Poetry and Rap Workshop with Lence

Part of Leeds Lit Fest 2026. See the full programme at https://www.leedslitfest.co.uk/

This 2 hour workshop will be a relaxed creative writing session focused on poetry and rap hosted by Leeds Artist Lence.

Learn about Lence's artistic process, from his rap influences to his extensive performance experience and enjoy this opportunity to explore your own creativity. Have a go at writing your own rap or a brand new poem to perform!

If you're looking for inspiration and for new ideas, this is the place to be! It's a chance to delve into your imagination, experiment with rhyme, embrace your story, tap into your originality, and celebrate your creative voice!

Lence is a Rap & Spoken word artist from Leeds, known for a distinctive style of intricate lyrics, astute observations, compelling music and impactful live performances that explore his own experiences. His creative work sees him take on multiple roles from writer to producer and director to workshop facilitator. Lence runs regular Poetry and Rap workshops and has been part of this year's National Young Poet Laureate Programme in association with the National Literacy Trust featuring Mayor of WY Tracy Brabin and Poet Laureate Simon Armitage. Lence has also delivered workshops for Bradford Arts Centre, National Poetry Centre, Royal Ballet and Opera, Leeds Storytelling Festival and Leeds Playhouse. 

As well as his creative work, Lence runs 'Blur the Lines' which is a unique showcase of 20+ Rappers, Poets, Musicians & Comedians based in Yorkshire, an interdisciplinary show connecting creative scenes throughout the North. Lence has produced 10 of these events, including 2 sold out shows at Leeds Playhouse, 5 for Leeds Lit Fest, 1 in association with Come Play With Me, 1 at the historic Leeds Library and 1 at Howard Assembly Room for the opening night of Leeds Jazz Festival 2025. The next Blur the Lines show will take place at City Varieties on Friday May 22nd.

Lence is an artist who blurs genre lines, performing his unique combination of Poetry and Rap, his music has been featured on BBC 6 Music, Reprezent Radio and BBC Introducing. Lence has supported the likes of legendary Grime MC - D Double E, Mercury Prize nominated Joshua Idehen, acclaimed band Getdown Services, exciting Irish Rapper: Curtisy, UK Hip Hop artists: Skinnyman and Chester P as well as Grammy nominated musician Kassa Overall. He has performed at BBC Words First, BBC Contains Strong Language, Factory International in Manchester for Poetry Place, Arts at the Arms, Leeds Jazz Festival, Sofar Sounds and Poetic Off-License.