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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.

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What our editors say

“She has devised and choreographed for ensembles, led improvisation scores for site-specific work, created spoken word/sound poetry performance, improvised music for theatre & dance productions, and designed and performed installation-based work; showing work at places including Tate Modern, The Place, Curve Theatre and Victoria & Albert Museum. ”
From: Somatic Movement Workshop: Our Bodies Need Time and Space to Digest Ideas

“This vibrant festival is intimately connected to the goddess Brigid—also known as Brighid, Bride, or Brigit—who embodies fertility, poetry, craftsmanship, and prophecy. She is invoked in blessings for growth and inspiration, guiding us as we welcome the coming season.”
From: Imbolc Blessings & Rituals - The Making a Brigid Doll

“Jaidah is a soulful poet from South London, now based in Weston-super-Mare, where her poetry journey first began. Her work is rooted in human connection, exploring themes of empathy, welfare, and the shared questions that bind us together.”
From: Raise the Bar: Open Mic

““The poets of Palestine have become vital archivists. In 48Kg Batool Abu Akleen not only provides brute testimony of the Genocide committed by Israel against her people, but by her inventiveness and surreality, by the barbed humour and bitter irony of her voice, and the tender revelation and humane wisdom of her work, she defiantly gives voice and futurity to Palestinian life. She writes that she waits for death, ‘like a mother expecting her newborn’ telling us ‘I will scream / I will feel his head coming out of my body.’ No one should have to write these incredible, haunting lines, but everyone should read them. This is an extraordinary book of poetry.” — Jack Underwood”
From: Poetry Reading: 48kg by Batool Abu Akleen

“The poetry of 'Holy Blue' is airy and open, ruminating on the breath. As it travels through present, past and future, between fragments of a remembered world, a form of poetic expression unravels itself - "knowing opens like a wing". Pope's poetry is sincere yet experimental, and it invites its audience to participate in full.”
From: Poetry Launches: Lauren Mason, Fran Pope & Dan Eltringham