They took over the two pop-ups to read poems they’d written to those visiting, as well as handing out some special booklets of their work.
The Big Read sees BDAT primary and secondary schools unite in October for a celebration of reading, packed with themed activities that explore how reading can boost your wellbeing and spark your imagination.
Those who heard the poems left some great feedback about the event, some of which are shown below.
“I was impressed by the two poems that I heard. It is a credit to the young ladies who come from different backgrounds but were so positive about their culture and also the communities where they lived.”
“Their poems had a real impact on me and they made my day. Thank you so much.”
“I thought it was really good; the girls were really enthusiastic. I was impressed with their confidence in talking to the general public. They are a real credit to their school. The messages they were conveying in the poems were really easy to understand.”
“Thank you, you actually made me cry. To hear how proud you are was amazing.”
“The poem “I come from…” [included] stunning use of imagery. [They were] beautiful words, clearly spoken from the heart. Well done.”
“I loved hearing the perspectives of the Belle Vue Students: the texts were so well written and the fact that they do such good work on the side, for fun, inspires me and my mum to how culture and belief can be expressed greatly.”
“Well read – got the message [that] we are all different and how we express them. I am an “old” woman and people don’t often ask my opinion. This has been good. Thank you.”
Jonathan Kennedy, Assistant Headteacher at Belle Vue Girls’ Academy, said:
“It was fantastic to give our students the opportunity to perform spoken word out in the local community. Darley Street Market was the perfect venue, with BDAT students taking advantage of the bustling and friendly atmosphere. Shoppers and market traders alike were more than willing to listen intently to the students' poems which they had written by themselves
“The event provided unexpected emotional highlights with some members of the public being visibly moved by the students' poems about culture, identity and the power of reading. This was an empowering event for the young poets who grew in confidence as performers and were given a safe space to express their creativity.
“Darley Street Market was a fantastic setting for a BDAT Big Read event and we look forward to continuing the partnership in the future.”
