about spit nights

poetry.
but not how you remember it.

next nights

Spit Nights is a spoken word event series redefining poetry for a new generation.
We put poetry back where it belongs - on big stages, in buzzing rooms, surrounded by people snapping fingers, laughing, leaning forward, and feeling something together.

Since launching in April 2024, Spit Nights has grown from a simple idea into one of the UK’s fastest-growing poetry platforms - welcoming thousands of audience members in real life and tens of millions more online. If you thought poetry wasn’t for you… you’re exactly who we made this for.

why spit nights exist

Spit Nights started because founder, Danny Mash went to a lot of poetry nights.

The words were great. The rooms… less so.

Too quiet. Too stiff. Too much pressure to “get it right”. Poetry felt boxed in - when really, it’s meant to be alive. Social. A bit chaotic. Something you experience together, not something you politely observe.

What if poetry felt more like a gig night?
What if it welcomed people who’d never been to a poetry event before?
What if it was fun, warm, and a little unpredictable?

Spit Nights was born…and it snowballed fast.

what to expect

  • moments of collaboration, surprise and spontaneity

  • a charismatic host with MC energy guiding the night and warming up the crowd

  • poetry and spoken word designed for live rooms, not quiet classrooms

  • a crowd that’s supportive, responsive and genuinely up for it

  • some nights with improvised live music, some nights with pure poetry — always led by the words

our mission

we’re here to change the perception of poetry.

Poetry doesn’t have to be niche, intimidating or locked behind “insider” culture. It can be loud. Emotional. Funny. Messy. Accessible. A shared experience.

Spit Nights exists to build a new community of storytelling and celebration - one where poetry feels culturally relevant, socially engaging, and genuinely exciting to be part of.

contact us

what happens in the room doesn’t stop when the night ends.

in the last year alone, Spit Nights has reached 77M+ views across Instagram, TikTok and live event content.

  • In the last year alone, Spit Nights has reached 77M+ views across Instagram, TikTok and live event content, with millions of views every month and a highly engaged social audience. Those moments help turn live poetry into something people actively seek out - not stumble across by accident.

  • around 30–60% of people at every Spit Night are first-time poetry attendees. Many tell us the same thing afterwards:

    “I didn’t know poetry could feel like this.”

  • our audiences are mostly 20–35 year-old students, creatives and young professionals - people looking for a night out that feels different, meaningful and alive.

trusted by venues across london

The Jazz Cafe

•

Roundhouse

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Ministry of Sound

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Number 90

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Lost Village festival

The Jazz Cafe • Roundhouse • Ministry of Sound • Number 90 • Lost Village festival

 spit night faqs

  • Spit Nights has hosted shows at some of the UK’s most respected cultural venues, including The Jazz Cafe, Roundhouse, Ministry of Sound and Number 90, as well as festivals like Lost Village.
    we’ve also been supported and endorsed by artists such as Mahalia, Jordan Stephens and Jack Garratt - and we’ve grown mainly through word-of-mouth, not hype for hype’s sake.

    for venues, brands and festivals, Spit Nights offers something rare: a real cultural moment, not just an event.

  • very. in fact, a huge part of our audience is made up of people who’ve never been to a poetry night before.
    you don’t need to “get” poetry or know what to expect - just come as you are. The room is warm, welcoming, and guided by a host who makes sure everyone feels part of it.

  • think gig energy meets storytelling.
    Some moments are loud and electric, others are intimate and emotional - but it’s always supportive, responsive and alive. you’ll hear laughter, snapping fingers, and the occasional collective gasp.

    it’s poetry you feel, not poetry you sit quietly through.

  • not at all. loads of people come solo, and many leave having made new ones.
    Spit Nights attracts an open, friendly crowd, and the shared experience makes it easy to feel connected, even if you arrive on your own.

  • Nope, and that’s the point.
    Some nights are pure poetry, others blend spoken word with live improvised music, but no two events are ever the same. What stays consistent is the energy, the quality, and the feeling of being in the room for something that’s happening right now.

  • We’re always open to hearing from venues, festivals and brands who want to be part of a genuine cultural moment. Spit Nights reaches 600 - 700+ live guests per month and millions more online, with a highly engaged audience.

    If you’re interested in bookings, sponsorship or collaborations, get in touch with Danny at hello@spitpoetry.com