Caroline Smith studied Fine Arts (Sculpture) at Goldsmiths College. She now lives in Wembley where she works as the immigration and asylum caseworker for a London MP. Her poetry book, ‘The Immigration Handbook’ (Seren) was shortlisted for the Ted Hughes Award and translated into Italian by Prof Paola Splendore and published by edizioni dell’asino.  

Smith has been widely published in journals and anthologies, including The Poetry Review, ARC Canada and ‘Staying Alive’ (Bloodaxe). Her work has been shortlisted or won prizes in poetry competitions, including the Alpine International, The Keats/Shelley, Indigo Dreams and The National Poetry Competition. She organises the 160+One Poetry Festival in Wembley and has given readings at Festivals and Universities around the world. Her work has been set to music by the British Argentinian composer, Silvina Milstein and performed on Radio 3 by The BBC Singers.

Her new collection, ‘Bycatch’ was published by Nine Arches Press in 2025 and is shortlisted for the Forward Prize 2026 (Best Collection). She is a 2025 Hawthornden Fellow.

 Instagram: carolinesmith845

Website: www.carolinesmithpoet.com

The first half of this event will be open mic, so please feel free to bring and read a poem in a friendly and welcoming space.

Tickets can be bought in advance or on the door:

Entry prices: £5; £3 for students under 24; Free to ages 18 and under.