Part of Allama Iqbal Festival 2026. Celebrate Iqbal’s birthday with an evening poetry gathering and meal with Peterborough Presents, Gladstone Connect, and Zain Haider Awan!
Monday 9 November
7pm – 9:30pm
Allama Iqbal Centre, 157 Cromwell Road, PE1 2EL
Dinner included – all meat will be halal, vegetarian / vegan options available, please send us any other dietary requirements when you book
Workshop, meal, & informal poetry sharing
Free. Spaces limited, booking essential
What to Expect
Hosted & led by Zain Haider Awan, you will use Allama Iqbal’s poetry and life as inspiration to write your own pieces. A relaxed environment, Zain will guide you through writing exercises which take inspiration from Iqbal’s use of animals, the natural environment, as well as themes of justice and resistance. You will then be treated to an authentic South Asian home-made & Iqbal-inspired dinner, and post-dinner informal open mic and poetry sharing.
Open to anyone 18+ who is interested in poetry and/or the works of Allama Iqbal. You don’t need to know anything about Iqbal or his poetry to take part. Join us at Iqbal’s Supper Club on the anniversary of his birth to write, eat, and chat together.
Access Information
The Allama Iqbal Centre has step-free access and an accessible toilet.
Mixed gender environment.
The activities will be delivered in English, but you are welcome to write your poems in any language.
Parking extremely limited – please walk or use public transport if you are able. The nearest pay & display car park is a 5-10 minute walk from the centre: Queensgate.
The nearest bus stop is on Craig Street.
Activity will take place inside on tables and chairs. Limited chairs with arm rests available – please bring your own if you prefer.
Dinner provided and will be served approximately 8:30 / 8:45pm. You will be emailed ahead of the event to confirm your dietary requirements and allergies. If you have any questions about the food before you book on, please email Charley at charley.genever@neneparktrust.org.uk or call/text/whatsapp 07435 985935.
Pens and paper will be provided but feel free to bring your own.
