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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.

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What our editors say

“In 2013, he collaborated with animators to make the anti-bullying viral video To This Day which has had over 13 million views, and he performed a customized version For the Bullied and the Beautiful to acclaim at the 2013 International TED Conference in Long Beach, California. Shane shapes his words and delivers in multi mediums from authored, video, spoken word, operatic, and musically performed.”
From: Shane Koyczan

“Cathy Galvin is a poet and journalist. She is co-founder of the Sunday Times Short Story Award. Her journalism has appeared in the Financial Times, The Daily Telegraph, Newsweek, The Sunday Times, and The Tablet where she is a non-executive director. She has published three poetry pamphlets: *Black and Blue* (The Melos Press, 2014), *Rough Translation* (The Melos Press, 2016) and *Walking the Coventry Ring Road with Lady Godiva* (Guillemot Press, 2019). Her debut poetry collection, *Ethnology. A love song for Connemara* is forthcoming from Bloodaxe Books in February 2026.”
From: Poetry: Eleanor Rees & Cathy Galvin

“Vicky Lane completed her improv training at the Comedy Cafe Berlin, where she performed with Gummy Worms, Northern Soul and a host of indie teams. After completing her acting training at the Catalyst Institute Berlin, she has returned to the UK and is making her mark on the Bristol arts scene. She currently runs and hosts Lip Service Comedy, Queer Stories spoken word night, and is establishing her own theatre company in the city.”
From: Wednesday Night Improv: April Triple Bill

“Anyone is welcome! Whether you’re a part of the community or want to learn more about the South Asian experience in Bristol, join us at the Arnolfini to listen and engage with spoken stories, ranging from personal anecdotes, prose, monologues, poetry and anything in between.”
From: RepresentAsian Storytelling Evening

“Rosie Garland has a passion for language nurtured by public libraries, & Val McDermid has named her one of the most compelling LGBT+ writers in the UK today. An award-winning poet, novelist and short story writer, she is frontwoman for post-punk band The March Violets. Poetry collection What Girls do the Dark (Nine Arches Press) was shortlisted for the Polari Prize & latest collection This Is How I Fight was Observer Poetry Book of the Month. Her poetry and fiction - described by The Times as “a delight…with shades of Angela Carter” - looks beneath the skin to the multitudes inside: galaxies, creatures, wicked queens & fire - all itching & roaring to be seen.”
From: Satellite of Love Presents: Rosie Garland and Rowena Knight