York Cemetery is hosting a musical event curated by Richard Peace and Damien Collis of the York St. John University’s music course. This event is a celebration of the cemetery grounds, its history and the nature that surrounds it. The students will perform various compositions inspired by their reflections of the cemetery, death, and the nature of the space.
We have been asked to share their open call for submissions for the written word on these themes. This is a great opportunity for us writers, as the musicians plan to provide improvised live backing music for the spoken performance of submissions.
The title of the event comes from the epitaph on the grave of Charlotte Hall, a poem:
A lovely flower
removed, alas how soon
from the tender watchful care
that had reared and cherished it
to be the FIRST transplanted
into this garden of death
yet not to continue here for ever
but at the appointed season to be taken
into the paradise of God
There to revive and flourish
In perfect and unfading beauty
This borrowed line for a title perfectly encapsulates what Richard and Damien are looking for in written works; the beauty and naturalness of death, and the beauty of the place where one is laid to rest. They invite you to submit any work that fits!
There is a £5 entry fee to the event, all of which is donated to the Friends of York Cemetery, who are dedicated to the upkeep of the grounds and the preservation of the site’s historic buildings.
Submission Guidelines:
- All forms of writing are accepted (poetry, prose, non-fiction etc) with particular emphasis on the performance aspect.
- There is no set length for submissions, but ideally pieces should fill between 3 to 5 minutes of performance time.
- You are not required to perform your piece if accepted, but you’re encouraged to do so if you would like.
Submissions are open until the 22nd of November, although the sooner you submit, the better! Please send all submissions and inquiries to Richard.Peace@yorksj.ac.uk
– Ethan Clark
Ethan Clark (any/all) is a writer and musician from North Wales, currently studying Creative Writing and Publishing. Their work has been published in Underbelly press’ Issue 5, Vita, The Woolf Literary and Arts Journal, Beyond the Walls Anthology 2025 and the YSJ Folklore Anthology 2025.