Push The Boat Out

Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival

Poetry is everywhere. It’s the lyrics of the song that’s stuck in your head, the rhythms of speech in an overheard conversation, the way we tell our stories, the histories of the buildings around us. That’s what Push The Boat Out is all about. Words, how we use them, and what they mean to us.

From poetry readings and discussions, to new commissions, singer-songwriter circles, music hybrid events, dance and hip hop, poetic cocktail-making classes, film screenings,  beach walks, panels, workshops and development opportunities – this vibrant, multi-layered, polyphonic line-up is a true fiesta of the vernacular with something for everyone and anyone.

Push the Boat 2024 dates coming soon.

2023 Programme
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About the Festival

In some ways, there’s never been a more interesting time for poetry. From time immemorial we’ve looked to poetry and story to help us interpret and understand the world around us; right now there is an ever increasing richness of artists doing just that in powerful and diverse ways, resonating with wider and wider audiences in the process. Push the Boat Out is proud to bring together artists both established and new in the game, and to create a platform for new connections, experiences and inspiration. We know there’s an audience out there who want to experience poetry as a live artform, who are moved by words and language in all their glorious forms, and this festival creates the space for you to do just that.

Join us at our monthly Rock the Boat Open Mic, explore our engagement work or get in touch to see how you can play a part in our story.

Push the Boat 2024 dates coming soon.  Get in the boat, compañeros! 

Work with Us

We’re looking for an extremely well organised, communicative and collaborative Creative Producer to support the development and delivery of the programme for Push the Boat Out 2024.

This is a new and exciting post with significant opportunities to develop your skills both in festival programming and producing while contributing to the growth and delivery of one of Scotland’s most exciting new organisations all year round.

Closing date: 9am on 26th February 2024

To apply and find out more, click the link below.

Find out more

Check out the full Programme

2023 Programme

Thanks to the supporters who have made the 2023 festival possible

Poetry on your wavelength…

Push the Boat Out, Edinburgh’s International Poetry Festival, launches its programme on International Poetry Day, Thursday 5th October.

Check out the line up: https://pushtheboatout.org/Programme/

2023 Programme