Writing the Winter

This event will be bookable on Monday 3 August 2026.

A one-day creative writing workshop inspired by winter and the festive period.

During this one-day practical writing workshop we will explore themes around winter, the changing weather and environment, the various festivals and celebrations that occur – from Bonfire Night, to Diwali, Christmas and the winter solstice. We will use our own experiences and feelings and use some contemporary writing to inspire our practice on the day.

At the end of the day you will have written at least two pieces of creative writing which could include poetry, short stories, memoirs and more.

We will be using visual prompts and excerpts from two contemporary writers to kickstart our writing.

There will be three writing prompts and a PowerPoint to reinforce learning and the class activities.

Weather permitting, there will also be a short outside walk along New Walk to collect images and ideas to inform our writing on the day.

Everyone will be encouraged to share the work they write during the day and give and receive feedback.

The workshop is suitable for anyone interested in developing their creative writing practice, whether they have any previous experience of writing or not. We will be working and sharing our written work in a friendly, inclusive and supportive environment. Come and have a go!

About the tutor:

Tutor Cathi Rae is a widely published poet, spoken word artist, multiple poetry slam winner, workshop facilitator and experienced teacher of adult education. Her work has appeared in journals, online magazines, poetry anthologies and art exhibitions. Cathi has performed throughout the UK at poetry events, festivals and arts events, and has been described as a spoken word icon! She has an MA in Creative Writing and PhD in Poetry from the University of Leicester. And she probably doesn’t read enough either!

Further information:

Participants must be aged 18+.

A complimentary notebook and pencils/pens will be provided. You are welcome to bring your own laptop or tablet if you prefer.

This one-day workshop will start at 10:30am and end at 4:30pm, with a short break for lunch.

Please note that our café will be closed for refurbishment at this time so please bring a packed lunch.

If the course/workshop you’d like to book is sold out, we do operate a waiting list – simply contact our box office team on 0116 252 2455 /arts-centre@le.ac.uk and ask to be added to the waiting list. We’ll then contact you if a place becomes available, with absolutely no obligation to accept it if you’ve made other plans!

Please ensure that you agree to our updated Terms & Conditions before booking as courses/workshops are non-refundable if cancelled within 21 days of the start date for any reason.

We aim to make all our sessions as accessible as possible and carers/PAs are very welcome – just remember to book their free place when you book your session. If you’d like to talk to us in advance of booking or attending your sessions to discuss your access needs, our Box Office team is here to help! Email arts-centre@le.ac.uk, pop in or call 0116 252 2455, open 7 days a week.

We have four blue badge parking spaces outside Attenborough Arts Centre, plus double yellow line roadside parking very close to the building for blue badge holders for up to three hours if our parking spaces are occupied.

Free parking for all customers is available after 5pm on weekdays and all day at weekends in the University of Leicester car park next door to Attenborough Arts Centre on Lancaster Road.

The closest public car park for parking at all other times is Victoria Park, 5-10 minutes walk from us (near De Montfort Hall).