Spine

Festival 2026

 

The London SPINE festival is returning to Sutton for 2026! This year’s festival will feature spoken word and arts activities delivered by local artists, alongside creative workshops and imaginative events led by SPINE’s 14 Artists in Residence. Children and families will also have the chance to experience the touring SPIN Show — a live performance poetry gig created especially for children aged 3 to 11.

 

This year will also see the festival’s ‘Magic & Imagination Poetry Competition’ judged by SPINE 2026 Ambassador Simon Mole!

 

 

Magic & Imagination Poetry Competition
SPINE Festival’s Magic & Imagination Poetry Competition is for children aged 7 - 11 years old (KS2).

Poems will be inspired by the festival theme of ‘Magic & Imagination’ and judged by Simon Mole for a chance to win a signed copy of Poetry Pizza, £25 book voucher and a reading event with Simon Mole at winners’ local libraries. Winners will be announced at the festival close on 30 June 2026.

Opens on 16 May and closes 12 June at 23:59 BST.

This competition runs in all 14 SPINE library boroughs. More details about the competition can be found on the SPINE webpage.

 

 

As part of the celebrations, Sutton libraries will be hosting a series of events taking place throughout the borough. Find out what's on near you here!