A poetry performance in Bristol

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

“A formidable follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection, Len Pennie’s poyums annaw is just like her: defiant, angry and trailblazing. These poems are a call to arms, confronting ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with equal parts tenderness, quick-wit and righteous fury. poyums annaw firmly cements Len as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.”
From: Poyums annaw launch with Len Pennie

“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

“Kayla Martell Feldman (she/they) is a multi-award-winning director and writer for the page, stage, and screen. They co-host the monthly poetry night Process and work with Safe Spoken to improve safeguarding and inclusion in poetry. Kayla is an alum of the Roundhouse Poetry Weekender and the NO BORDERS Artists Project at the Royal Court Theatre, and co-produced the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival in 2024. Her work has been widely published in North America, the UK, and online, and their second poetry collection Same Story is out now from Verve Poetry Press.”
From: Milk Poetry | Great Minds Don't Think Alike

“Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3-day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that support creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance workshops.”
From: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

“Spoz was ‘crowned’ Birmingham’s eleventh poet laureate in October 2006. He continues to work extensively in schools, lifting the appeal of writing and performing poetry to hitherto, unseen heights.”
From: Satellite of Love: Holly Winter-Hughes, Spoz, and Izzy Grace

Trending Poetry Events

Lyra Festival 2025 | Digital Events AND Workshops Pass at YouTube
— YouTube
spoken word festival poetry
Lyra Festival 2025 | Digital Events Pass at YouTube
— YouTube
spoken word festival poetry
Dan Whitlam at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
soul rap spoken word poetry
Men in Love launch with Irvine Welsh at The Trinity Centre
— The Trinity Centre
workshops & classes talks spoken word
How to Fall in Love with the Future launch at Bookhaus
— Bookhaus
workshops & classes talks spoken word
The Way of All Flesh with Or Basciano and Molly Conisbee at Bookhaus
— Bookhaus
workshops & classes talks spoken word

Bristol Trending Venues

Wardrobe Theatre Redgrave Theatre The Hen & Chicken The Cube Cinema
Writing From Place: Creative Writing Workshop with Pin The Tale at Cafe Kino
— Cafe Kino
workshops & classes spoken word poetry
Horizon Open Mic and Creative Workshop at Wiper and True Barrel Rooms in St Werburghs
— Wiper and True Barrel Rooms in St Werburghs
open mic workshops & classes comedy spoken word poetry
Tottering State #7: Marcinkowski, Yě Yě, Phillips at East Bristol Books
— East Bristol Books
spoken word poetry
NECESSARY NEWBS - CRIP PARTY FUNDRAISER at Bristol Old Vic
— Bristol Old Vic
experimental punk open mic cabaret poetry
Farm Cafe Late Openings: Compost Cafe Quiz & Open Mic at Windmill Hill City Farm Cafe
— Windmill Hill City Farm Cafe
singer-songwriter open mic pub quiz spoken word poetry
TRANS/FORM at Strange Brew
— Strange Brew
experimental lgbtq+ drag theatre poetry
Pride and Prejudices Queer s and the Law at Bookhaus
— Bookhaus
lgbtq+ workshops & classes talks spoken word
Soft Spot at Bridge Farm,  Glenfrome Road, BS16 1BQ
— Bridge Farm, Glenfrome Road, BS16 1BQ
folk lgbtq+ talks film poetry
Logging Off launch with Adele Zeynep Walton at Bookhaus
— Bookhaus
workshops & classes talks spoken word
Pigeon Maiden at Temple Church
— Temple Church
experimental workshops & classes comedy theatre poetry
Disruptive Verse at KIT FORM
— KIT FORM
spoken word poetry
Pigeon Maiden: Workshops at Temple Church
— Temple Church
experimental workshops & classes theatre poetry
Raise the Bar: Open Mic at The Orchard Coffee & Co.
— The Orchard Coffee & Co.
open mic spoken word poetry
Fascist Yoga launch with Stewart Home at Bookhaus
— Bookhaus
workshops & classes talks spoken word