What's On / Bristol Concerts, Theatre & Dance / poetry

Poetry & Spoken Word Events in Bristol

Name: UK Launch Tolka Issue 12
Start: 2026-11-24T18:30+00:00
End: 2026-11-24T20:30+00:00
Location: Boston Tea Party Gloucester Road

upcoming event

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

The feral freaks of Untamed Burlesque are making their stunning return to the stage with a stacked lineup of legendary sexy beasts of the burlesque scene. With 'Plymouth's Sexiest Vegan', 'Dr. Frankenstein of the Fringe' and 'The Queen of Nerdlesque' all on the books, it's gonna be wet, wild'n'weird! Untamed Burlesque at Zed Alley.

They destroy ten, we plant a thousand! Part of BPFF 2026, Bristol Palestine Museum screens documentary Land of Canaan, exploring the destruction of Palestinian livelihoods and cultural heritage through a defiant grassroots farmers’ movement to protect the West Bank’s olive oil industry. Meditative, moving and quietly incendiary. Land of Canaan at Bristol Palestine Museum.

Translation is a fine and mysterious art. An art of unearthing, tracing, mapping, scrying, weaving, layering. Welcome Translators' House Press as they make their first forays into indie publishing, launching two new gorgeous riso-printed poetry chapbooks as part of their EBB residency from two linguistic sorcerers of the highest pedigree. Translators' House Press Launch Event: Angus Allman & Grace Calk at East Bristol Books.

You don't know how to dabke?! Don't panic, Marya Malas will lead you in this welcoming crash course in the gorgeous, buoyant Palestinian dance (w/ social and snacks too), so you can school your nan at your cousin's upcoming wedding. Dabke Dance Workshop & Social at The Jam Jar.

What our editors say

“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

“Dada is more than just collage. This anti-establishment rejection of traditional art and society spawned an approach to writing that’s reverberated through the music world. Whether you’re writing lyrics, poetry or fiction, it will liberate your creative process with randomness and ambiguity. ”
From: Shut Up & Cut Up

“myndstate (he/him) is a spoken word artist, poet, and performer known for blending hard-hitting, vulnerable performances with wit and humour. His words - full of emotion, storytelling, and rhyme - have made him a national poetry slam winner, got him featured on the likes of BBC Radio London, Sky Sports, and Attitude, plus have amassed millions of views online. ”
From: Milk Poetry Presents: myndstate: deep breath

“Our Winter guest facilitator is the brilliant poet Tom Sastry. You’ll be guided through gentle writing prompts to generate new work, engage in lively discussions about contemporary poetry and craft, and meet other poets in the community.”
From: Raise the Bar: Writing Workshop | Winter 2027

“Milk Poetry selects the finest, freshest poets from the UK and beyond to produce the most nourishing and eclectic spoken word bonanza you could ever hope for, curated and hosted by Malaika Kegode (Outlier)”
From: Milk Poetry ft. Keith Jarrett