TOAST Poetry

John Hegley began his career busking outside Westminster tube station, beside the toilets, and burning incense sticks to sweeten this experience. He graduated to street entertaining in Covent Garden with the spectacular Popticians, who recorded two sessions for John Peel. Then came a Perrier comedy nomination, a residency at Keats House, twelve books, one mug, an honorary doctorate, and radio appearances across the BBC network – which included a one-off special: ‘All you ever needed to know about busking’.

Helen Mort has published four poetry collections with Chatto & Windus. Her latest is ‘Stepmother’ (2026). She has also published numerous,mpamphlets including ‘Dad vs. Dad’ with Verve. She lives in Sheffield and is a Professor of Creative Writing at Manchester Metropolitan University. She is a Fellow of the Royal Society of Literature

Maureen Onwunali is a Dublin-born Nigerian poet and a two-time national slam champion living in Milton Keynes. Often writing from a place of political urgency, Onwunali uses poetry as a means for creative intervention, bridging sharp sociopolitical commentary with the small everyday acts of compassion that bring us back to our shared humanity. Notable features and commissions include the Hay Festival, Ledbury Festival, National Portrait Gallery, Pearson, Roundhouse, The Poetry Society, The Irish Embassy, Transport for London, 10,000 Black Interns, Milton Keynes International Festival, Obsidian Foundation, and WOW – Women of the World.