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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

“This vibrant festival is intimately connected to the goddess Brigid—also known as Brighid, Bride, or Brigit—who embodies fertility, poetry, craftsmanship, and prophecy. She is invoked in blessings for growth and inspiration, guiding us as we welcome the coming season.”
From: Imbolc Blessings & Rituals - The Making a Brigid Doll

“Laura Blomvall is a Finnish poet and researcher living in Bristol. Her doctoral dissertation at the University of York examined the limits of lyric poetry in the twentieth century. Her poems have appeared in The Poetry Review, Propel Magazine, and elsewhere.*Enter Moon* is her first pamphlet.”
From: Laura Blomvall *Enter Moon* + Suzannah V. Evans

“In 2024, she published a poetry pamphlet, *Thank You For Everything*, with Monitor Books. Of this, Luke Roberts said: ‘Nell Osborne makes wisdom blush and wit look like slapstick, and it all seems possible, scuffed and crude and stinging’.”
From: Nell Osborne *Ghost Driver*

“Remi Graves is a London poet and drummer, and an alumnus of the Barbican Young Poets program. Their work has been featured at St. Paul’s Cathedral and in various anthologies, as well as at the Barbican Centre. In 2020, Graves was longlisted for the Merky Books New Writers’ Prize. The poetry collection *with your chest* was published in 2022 by Fourteen Poems. *coal* won the inaugural Prototype Prize (short-form category) in 2024.”
From: Remi Graves *coal*

“East Bristol Books is thrilled to host American poet Gabrielle Bates on tour presenting her debut poetry collection *Judas Goat*, published in the UK by the 87press. With support from author Emma Gomis.”
From: Gabrielle Bates *Judas Goat* & Emma Gomis