Pupils performed spoken word poetry at a soon to be opened creative space in Walthamstow.

Last week, Gnome House in Blackhorse Lane, played host to the Spoken Word Education Programme’s All Schools Showcase which saw 100 young poets from schools across London performing "challenging and emotional" performances of their own writing.

Gnome House, an old factory for the assemblage of First World War 'Gnome' engines used to power bi- planes, has lay derleict for over ten years before refurbishment began last year.

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At the first event since it's re-opening pupils from Lammas in Leyton and Holy Family Catholic School in Walthamstow presented poems on topics such as identity, religion, family life and feminism.

The evening was hosted by internationally renowned poet and producer, Jacob Sam-La Rose at the recently refurbished space.

Director of Gnome House Chantelle Michaux said there has been a “real buzz locally” about the new building.

She said:“We are very excited about the new space and the possibilities it represents for the local creative community and residents.

“We are absolutely delighted that the first performers through the doors were such inspiring and erudite young poets from schools in Waltham Forest and across London."

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A pupil peforms spoken word at the opening (Photo credit: Mark Burton)

The ground floor of Gnome House will comprise a printmaking workshop, a cafe, a meeting room and a large community creative space available for hire. 

The free-to-attend official launch of the venue will be on May 2 with young people's activities and DJ’s from 2-11pm.