A NEW poetry event which aims to "put value to poetry in Essex" is heading to the city in the form of Words In Chalk.

The first of what is hoped to become an event which happens every six months, will see BBC featured spoken word artist Emy P take to the stage.

The poet and musician, who was born and raised in Essex, is on a "personal mission to raise awareness and destigmatise the negative viewpoints surrounding mental health and ADHD in adults".

Emy’s honest writing approach and dark humour delves into the minds of everyday people as well as her own wired brain.

She also has a podcast about mental health and neurodiversity called Ain't Broke Don't Fix Me, on Spotify and ITunes.

Also on the bill are nationally renowned poet Hazel Mehmet - the driving force behind hit spoken word event Shxts and Scribbles who was recently featured on BAFTA winning Sky Arts show Life and Rhymes.

Multi-slam winning and published poet Sadie Davidson will also be performing.

Sadie had books Tales from the Estate (2017), the Poverty Guide Handbook (2019) published through Whisky and Beards Publishing, as well as recording a spoken word album – Council House and Silent (2018) – which was released through the Spoken Label.

She recorded and produced Life Behind Bards (2020), a collaborative work with five other working class poets.

Life Behind Bards was awarded the 2020 Saboteur Award in the Best Collaborative Work category.

Self proclaimed bedroom poet Becksy Becks will also be making an appearance.

Becks relocated with her family from South Sudan to the UK at the age three, and began reading and writing shortly after.

Last but not least, guitarist and composer Daryl Tattoo will be playing a mix of jazz harmony, ambient soundscapes, punk rock and experimentation.

The event is being organised by Aaron Shrimpton a Basildon based videographer and also spoken word artist and fan, who runs the company New Waverley Studios.

He said: "Words In Chalk is about wanting to put out a high quality award winning night of spoken word poetry that profiles and platforms exciting artists from the area and invite artists from outside Essex too.

"Words in Chalk' is a great opportunity to collaborate again with Metal Culture Southend in showcasing their artist in Resident Emy P alongside other brilliant talent.

"It's hopefully the start of a twice yearly project bringing top level talent to the area and making sure artists get paid too."

It takes place at Metal in Chalkwell Hall in Chalkwell Park, Westcliff, on Saturday October 8, at 7pm - 8.30pm.

Tickets cost £5.