GemArts Masala Festival
Freespill: A Night of Unfiltered Desi Soul Flow
Celebrating Masala Festival’s 10th anniversary, Freespill returns with a powerful night of spoken word, spotlighting bold South Asian voices and stories of heritage, resistance, and joy. Hosted by Newcastle’s own Tahmina Ali, the evening brings together an exciting blend of local and national talent, including award‑winning poet Jaspreet Kaur, and author of #1 bestseller Brown Girl Like Me and the acclaimed children’s book The Spaces in Between. Joining her are Australian Poetry Slam Champion Zohab Zee Khan and poet, human rights activist and mother Chandni Chopra.
Tahmina will also perform her commissioned monologue, published by Writers Mosaic and the Royal Literary Fund, a moving story of a South Asian woman living in the shadows of her aspiring athlete husband, exploring love, sacrifice, and quiet bravery.
The night will also feature an open mic, offering a platform for new voices—step up and share your work by signing up at hello@tahminaali.co.uk
Presented by GemArts and Live Theatre
GemArts award-winning Masala Festival returns from 13th – 19th July for its 10th Anniversary, bringing a vibrant mix and blend of the finest South Asian arts and culture to the North East. Enjoy an incredible programme of performances, exhibitions, events, workshops, talks, pop-ups, and of course, delicious Indian food in venues, places and spaces across the region. Don’t miss this special milestone year!
For the full Masala Festival 2026 programme, visit: www.gemarts.org
