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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 kinetic exorcism of working-class identity and masculine performance, Oona Doherty’s 'Hope Hunt and the Ascension Into Lazarus' is a mutating pastiche of regional archetypes. Best known for 'Hard to Be Soft', an electrifying portrait of her hometown Belfast, the Northern Irish dancer-choreographer’s chameleonic blend of comedy, swagger and grace is unmissable. Hope Hunt and the Ascension into Lazarus at The Mount Without.

Sell out warning! Omar El Akkad’s new book takes aim at the West’s moral hypocrisy around the genocide in Gaza, asking why it’s so easy to condemn atrocities once they’re safely in the past, but so hard to act while they’re happening. He joins us in person for an urgent discussion on complicity and what it means to witness injustice without becoming numb to it. One Day, Everyone Will Have Always Been Against This with Omar El Akkad at The Station.

Trinity Gardens transforms into an outdoor circus extravaganza with 6 women performing daring tightrope feats amongst the foliage, interweaving physical theatre and spoken word tales of female empowerment from troupes-gone-by. Daughters of the Wire have assembled a dazzling and inspiring show with real heart for all the family. ElevateHer // Daughters of the Wire at The Trinity Centre.

How can millions of Israelis justify their role in the occupation and ongoing genocide? Writer and Palestinian rights activist Avigail Abarbanel offers vital perspective on the internal workings of Zionism, drawing on her own moral awakening growing up in Israel, she surveys the psychology of denial, guilt and the weaponisation of Jewish identity by the settler-colonial state. Israel and the Social Psychology of Indoctrination at Malcolm X Community Centre.

What our editors say

“Disruptive Verse is back! We return to KIT FORM on Sunday 25th October for more poetry with purpose. Expect a night of poetry that seeks to tackle and make sense of the times we live in. Everybody is welcome to come and listen, regardless of whether they are fans of poetry or not - the aim of the evening is to provide an emotional outlet and a sense of communality. Where: KIT FORM, Jamaica St, BS2 8JP (~100m from Stokes Croft bus stop Access: KIT FORM has step-free access with a 1cm metal lip at the door. Chairs available and one accessible toilet. If you have any access needs you would like to discuss email [email protected]”
From: Disruptive Verse

“If you have written something come and share it otherwise your stories, Flash/Micro fiction/ poetry won't live. You will find a warm and welcoming environment with a very supportive and friendly audience al willing to listen. FREE ENTRY.”
From: Spoken Word Open Mic

“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