WoWFEST presents From Spellow to Southport… with Love

From Spellow to Southport…with Love is a special family-friendly event featuring three of the UK’s most celebrated poets and performers—Michael Rosen, Jackie Kay, and Jordan Stephens. This day of creativity, storytelling, and poetry aims to promote unity, diversity, and resilience.

The tragic murders of young girls in Southport and the racist riots that followed, resulting in major fire damage to Spellow Library, deeply affected communities across the region. While the library may be repaired, the community still needs healing.

Held at the iconic Isla Gladstone Conservatory in Stanley Park, this one-off event will include powerful performances, storytelling, and creative activities for all ages. Attendees can write messages of love and unity on postcards and connect with others in their community.

Writing on the Wall, along with Rosen, Kay, and Stephens, believe in the power of creativity to inspire and unite. This event offers a chance to celebrate diversity and come together in a spirit of hope and solidarity.

About the Artists

Michael Rosen is one of Britain’s most beloved children’s poets and authors. Known for classics like We’re Going on a Bear Hunt, he has captivated generations with his humor, storytelling, and passion for language. A former BBC Radio 4 presenter and Professor of Children’s Literature at Goldsmiths, he continues to champion literacy and creativity.

Jordan Stephens, best known as one half of Rizzle Kicks, is a writer, performer, and mental health advocate. His campaign #IAMWHOLE raised awareness of mental health issues, reaching over 120 million people. As a children’s author, his book The Missing Piece was shortlisted for the Waterstones Children’s Prize.

Jackie Kay was born in Edinburgh. A poet, novelist and writer of short stories, she has enjoyed great acclaim for her work for both adults and children; and her novel, Trumpet, won the Guardian Fiction Prize. From 2016-21 she was the third modern Makar, the National Poet for Scotland. She is Professor of Creative Writing at the University of Salford.

In challenging times, this event is a space to celebrate what makes our communities strong. Let’s come together and send love from Spellow to Southport.