As spring began to arrive in the Northern hemisphere, and the cold of winter began to dissipate, Invisible Poets launched an exciting new initiative. The Invisible Poets Roadshow, sponsored by funding from Wheelsong Books, held its inaugural show in Plymouth, at 44 Embankment Road, a high street coffee bar. In the photos are Matt Elmore, Richard de Bulat and Tyrone Warren.
Guest of honour on the night was Matt Elmore (author of Constellation Road and Average Angel), who arrived in the south west of England steely eyed and ready for any adventure. After sampling the famous Cornish pasty and a cup of English tea, we arrived at the cafe and set up our lighting and sound systems. Soon Matt launched into his road show set, instantly captivating his audience with a machine-gun routine of rapid fire poems. His dynamic stage act has to be seen to be appreciated! Also in the show that night was an open mic section that featured Iain Strachan, Kate Cameron, Nadia Martelli, Richard de Bulat, Tyrone Warren (author of Stealing Fire), Kenneth Wheeler (author of Inspirations) and others. In the photo are Steve Wheeler and Nadia Martelli doing a Live Poets Society broadcast and official launch of Wheelsong Poetry Anthology 6 from Plymouth.
The following day, there was a tour of the old city and harbours of Plymouth, and a lunch of Fish and Chips on the historic Barbican only two hundred metres away from the Mayflower Steps. Earlier that day Matt and Steve Wheeler were interviewed on radio, discussing their mutual passion for poetry and their shared Christian faith. In the afternoon several poets accompanied us on a visit to Dartmoor National Park.
Subsequent roadshow events held in Derby, Plymouth and Colchester later in the year raised more funds for Save the Children. The Colchester show, held at the Patch Cafe was hosted by Zac Warden and featured a number of poets previously mentioned as well as sets from Sarah Wheatley, Michelle Tarbin, Zac Warden, Graeme Stokes (author of Off the Top of My Head), Sean Timms and Sharon Toner. In the photos below are Zac Warden, Graeme Stokes and Michelle Tarbin, at the Colchester roadshow.
We aim to develop the roadshow further, and are now actively seeking other hosts to bring it to their own hometowns in the United Kingdom. If you have a venue you think would be suitable, and a group of poets who would love to participate, contact Steve Wheeler on wheelsong6@gmail.com to discuss. It won't cost you a penny! One of the best things about roadshows is that poets meet up for the first time, and long-lasting friendships are forged. The photo below of Kate Cameron (Minky) and Nadia Martelli meeting for the first time at the Plymouth roadshow says it all!
Wheelsong Books has also funded the design, development and production of a range of merchandising, including Invisible Poets t-shirt, embroidered baseball caps and hoodies, all of which can be purchased directly from wheelsong6@gmail.com. All proceeds from sales will be donated to Save the Children.
Thank you to everyone for your continued support of Wheelsong Books and Invisible Poets. We hope to organise a roadshow in your home town somewhere in the UK in 2026. Do get in touch with us!
Steve Wheeler
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