The Fish Fry Poetry Event: Fri 26 June | 6pm - 9pm
Inspired by the communal traditions of the Caribbean fish fry – a space of gathering, music and cultural ex
The event will feature the following:
- 6pm-7pm: A poetry workshop hosted by Writerz and Scribez exploring the themes of the Cornwallis Cloth exhibition through poetry (limited slots available, doors open 20 minutes before)
- 7:30pm-9:30pm: Poetry performances from Kareem Parkins-Brown, Lola Oh, Tolu Agbelusi and Francis-Xavier Mukiibi (doors open 20 minutes before)
Hosted by Jemilea Wisdom-Baako, with music by Shade’ Joseph.
This event is supported by Arts Council England.
Caribbean fish fry traditions
During World War II, the Caribbean fish fry tradition was solidified as a vital local culinary practice at port towns, where fishermen fed sailors and passengers. Due to wartime shortages, locals often used fresh fish seasoned with hot peppers and spices, bypassing battered fish in favour of fried preparations, often featuring conch, grouper, or snapper.
The Fish Fry was chosen intentionally as a cultural reference point that exists across many Caribbean islands but especially evokes spaces like Oistins in Barbados. It functions as a communal gathering centred around food, music, storytelling, performance and social connection.
Holding a similar value to the carnival tradition, this celebration is as much an act of resistance as it is a reclamation of collective joy and freedom. This aligns with themes of Cornwallis Cloth and its exploration of Caribbean histories during the Second World War, particularly the tension between empire, identity, labour and resilience.
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Inspired by the communal traditions of the Caribbean fish fry – a space of gathering, music and cultural ex
The event will feature the following:
- 6pm-7pm: A poetry workshop hosted by Writerz and Scribez exploring the themes of the Cornwallis Cloth exhibition through poetry (limited slots available, doors open 20 minutes before)
- 7:30pm-9:30pm: Poetry performances from Kareem Parkins-Brown, Lola Oh, Tolu Agbelusi and Francis-Xavier Mukiibi (doors open 20 minutes before)
Hosted by Jemilea Wisdom-Baako, with music by Shade’ Joseph.
This event is supported by Arts Council England.
Caribbean fish fry traditions
During World War II, the Caribbean fish fry tradition was solidified as a vital local culinary practice at port towns, where fishermen fed sailors and passengers. Due to wartime shortages, locals often used fresh fish seasoned with hot peppers and spices, bypassing battered fish in favour of fried preparations, often featuring conch, grouper, or snapper.
The Fish Fry was chosen intentionally as a cultural reference point that exists across many Caribbean islands but especially evokes spaces like Oistins in Barbados. It functions as a communal gathering centred around food, music, storytelling, performance and social connection.
Holding a similar value to the carnival tradition, this celebration is as much an act of resistance as it is a reclamation of collective joy and freedom. This aligns with themes of Cornwallis Cloth and its exploration of Caribbean histories during the Second World War, particularly the tension between empire, identity, labour and resilience.
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