SAY Owt, the York spoken word night, invites you to "shrug off those New Year blues" at Say Owt Slam #19 on February 3 at The Basement, City Screen, York.

"We're committed to building a local scene of powerhouse poets, as well as bringing some of the finest word-weavers from across the country to York to prove performance poetry is a genre you need to experience live," says co-host Henry Raby, who is delighted that Say Owt was name-checked in the Guardian's guide to York’s cutting-edge cultural landscape last autumn.

Next month's slam features a special guest, Sara Hirsch, in her first gig within the walls of York. Hirsch won the 2013 UK Slam Championship and was ranked third in the World Slam Championship in 2014, and from Glastonbury to the Edinburgh Fringe, she has toured consistently throughout the UK.

"Her work features sharp story-telling and beautifully crafted lyrical poetry. She's an unmissable poet with a spicy political edge and a passionate personality," says Raby.

"In addition to this incredible poet giving her best performance, we have the traditional Say Owt Slam, where poets vie for a cash prize. They have three minutes each to wow the audience and be crowned Say Owt champion! It’s fast and frantic and a cracking night out." Hirsch also will be running a writing workshop on February 4 from 1pm to 2.30pm at the York Explore Library for anyone of any experience for £5 on the door.

Before Say Owt Slam #19, Say Owt plays host to two events, the first on January 21 from 12.30pm to 3.30pm at the York Explore Library, when a Scratch Club will be held for people to bring new poems to share for constructive feedback in a friendly environment. "This is totally free and everyone is welcome, regardless of experience," says Raby.

"We then bring the dream team of Keiran King and Ella Gainsborough to the Dusk bar, in New Street, on January 25. Since 2013, these two have been running Evidently in the colourful, magical land of Salford, where it's not only Salford’s best poetry night but also one of the best in the UK. In York they'll be holding a free, exciting, gobby and very fun open mic for you to read your poems and spoken-word pieces."

Tickets for February 3's 7.30pm show cost £7 at sayowt.co.uk. More information on Say Owt’s programme of workshops, open mics, slams and full-length shows can be found at this website.