Southampton's Festival of Words
SO: To Speak Festival was Southampton's dedicated celebration of words in all their forms. From spoken word and poetry to live literature, heritage, theatre, comedy, and storytelling, the festival brought together voices from across the city and beyond.
The 2017 festival ran from 19th to 28th October, embracing the theme "Changing Times". Events took place at venues throughout Southampton, including Westquay South, Southampton Central Library, The Stage Door, The Dolphin Hotel, and Cobbett Road Library.
Part of Southampton Festivals
SO: To Speak Festival operated as part of the broader Southampton Festivals network, a collective of cultural events that showcased the city's vibrant arts scene. The festival was dedicated to making words accessible and exciting, offering a mix of free and ticketed events across multiple genres.
Charity partners for the 2017 edition included Dementia Friendly Southampton and The Alzheimer's Society, reflecting the festival's commitment to community engagement and social impact.
What We Offered
The festival programme spanned a wide range of formats and genres:
- Spoken Word & Poetry — performances from local and visiting poets
- Live Literature — readings and talks by authors and storytellers
- Heritage — events exploring Southampton's rich history
- Theatre — staged productions including commissioned works
- Comedy — stand-up and humorous performances
- Storytelling — tales for all ages in intimate settings
The festival also awarded two £500 commissions under the "Changing Times" theme to Damian O'Vitch and Matt LT Smith, supporting new creative work rooted in Southampton.
Quick Facts
Dates: 19th – 28th October 2017
Theme: Changing Times
Location: Southampton, UK
Contact: sotospeak15@sotospeakfestival.org