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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

“A formidable follow up to her award-winning debut poetry collection, Len Pennie’s poyums annaw is just like her: defiant, angry and trailblazing. These poems are a call to arms, confronting ideas of patriarchy, gender-based violence and societal injustice with equal parts tenderness, quick-wit and righteous fury. poyums annaw firmly cements Len as a defining voice in contemporary Scots poetry.”
From: Poyums annaw launch with Len Pennie

“Kayla Martell Feldman (she/they) is a multi-award-winning director and writer for the page, stage, and screen. They co-host the monthly poetry night Process and work with Safe Spoken to improve safeguarding and inclusion in poetry. Kayla is an alum of the Roundhouse Poetry Weekender and the NO BORDERS Artists Project at the Royal Court Theatre, and co-produced the Kirkby Lonsdale Poetry Festival in 2024. Her work has been widely published in North America, the UK, and online, and their second poetry collection Same Story is out now from Verve Poetry Press.”
From: Milk Poetry | Great Minds Don't Think Alike

“Bournemouth Reggae Weekender is an independently run 3-day unique occasion to celebrate the diverse African-Caribbean culture and heritage in Bournemouth through reggae music with a full range of entertainment and traditional activities that support creative arts and performing artists through music, poetry, storytelling, and dance workshops.”
From: Bournemouth Reggae Weekender

“Ian Irwin was selected as an Out-Spoken Press Emerging Poet in 2022. His poetry has been published in The Poetry Review, Propel, Berlin Lit, Carmen et Error, The Alchemy Spoon, Full House, Outcrop, Dust, Eche and Trasna among others. Ian’s work also appears in several anthologies. He lives, writes, and teaches in Bristol, where he has been reading his work at poetry and open-mic events for over a decade.”
From: Raise the Bar: Open Mic

“In a mix of poetry and lists acclaimed comedian Trevor Lock (BBCRadio 4, Channel 4, Comedy Central) reinvents Bingo, rewrites the English dictionary and explains the correct way to imbibe a glass of H2O.”
From: Trevor Lock - How to Drink a Glass of Water WIP