SOME WORDS FROM THE SECRETARY

What is “Word Up”?

“Word Up” is a once a month Performance Poetry Night in the Cellar Bar under Castle Café, currently organised by local performance poets Sue Hamblen and Jim Harwood. We aim to give a platform to all poets, from first timers to experienced stand up performers. Don’t be shy. Give it a try. You will be sure of a warm welcome.

If you do not wish to perform yourself you can always be sure of a lively and varied evening’s entertainment packed with original ideas and enthusiasm. No two sessions are the same.

Cardigan was the site of the first ever Welsh Eisteddfodd, with its long history of supporting the bardic tradition of the spoken word. “Word Up” seeks to keep the tradition alive, and bring it bang up to date.

How do I get there?

Just park down at Somerfield Car Park, walk up the hill along Quay Street, and the Castle Café is on the corner of Quay Street and High Street, just opposite the entrance to the Castle.

A Short History of the Cellar Bar

Steve and April Greenhalgh opened the Cellar Bar as a place where people could enjoy a meal with a drink, and experience entertainment ‘with a difference’ which was not generally finding a platform. Since it opened it has become a magnet for musicians, singers, poets and a wide variety of talented performers from the Cardigan area and beyond.

It is also rapidly building up an audience who are desperate for something different, not as formal as a theatre or a restaurant, not as boring as your average pub night out, not as distant or exhausting as going to a gig with no food and no seating. April and Steve seem to have found the balance.

Check out their programme. Enquire at the Café ( tel no <>) or check the local press for details. You will be amazed at the variety and quality of the entertainment on offer.

A Short History of the Word Up Night

Steve and April suggested early in 2006 that they would like to run a performance poetry night as part of their programme. They approached local poet Sue Hamblen with the idea, and the first session took place on Wednesday March 8th 2006.

The “Word Up” Night is now a regular feature at the Cellar Bar. Poet Jim Harwood from Pembroke Dock has joined the team. We have had guest poets from near and far. The quality and variety of our guest poets has been astounding. The open mic slots have been a huge success. Many who have never performed their poems in public have taken to the stage at our “Word Up” Night for the very first time. Some have gained the confidence to perform at other venues. Some have gone on to become regular contributors.

What can I say about “Word Up” so far? It has proved a great venue. The atmosphere is warm and welcoming. It is lively, and open minded, giving a platform for entertainment you will not find elsewhere…..yet! The audience and performers, whether visiting professionals or local enthusiasts, are of all ages, all backgrounds, and all walks of life. What can you expect? Well, frankly, there is only one way to find out. Come and see for yourselves.

We welcome anyone who wishes to perform on any topic, and run frequent competitions with prizes.