---
title: "Camden and Lumen Poetry"
url: "https://ruthocallaghan.com/readings"
updated: 2026-10-12
description: "Ruth O'Callaghan's two London reading series, which raise money for the Cold Weather Shelters in Camden and King's Cross."
---

# Camden and Lumen Poetry

Two London reading series, hosted by Ruth since 2008. Everything they raise goes to the Cold Weather Shelters for homeless people in Camden and King's Cross.

The readings take place in two churches that open as Cold Weather Shelters in winter, so the poets read in the rooms where homeless people sleep.

## An evening

A publisher or a magazine editor introduces their poets, who read. An open floor follows, and poems read from the floor may be chosen for an anthology published each spring. There is wine and soft drinks, a raffle for a parcel of books, and books on sale at a discount.

## Who has read

Guests have included George Szirtes, Anne Stevenson and John Lucas, and poets presented by Agenda, Acumen, Cinnamon Press, Modern Poetry in Translation and Palewell Press. Carol Ann Duffy judged the Camden and Lumen poetry competition in 2010.

## Where

### Lumen Poetry

Lumen United Reformed Church, 88 Tavistock Place, London WC1H 9RS. Usually on the third Tuesday of the month.

### Camden Poetry

Trinity United Reformed Church, 1 Buck Street, Camden Town, London NW1 8NJ. Usually on the first Friday of the month.

## Read at Camden or Lumen

Publishers, editors and poets who would like to read, and anyone who wants the date of the next evening, can write to Ruth.

[Write to Ruth](/contact)