Join Jay Bernard as they read from their poetry collection, Surge.

Jay Bernard’s Surge explores the devastating 1981 New Cross fire, which killed 13 young black people. From here, Jay traces a line to the 2017 Grenfell Tower fire.

The collection uses dancehall rhythm and Jamaican patois to draw you into the past. Themes of memory, activism and justice shine a light on an ignored chapter of British history.

Jay will read from their work, followed by audience Q & A and book signing.

Surge is published by Chatto and Windus.

Biography:
Jay Bernard’s work is important, queer and based on history. They won the 2018 Ted Hughes Award for their debut full collection Surge: Side A. In 2019, they were selected as one of Britain’s 10 best BAME writers by British Council and National Centre for Writing.