Kilkenny Writers Forum invites writers to share their stories during the Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Kilkenny Writers Forum with the support of the Kilkenny Arts Office, is delighted to announce Soap Box City 2026, an open mic literary event celebrating original writing, as part of this year’s Alternative Kilkenny Arts Festival.
Writers of all genres, and at every stage of their writing journey are invited to take part by reading up to five minutes of their own original work on the theme ‘Journeys’. Poetry, short stories and novel extracts are all welcome.
Event Details:
- Date: Tuesday, 11th August 2026
- Time: 00pm – 4.00pm
- Registration: 30pm – 2.00pm
- Venue: Billy Byrnes, 39 John Street, Kilkenny R95 K091
- Theme: Journeys
- Admission: Free
The five-minute reading limit ensures a varied and engaging programme, giving as many writers as possible the opportunity to share their work with an appreciative audience.
Now in it’s fourth year, the Kilkenny Writers Forum has become a vibrant and supportive community for local writers, providing encouragement, constructive feedback and opportunities to develop their craft. Soap Box City continues that tradition by offering both emerging and established writers a welcoming platform to perform their work during one of Kilkenny’s flagship cultural festivals.
Members of the public are warmly invited to attend this free event, and enjoy an afternoon of original writing from talented voices across Kilkenny and beyond.
