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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

A fascinating half-day symposium exploring how experimental darkroom processes inform the photographic practices of contemporary women, non-binary and trans artists. Expect lively presentations and discussions on techniques from cyanotypes and photograms, to printing on leaves, fruit and fabrics. Art of Experimentation: Alternative Photography at Bristol Folk House.

Dubstep finally gets the glossy music tome treatment, courtesy of arch VICE / DJ Mag / Red Bull scribe Lauren Martin. She’ll be in the Brew launching this vital slice of subwise oral history into the world, with Kahn and Chris Farrell on the decks taking us back to the heady days of FWD>> and DMZ dread-topia. Serious ‘I was there m8’ nostalgia on offer for the local Skull Disco and Tectonic heads! AFTERSHOCK: The seismic impact of dubstep - Book launch party at Strange Brew.

It sure is! And this retelling rides in like the SparksNotes-in-shining-armour we’ve always dreamed of, transforming the 1000-page doorstopper into a hysterical one-man storytelling quest stuffed with elaborate handcrafted puppets and gleefully meta moments of existential crisis. Philosophical, poignant, wildly imaginative grassroots theatre at its very best! Don Quixote at Arnolfini.

Sell out warning! Co-signed by Corey Taylor himself, Slipknot’s nu-metal classics meet devilish burlesque seduction! Iconic genius in name and concept, Stripknot head up this absolute feast of alt cabaret delights alongside dazzling drag deviant Dis and smooth operator Unknown Amazon’s captivating one-king spectacle. STRIPKNOT - An Alternative Cabaret 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