Both were East London teachers in the 1970s.

Both are poets and advocates for the power of young imaginations.

Join us for an informal hour with the acclaimed writer, broadcaster and former Children’s Laureate, Michael Rosen.

About Stepney Words & Cockney Rebels

This event forms part of the programme ‘Stepney Words & Cockney Rebels’ a project marking the 50th anniversary of the Basement Writers.

In 1971, eight-hundred schoolkids from Stepney went on strike when their teacher Chris Searle was sacked for publishing a book of their poetry. In 1973, Chris started The Basement Writers, an after-school club for local teenagers to continue to write about their own lives. The project grew to include all kinds of extraordinary working-class people and became one of Britain’s first community publishers. Many former members still write today. Stepney Words & Cockney Rebels marks 50 years of creativity led by working-class communities. Join us for a day of activities exploring stories old and new.

Stepney Words, Cockney Rebels is presented in partnership with Brick Lane Bookshop.