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, Jordan Stephens, and Beth Suzanna. Join Jordan and Beth for a captivating and interactive storytelling adventure to discover the wonders of the natural world! 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. Writing on the Wall, in partnership with Culture Liverpool and Spellow Library, ran a series of free creative writing sessions called What’s Your Walton Story? for anyone who wanted to share their experience of living or working in the community. We will be celebrating these stories on the day and launching an anthology of work.
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.
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.
Beth Suzanna is a mixed-race London-based illustrator known for her vibrant, community-focused work across publishing, editorial, and commercial projects. Her bold, playful style blends paper cut shapes and expressive lines to celebrate connection and diversity. Clients include Bloomsbury, Politico, the V&A, Hermès, and Hay Festival, where she was 2023 Illustrator in Residence.
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.
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.
This is a free event, but booking is required.
We encourage people to use public transport to travel to events where possible.
*These are difficult times. We know some people may struggle to afford full price tickets. If you would like to attend this event but can’t afford to, please contact info@writingonthewall.org.uk. All queries will be treated in confidence.
The Isla Gladstone Conservatory, Stanley Park, Anfield Road, Liverpool, L4 0TD
Free
Date: May 28, 2025
Time: 12:00 pm
Ends: 4:00 pm
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