What's On...

Summer 2026

LITERARY LUNCH FOR HOMESTART Tuesday 9th June – I’ll be hosting and interviewing fiction writer Hannah Beckerman. I absolutely loved talking to Hannah about her last book, “The Forgetting,” and her new book “Three Mothers” is guaranteed to be just as gripping, twisty and beautiful as the first. Looking foward to it!

THE BIG LUNCH Sunday 14th June 12noon – 4pm – Dudley Recreation Ground – this is a gorgeous, small but big-hearted local community festival – free to come along. Details and a timetable of acts will be available nearer the time. FAMILY-FRIENDLY

PETERBOROUGH PRESENTS Sunday 21st June 1pm – I’m performing an extended set as part of this city-wide festival. It’s free and you can book here: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/free-poetry-songs-and-silliness-with-jude-simpson-at-chaat-and-chill-tickets-1988906796769 FAMILY-FRIENDLY

POETRY SHACK Thursday 25th June 8pm – Candid Arts, North London. I’ll be performing a set at the very last who at this often-chaotic, frequently extraordinary, always big-hearted poetry club – with William Wyld and Martin Rowson, hosted by Jack Shamash. Details and tickets here: https://www.candidartslondon.com/product/25th-june-7-0pm-the-poetry-shack/243

CAMBRIDGE JUNCTION THEATRE – “WORDS IN PROGRESS” Monday 13th July, 7.30pm– be there at the beginning of my new show!!! This evening will be an informal performance of some newer pieces (a few old favourites thrown in) and some growing ideas which will feed into the development of my new show for adults, “Anticipation of Hindsight”. I’m really excited to be presenting some themes that I’ve been mulling over, and to get your feedback as I start to shape the new show, which will start touring in 2027. Come along and be part of the process!! Tickets are “Pay What You Feel” from £5 – https://www.junction.co.uk/events/jude-simpson-words-in-progress/

HILTON FEAST Thursday 23rd July – 5pm – Hilton Hotel, Cambridge – I’ll be doing a 40-minute set of poetry and song at this amazing local festival. Looking forward to it! Links to come. FAMILY-FRIENDLY

SCARGILL HOUSE, NORTH YORKSHIRE – Sunday 2nd August – I’m performing and doing a Q&A in the evening for SUMMERFEST at Scargill House – a Christian retreat and holiday centre. Summerfest is billed as a ” fabulous variety of visiting artists, concerts, youth and children’s work, creative workshops, Bible teaching, chat shows, late night extras, chapel services and outdoor activities.” More info and tickets here: https://scargillmovement.org/visit/

BRAMPTON, near HUNTINGDON , Saturday August 22nd around lunchtime I’m performing a family friendly set at the Pepys Mini Festival, at Pepys House, Brampton – https://www.ticketsource.com/pepys-house/pepys-mini-festival-discover-create-learn/e-mvagze

THE BIG CHURCH FESTIVAL Friday 28th – Sunday 30th August -Wiston Estate, West Sussex – I’m confirmed for the Big Church Festival – as usual, I’ll be co-hosting the Poetry Slam, and then competing in the “Bless-Offs” – if you’re going to be there, please do come along to the Spoken Word tent and support!!

NOTE: if a gig is labelled “FAMILY-FRIENDLY” then it’s designed for families with children aged 6+ and is suitable for any age. As for other gigs, my material is generally family-friendly, but these will be more suited to age 13+. However, I can’t speak for other performers at the same gig – please contact me if you’re unsure or want more guidance.

Autumn 2026

Saturday 26th September – “Perfect Ten” – a celebration performance as I bow out of my role as Poet in Residence with Homestart, Royston, after ten wonderful years. This will be a cabaret-style event with a bar and nibbles, performances by me, and lots of testimonials and memories to celebrate. Taking place in Royston as part of the town’s wonderful Arts Festival.

Date: Saturday 26 September 2026
Time: 7:00pm – 10:00pm
Venue: The Old Schoolhouse, Royston, SG8 9JL

Tickets: £20 per person
Early Bird Offer: £15 per person until 17 August 2026

Tickets here: https://www.hsrsc.org.uk/event/perfect-ten-celebration-performance-jude-simpson/

PETERBOROUGH October 1st and 2nd – “Before and Dafter” work-in-progress daytime event at Peterborough Key Theatre

PETERBOROUGH November – “Anticipating Hindsight” work-in-progress evening show at Peterborough Key Theatre 6th November.