A door to a world of possibilities and imagination has been opened today as local poets share their words.

The inaugural Bay of Plenty Regional Poetry Slam is taking place at Worlds End Bar and Restaurant at Fraser Cove.

Alia Martin performing her poem today. Photo and video: Tracy Hardy.

Today's inaugural event has been co-organised by Sian Northfield and Dhaivat Mehta who explain the power of slams lies in the 'animation of words, the pacing, the message”.

'When you listen to (2014 National Poetry Slam winner) Te Kahu Rolleston, it's theatre but it is just one person on the mic,” says Dhaivat. 'It condenses the energy, making it more of an entertaining experience, like theatre or listening to freestyle rap.

'Slams have also reached popularity recently because many poems explore social, political and, at times, very personal topics which people can relate to and have opinions about.”

Today's slam is featuring two sections, a youth slam for under 18s and an adult section.

The winner going on to represent the Bay at the national slam final in Hamilton later this year.

Alia Martin.

Dylan Morris.

Rafael Ortie.

Skyla Douglas.

Andre Moffat.

Emma Dalton.