Words + Pictures

The Flatpack programme has become a meeting place for poetry and film in recent years, particularly through our Speaking Back events.

It’s also a combo which is central to the work of Crate Poetry, a global platform run by Brummie legend Paul Stringer.

To mark the start of a new 2026 season for Crate we’ve teamed up for an evening of short films and performances, with two special guests:

Vig - aka Vig’s Poetry - is a Birmingham-based slam-winning spoken word poet, script and screenwriter, facilitator and producer. He has featured at major festivals, art exhibitions and on BBC, mainly exploring identity, mental health and cultural narratives through his craft. He is Regional Producer of Poets Palace Brum and part of the Birmingham Poetry Network.

Rupinder Kaur Waraich is a multidisciplinary artist and writer based in Birmingham. Her debut poetry collection, Rooh (2018), was published by Verve Poetry Press, and her forthcoming collection, Tigress with Wings, will be released by Seren Books in February 2026. Rupinder continues to explore and create at the intersections of writing, film and theatre.

Crate Poetry is a Birmingham-based online platform dedicated to performance poetry, showcasing voices from around the world. Through artist interviews and poetry sets, captured both in-studio and at live events, we spotlight, support, and celebrate the art of performance poetry.

Crate's new season is currently in production. Watch this space.

For more information or to discuss any access needs, feel free to email us at info@flatpackfestival.org.uk or call us on 0121 771 1509.

See the whole festival programme here: https://www.tickettailor.com/events/flatpack

What are Solidarity tickets?

We recognise that not everyone has equal access to live events and that the cost of entry is a barrier to some people. Solidarity tickets are free tickets available for anyone who needs it. If you're not sure whether that's you, refer to our guide below (thank you to Matchbox Cineclub for sharing this guide).

Solidarity tickets are for you if you agree with any of the following statements:

• I frequently stress about meeting basic needs (including food, clothing, housing and transportation) and don’t always achieve them.
• I have debt and it sometimes prohibits me from meeting my basic needs.
• I rent lower-end properties or have unstable housing.
• I sometimes can’t afford public or private transport. If I own a car/have access to a car, I am not always able to afford petrol.
• I am unemployed or underemployed.
• I qualify for government and/or voluntary assistance including: food banks and benefits.
• I have no access to savings.
• I have no or very limited expendable income (expendable income might mean you are able to buy tea or coffee at a shop, go to the cinema or a concert, buy new clothes, books and similar items each month etc.)
• I rarely buy new items because I am unable to afford them.
• I cannot afford a holiday or have the ability to take time off without financial burden.