Monday, January 20, sees the launch of the first ever poetry club night at Putney's Half Moon pub.

The candlelit monthly event, Union, will unite poetry, music and visual art in the Half Moon's iconic venue, which has played host to some of the biggest names in music - from Bo Diddley to The Rolling Stones, U2 and Kasabian.

Kyla Manenti, who co-hosts the night, hopes it will "encourage south west Londoners to explore the arts on their doorstep and, who knows, maybe help raise the area's profile as a destination for creatives!"

Featured on the launch night are the musicians Hannah Matthews, Shaunagh Duncan, Zander Sharp and headline act, The Blackwhite - indie rockers tipped 'ones to watch' for 2014. Poets performing are Belfast-born Joel Auterson, political poet Selina Nwulu and Sean Mahoney - who featured on Channel 4's Random Acts. There will also be an open mic slot for any musician or spoken word artist wishing to take part.

Doors open at 7.30pm with Hannah Matthews opening the night in soulful style at 8pm. Tickets are £5 on-the-door, £4 for students and £2 for open mic wannabes. For more information visit Facebook.com/HalfmoonUnion or contact the Half Moon on 0208 780 9383.

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