A new literary event is coming to Newport this month, bringing together local writers, poets, and storytellers under one roof.
Dr Jean G-Owen of Naked Figleaf Press is organising Figarama: The Write Fair, a free two-day event taking place at Calverts Hotel, Newport, on 27th and 28th March 2026, running from 10.30am to 8pm each day.
A day for every writer
Friday 27th March is Poets’ Day, while Saturday 28th March is Prose Day – giving the event a distinct shape across the two days.
Both days will feature an all-day book fair showcasing local writers, alongside a pop-up stage hosting open mic sessions, which organisers say are open to all.
Book launches and storytelling
Friday brings a storytelling session with Holly Medland between 12.30pm, followed by an Open Mic opportunity between 2pm and 5pm.
A book launch from Kathryn Rossati at 6pm, presented alongside a WordSpokenSong performance.
Saturday’s programme includes the launches of two books: Biosphere and Fault Lines, both taking place between 4pm and 6pm on the pop-up stage.
The evening on Saturday closes with an Open Mic session from 7pm to 8pm, hosted by VEX.
Workshops across both days
Both days also offer a programme of ticketed (paid) workshops, for which booking is essential.
On Friday, Jean G-Owen leads a Write Insight workshop, with further sessions including Stories Held in Place, led by Deb Stott, and Life Lines, led by Hillard Morley.
Saturday’s workshop programme includes a second Write Insight session with Jean G-Owen at 11.30am, an In Hindsight workshop with Katie Daysh at noon, and an Urban Nature session with Kate Young.
Free and open to all
Entry to the event is free, and the open mic sessions welcome anyone who wants to take part.
Further information is available at on the website, or by emailing [email protected].
