ArtfulScribe and Play on Words partners are seeking writers interested in participating in the New Forest's festival for readers, writers and lovers of words. Play on Words takes place from the 22 October to the 3 November in venues across the New Forest, and there are a number of ways writers could be a part of this year's events and activities.

New Milton Station's Poetry Exhibition


The Friends of New Milton Station are seeking poems with a travel theme from writers local to the New Forest area. The five winning poems will be unveiled at a celebratory event at the station on 22 October and displayed in the large frames in the station waiting room until 3 November 2025, as well as being published in a booklet to raise funds for the renovation of the Station Masters House. 

Open to poets of all ages. 

Max 200 words, to be emailed to friends@newmilton.org.uk with your name, address, phone no. or if under 18, age and contact details of a parent, by 25 September 2025. Voluntary submissions.

Writing the Landscape: 7.30pm, 22 October 2025, Forest Arts, New Milton

Writing the Landscape will feature New Forest Writer in Residence Yarrow Townsend alongside Emma Jones and Dr Craig Jordan-Baker, celebrating poetry, prose, and stories shaped by the Forest and its landscapes. We’re looking to commission two local writers to create and perform a short piece (up to two A4 pages, c. 7 minutes) responding to the event’s themes. We’re especially keen to hear outdoor working experiences from perspectives less often represented—whether in farming, commoning, conservation, forestry, heritage crafts, or urban and suburban green spaces. You don’t need to be published, but examples of past work are welcome. Each selected writer will receive £50. 

Apply for Writing the Landscape here: https://forms.gle/yAeC1garEKYC4TNR8

Scratch workshops: 9am - 4pm, 25 October 2025, Forest Arts, New Milton

Inspired by theatre scratch nights - where writers and theatre makers are able to test out and share new ideas, extracts of scripts or works-in-progress - this day will offer the chance for writers and facilitators from the New Forest or nearby to test out participatory writing exercises and workshops with a friendly community of other writers and readers. Fees from £25-£75 depending on the session. 

Apply to facilitate a scratch workshop here: https://forms.gle/j6mfRkdLRUmnkpR97

Poetry & Jazz Cafe: 7.30pm, 25 October 2025, Coda Music and Arts Trust, New Milton
The inaugural Play on Words Poetry & Jazz Cafe will be an evening of blue note jazz and smokin’ spoken word. We are looking to commission two writers from the Solent area to write and perform a new piece of writing no longer than two sides of A4 (approx. 7 minutes reading time) to share in front of an audience, accompanied by improvised music from the jazz trio. Pieces can be on any theme but we're particularly interested in hearing from writers who have experience in performing or writing alongside music or enjoy exploring playfully with sound. Each selected writer will receive £50. 

Apply for the Poetry & Jazz Cafe here: https://forms.gle/GoADT1YsCaM4AqaRA

Local Writer Showcase: 7pm, 1 November, St Barbe Museum, Lymington
The Local Writer Showcase on the 1st November 2025, 7-9.30pm at St Barbe Museum, Lymington. This event will offer the chance for New Forest writers to meet others locally and to discuss, share and sell their work. Voluntary event, with 5-10 minute slot to talk about and share a little of your writing. 

Apply for the Local Writer Showcase here: https://forms.gle/uEXXA1YGBPShMDHP7

You can attend all events without presenting by booking a ticket through the Play on Words website: www.playonwords.org.uk