Northern Writes is a Stanley based cultural education programme inspired by the pitman poet Tommy Armstrong. This school and community based participatory programme uses Armstrong’s literary legacy to inspire new writers and musicians. Featuring inspirational artists such as Simon Armitage, Rachel Unthank, and the Reg Vardy Band, it gives children and their families the opportunity to join in creative writing residencies, song writing workshops, writing workshops and live performances.

Tommy Armstrong, a miner from the age of nine, went on to write more than 150 poems in his lifetime. His poetry stood firm against the injustice and unfairness that miners were subject to, from working conditions to lockouts, family evictions and mining disasters. Northern Writes brings his defiant voice to a new generation of children and young people.