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Poetry & Spoken Word Events in Bristol

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Bristol's Poetry Scene

At the time of writing there are very few regular poetry events in Bristol. Milk hosts regular nights at Halo on Gloucester Road and The Wardrobe Theatre in Old Market. Hammer & Tongue occasionally bring their poetry slams to town and have used The Grain Barge for past events. Stand Up For Lyricism promotes poetry events in south Bristol at The Rope Walk and Tobacco Factory Theatre.

Buy tickets for poetry events in Bristol

Our recent poetry recommendations

Sell out warning! Bristol > Abergavenny summer getaway par excellence, Come Bye hosts a steaming pre-festival warmup with this Sauna + DJ session in Horfield Common’s community wellness retreat. Sweat out to residents spinning acid chug, bumpin’ garage and sunshine-filled house before taking the deep cold plunge. Come Bye & Sauna at Ardagh Community Sauna, BS6 7YL.

What can karaoke tell us about empire? Multi-disciplinary artist Sadia Pineda Hameed traces unexpected routes across the Pacific to the UK, following the musical traditions carried between islands and diasporic communities. Using her own family history as a springboard, she explores how these journeys continue to shape identity and memory through an evening of conversation, moving image and song. Ghost in the Karaoke Machine: Colonial Echoes in Filipino Music and Dance at IC Visual Lab.

Sell out warning! Head to the Watershed, where Jeremy Lent stands up for ecocivilization. His new book treats modern social crises as symptoms of Western notions of nature and progress. But help is at hand, as he also outlines our shift toward interdependence, balance, and long-term collective wellbeing. A perfect evening for eco-optimists and climate fear-mongerers alike! Ecocivilization Making a World that Works for All at Bookhaus.

Free entry / PWYC! Formerly housed at the legendary Brunswick Club with many members moonlighting at the Cube, BEEF have spent 10 years as the beating heart of Bristol’s experimental film community. Come celebrate with three hours of 16mm darkroom witchery, outmoded machine installations and flickering marvels from 11 core collective members. The New Department of Moving Images at Willway Yard.

What our editors say

“Spoken Word Open Mic all styles welcomed if you have written it you can read it be it a short story, Flash / Micro - Fiction, poetry extracts from your book it will be welcomed. (Unfortunately we cannot accept comedians). The event is warm, friendly and supportive so come and join us. ENTRY IS FREE”
From: Spoken Word Open Mic

“Whether you’re a seasoned performer, a first-timer testing out new material, or just along for the ride, our open mic is all about great performances, good company and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere. Expect an ever-changing mix of live music, poetry, spoken word, comedy and the unexpected. Anything can happen once the mic is live!”
From: Ill Repute Open Mic Night

“Sexquisite Events are an award winning performing arts company platforming the hottest sex worker artists, creating fierce, political and multi-disciplinary work. Come along to our bad bitch cabaret to celebrate how multi-talented + powerful sex workers are. You can expect: dance, burlesque, spoken word, song, comedy, pole + more! By supporting Sexquisite you are enabling us to create paid creative opportunities for those who work in the sex industry. Alongside this you are supporting us in our mission to destigmatise sex work through performance.”
From: Sexquisite July

“Fancy a night of laughter, poetry, monologues, music, and more! Then come on down to the Canopy in Redcatch Community Gardens for our multidisciplinary open mic! Doors: 18:30 Start: 19:00 Want to perfrom? Email us on [email protected] with a bit about you.”
From: Veg Patch - An Open Mic

“A spot steeped in community memory, the intention is to pay homage to the River Frome and with reverence, meditation and prayer call on the river spirits for protection and community prosperity. The short walking procession will close with open poetry and performance contributions.”
From: Riverine and I : A poetic procession alongside the Frome Gateway