VERVE HEADLINE EVENT: Mona Arshi, Sarah Howe, Rachel Long with host Jo Bell

Our regular VERVE tea-time headline features three incredible poets, all giants in their way on the contemporary UK and world poetry scene. We’re thrilled to have Mona Arshi back for the first time since 2017 reading from her PBS Autumn Choice, Mouth (Chatto, 2025). Joining Mona are Sarah Howe and Rachel Long. Sarah also returns for the first time since our very first festival. Her most recent publication, Foretokens (Chatto, 2025) was shortlisted for the T.S. Eliots. Rachel joins us to celebrate publication of her acclaimed second full collection, Sparrow on the Rooftop (Chatto, 2026). Hosting these three amazing poets for readings and discussion is Jo Bell, renowned poet and co-author of How to be a Poet (Nine Arches Press, 2017).