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

Poetry & Spoken Word Events in Bristol

Name: Something Borrowed, Something Blue — Session Six: The Other
Start: 2026-11-18T17:45+00:00
End: 2026-11-18T20:30+00:00
Location: Watershed

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

Sell out warning! Unparalleled Golden Age of Cinema with that fuzzy hometown feeling! The 11th Cary Come Home Festival screens twelves highlights from Mr Grant's vast filmography over three themed days, including the romantic nautical romp Operation Petticoat, and his graceful, comic swansong Walk Don't Run. Cary Comes Home 2026 Festival at Bristol Megascreen.

Sell out warning! The word for world is forest, and the forest is flailing. These three films explore the forest as it butts up against capitalist hegemony, colonial extractivism and tech-fuelled destruction. Delve deep into the undergrowth with indigenous scientists, shamans, lasers and the eternal spirit of resistance as these astonishing films negotiate the terrifying world we have created. Forest Ecologies, Colonial Legacies at The Cube.

Sell out warning! I heard they suck live! A final hurrah for pop-punk’s most magnificently dysfunctional lifers, 40 Years of Fuckin’ Up digs through decades of the friendships, feuds and frayed bonds between Fat Mike, Melvin, Smelly and El Hefe, with a treasure trove of archival footage documenting their reign as patron saints of lost causes and mall rats. NOFX: 40 YEARS OF FUCKIN’ UP BRISTOL SCREENING at Lost and grounded brewery.

"What kind of goat sorcery is this?" The kind that'll have you shrieking like a bat outta hell! The Heart Breaker honeys have sent at least 500 ravens to summon you to this dark night of high camp vampiric shenanigans, inspired by everyone's favourite goofy, sexy, vamps. Come one come all and bring the energy, Colin's hungry! Heart Breakers Cabaret Presents: What We Do in The Shadows - A Drag Cabaret at Zed Alley.

What our editors say

“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

“We will be showcasing all kinds of performance art and cabaret acts! Some examples include drag, burlesque, circus, spoken word, dance, political performance art, stand up comedy, live singing, and lip syncing. You don't have to be under the LGBTQIA+ umbrella to perform or attend, but we ask that allies please respect that this is intended as a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community.”
From: SCRiTCH - Open Mic Cabaret

“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

“We also welcome back our party hero Geoffrey Breeze! Poetry made flesh! Beat poet Geoffrey Breeze delivers an electric combination of spoken word and rock and roll. His work explores class, desire, love, loss, ageing and the absurdities of English life. Tragic and comic poems written for the stage and fearlessly delivered with accompanying guitar vibes from the Mad Axeman.”
From: Elsie Rhymes Poetry Party