Mark Grist is a multi-award-winning poet, rap battler, children’s author and former teacher whose performances and videos have been viewed more than 100 million times online. A pioneer in bringing poetry to new audiences through battle rap, storytelling and live performance, he has appeared on the BBC, Channel 4 and Red Bull, and has twice been honoured at the International Webby Awards.
Mark’s previous titles include Poet Laureate of Peterborough, Edinburgh Fringe Slam Champion and Chief Bard of the Fens.
Mark starred in Red Bull TV’s Mark Grist Battles the World, appeared in Channel 4’s Mr Drew’s School for Boys, and is the author of acclaimed children’s books including Rhinos Don’t Cry, featured on CBeebies Bedtime Stories and read by Danny Dyer.
Mark tours schools, theatres and festivals across the world, and hosts the podcast We, The Poets — an Arts Council England-funded series exploring the craft, chaos and reality of life as a poet in the UK today.
This year marks Mark’s ninth year at Shambala Festival, where he returns to unleash the
legendary Monster Rap Battle workshop.
