Shab-e Yalda Poetry Fundraiser

Join us at The Poetry Society in Covent Garden the evening of December 4th, for a night of community and poetry as we celebrate hope, resilience, and new beginnings at our Shab-e Yalda fundraiser. Rooted in ancient Zoroastrian traditions and celebrated across Central Asia, this festival marks the longest night of the year, typically around December 21st, heralding the brighter days ahead. Our celebration will be early to ensure everyone can join before the busy holiday season and because it falls during our Big Give week. This means, all funds raised will be doubled, maximising the support we are able to provide to families in Afghanistan facing the harsh winter. 

What is Shab-e-Yalda?

Learn more about the magical 'Night of Rebirth'

We will be reading verses from Hafez, the beloved Persian poet of the 1300s, in Dari and translated—honouring the tradition of reciting his timeless words each Winter Solstice. Alongside this, we have an inspiring lineup of contemporary poets who will share their messages of hope, as we all navigate these challenging times together and support those most impacted. 

We are thrilled to be joined by our collaborators from Paris, Artijaan, a collective dedicated to working with Afghan artisans to curate and co-create ethically made  handicrafts. Through their work, they celebrate and amplify the stories and knowledge of marginalised and often misrepresented cultures in Afghanistan. Artijaan will be showcasing and selling beautiful handmade pieces crafted by artisans in Afghanistan, offering a unique opportunity to support both the artistry and the stories behind these beautiful creations. 

This fundraiser will take place during The Big Give's Christmas Challenge, meaning every pound collected during the evening will be doubled—making twice the impact to the lives of families facing hardships this winter. Please reserve your space through our booking system. We kindly ask for a £10 donation on the evening per ticket, which will serve as your ticket purchase. This will enable your donation to be doubled.

Spaces are limited, so be sure to reserve your place soon and join us for an important evening of community, creativity, and change-making.