Arts Derbyshire

16.03.2026

Could you be Derby’s next Count of Poetry?

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Marking ‘Derby Dracula Day’, ‘Poetry Doesn’t Suck, The Vampire Poetry Slam’ returns on Friday 15th May.

Who will be named Derby’s Count of Poetry for 2026?

Marking the 102nd anniversary of Hamilton Deane’s world premier production of Dracula, which opened at The Grand Theatre on Babington Lane, Derby, ‘Poetry Doesn’t Suck – The Vampire Poetry Slam’ returns!

A Poetry competition of two rounds where poets perform and are scored out of ten on both performance and content, the winner taking home the title of ‘Count’ and bragging rights.

Hosted on Friday 15th May (Derby Dracula Day) at Chapel Street Arts Centre.

Applications are now open and we will select approx. 14 competitors, which will be drawn randomly. Those selected will be informed in April once applications close.

Applications close: Midnight on Wednesday 31st March 2026

Applicants will be contacted by Monday 6th April 2026 

 

Interested in taking part? Register your interest at the link below – all horror, vampire and gothic themed poetry and spoken word welcome!

 

Deadline to apply, Midnight, Wednesday 31st March 2026.

 

https://forms.gle/ndrVgH1GGjFMGgDH7

 

Produced by The Derby Dracula CIC

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