What makes a good cocktail? What on earth is a cinquain? And why have we put these two together?

If you join us for a night of boisterous beverages and punchy poetry hosted by Keisha Thompson and Rory Dickinson, you might just find out…

We will treat you to a high-quality mix of a spirited guest poet, a performance mixologist, a mixer act and much much more.

We’ll start things simply with our guest poet’s favourite cocktail, then descend into a world of mixology mystery. Their challenge will be to create a whole new drink inspired by poetry, your reactions and whatever is available in the shops, to be honest.

Cocktails will be available to purchase on the evening of the event from ARMR Cafe and Kitchen.

Oh yes and what is cinquain, you ask? It’s just a fancy five-line poem. Something like this:

Join us

for a fun night

of liquid poetics

that might make you spit veneers to

shout cheers!

The Big Banquet

Every day is a party at Contact. But, this summer, we’re bringing you something extra special.

From 28 - 29 of July, we’re lowering the drawbridge and throwing open the castle doors for a weekend full of festivities!

“For 50 years, Contact has proven what can be achieved by putting the future first. I’m so excited to mark this remarkable legacy with The Big Banquet and can’t wait to share the beautiful Contact energy with our audiences, artists, visitors, friends and family over one incredible weekend. After a year at the helm of this magnificent organisation, I know one thing for sure: there’s nowhere in the world like Contact” - Keisha Thompson, Contact's AD and CEO

Join us in the castle on Oxford Road as we wrap up our 50th birthday celebrations with The Big Banquet, and feast on a range of extraordinary cultural delights.

From morning raves to poetry slams and fashion shows, we can’t wait to celebrate 50 years of changing the face of UK culture with you.

Learn more here!