Southern Energy offers a new platform for established and developing poets to present their work. Overall the format offers a more considered approach for both the artistes and the audiences. "We create space for more extended readings and presentations than many events usually allow," says Tom Cunliffe of THE SOUTH. "Audiences have an opportunity to really get to know a poet's range and approach."

In running this series of events every Thursday (except 31.10) at the Open House, Brighton from October to December, THE SOUTH aims to pay a fee to all the poets performing. "For most of our featured poets, poetry is their real work," says Tom. 2They need to earn money from their poetry. With reduced opportunity for publication - and reduced income from publication even when it happens - events, workshops and commissions have become crucial for poets' livelihoods. We want to respect the professionalism of poets and highlight the contribution they make educationally and socially."

A weekly dose of difference. With Southern Energy, THE SOUTH fills a void in Brighton's poetry scene. John Davies, the co-ordinator of THE SOUTH says: "There are excellent performance poetry events and slams. There are opportunities for new poets. And there are high profile single events for poetry stars. But Brighton has lacked a poetry series offering a more considered approach to live presentation where a working poet has the opportunity to present to an engaged and appreciative audience. Southern Energy addresses that need. We also offer access to poetry to the occasional audience of people - both young and mature - who would like to listen to poetry but can be daunted by the usual type of pub or café events. Our approach is eclectic, engaging and inviting. An opportunity to listen to poetry, relish the energy of language and get a weekly dose of difference."

A note for Editors:
SOUTHERN ENERGY SERIES
- a new series of live poetry events
- at the Open House, Springfield Road, Brighton
- every Thursday evening from October to December

Designed as an easy going club-style evening SOUTHERN ENERGY runs at the Open House every Thursday at 7.45pm from October 17th, ending with a Christmas party on December 19th (except 31.10)

Sponsors, including Studenthealth.co.uk, Messenger brand communications and Harveys of Lewes, are supporting individual events.

THE SOUTH is a new not-for-profit group that aims to support writers, poets and communities in the south of England by agitating for new work, stimulating collaborations, setting up commissions and using writers in personal, family and community support projects.