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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

beginner-friendly // expressive language workshop // translation is art! Thirty-Six Views of a Haiku: poetry translation workshop with Heidi Clark at East Bristol Books.

It’s hard to remember Bristol's contemporary dance scene before Impermanence came along, flipping the Mount Without into a world-class physical theatre space attracting commissions and artists from all over the globe. Now the directors tear back the curtain with this 5-day course, sharing in-depth techniques and movement theory from 15 years of groundbreaking shows. Open to budding beginners and seasoned practitioners alike. IMPERMANENCE _ Dance Theatre Intensive at St Michael's Studio.

Trinity invite you into the beating industrial heart of Jacob Wells Baths in a tantalising taste of its full arts hub resurrection. Marvel at the Victorian splendour of this iconic and underused space, utterly transformed by immersive AV visionaries Squidsoup into a vast, responsive environment of shifting lights and soothing soundscapes. Cast Light at Jacobs Wells Baths.

The first true horror film takes its rightful place at Exchange Horror Club, complete with suitably unsettling live score! German expressionist masterpiece The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari distills interwar paranoia into a claustrophobic dreamscape of lurking shadows, menacing angles and impossible distortions, realised through some of the most fantastical set design ever committed to film. Mandatory cinephile viewing! Exchange Horror Club: The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari at Exchange.

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

“* Selected films from the International Poetry Film Competition and the Audience Award. * Workshop. * Talk - taking poetry film beyond the screen. * Exclusive interview with BAFTA award screenwriter and poet Dean Atta, plus screening of Two Black Boys in Paradise. * Plenty of time for discussions and chat and to enjoy the harbour. Full programme and times will be available soon.”
From: Poetry Film Festival

“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

“Come and sample the 9 week course Creative Flow Club. Drawing on books like The Artist’s Way and We Need Your Art and voices from poetry, Buddhism, art, science and psychology, the course runs in small groups at L’Etoile Studio and is facilitated by coach and music artist Elly Hopkins. The Taster session will give insight into the course content, what’s involved and offers the opportunity to ask plenty of questions. More info, course dates and fees are at https://www.creativeflowcoach.co.uk/creative-flow-club.html”
From: ✨Creative Flow Club✨ Taster Session