th November then head to…

https://www.theasylumartgallery.com/fringe-arts-wolves

Emma Purshouse at Gratitude Cafe in Wellington

Date: November 20, 2025
Time: 7:30 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Gratitude Cafe, Duke Street, Wellington TF1 1BJ.

Emma will be performing her poetry at Gratitude Cafe in Wellington.

There will be books for sale should you wish to purchase Christmas presents.

Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger at K Teas Cakes

Date: November 8, 2025
Time: 3:00 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: K Teas Cakes, Unit 4. St Georges Parade, Wolverhampton WV2 1BA.

Join Emma Purshouse and Steve Pottinger for an afternoon of top-notch spoken word at K Teas Cafe.  Emma will be reading from her new collection, and Steve will be performing work from his recently re-printed collection.  This is a free event.  There will be books for sale should you be on the lookout for Christmas presents.

No need to book just turn up.  K Teas is an independent cafe with an great atmosphere and an amazing range of tea and cakes!

Emma Purshouse at Penn Library, Wolverhampton

Date: October 31, 2025
Time: 11:40 am - 12:40 pm
Location: Penn Library, Coalway Avenue, Penn Road, Wolverhampton WV3 7LT

Emma will be reading at Penn Library from her latest collection ‘Unsung’.  The book is a celebration of Black Country culture, history and heritage.

Country Voices – Saturday 25th October 2025

Date: October 25, 2025
Time: 2:30 pm - 4:00 pm
Location: White Hart, 10 Wharfage, Ironbridge TF8 7AW

Emma Purshouse will be appearing at ‘Country Voices’ with Paul Francis and Stevie Harrison.

Tickets £5 on the door.

 

 

Emma Purshouse at Waterstones Wolverhampton

Date: October 3, 2025
Time: 6:00 pm - 7:00 pm
Location: Waterstones

Emma will be at Waterstones Wolverhampton reading from her latest collection ‘Unsung’.

Tickets are £5 or £13 (the higher price includes a copy of the book).

 

Virtual Voices featuring Emma Purshouse, Jane Seabourne, and Sheeba Eeswaramoorthy

Date: September 27, 2025
Time: 5:00 pm - 6:30 pm
Location: Online

Emma will be one of the performers taking part in Virtual Voices, which is an online event run by Offa’s Press.

For the Zoom link please go to https://offaspress.co.uk/events/

If you’d like a 3 minute open mic then email cherrydoylepoet@gmail.com

Wild About Harry

Date: September 18, 2025
Time: 7:00 pm - 9:30 pm
Location: Great Bridge Library, Sheepwash Lane, Great Bridge DY4 7JF

Emma Purshouse will be one of the poets taking part in this event which will celebrate the work of ‘arry ‘arrison and other Black Country Poets.

Poets sharing work include…

Heather Wastie, Billy Spakemon, John Homer, Ian Henery

Tickets are £2 and are available from Great Bridge Library in Sheepwash Lane

or by phoning 0121 569 4930

 

 

 

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