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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

Robert Aldrich’s psycho-biddy masterpiece often gets unfairly eclipsed by Psycho and Rosemary’s Baby. Bette Davis is absolutely unhinged in this one, playing an aging child star left to care for her wheelchair-bound sister (Joan Crawford). A monochrome nightmare, a vicious send-up of showbiz, and a bleak examination of the damage wrought by childhood fame; Baby Jane is a must-see for all serious horror fans. What Ever Happened to Baby Jane? 12 7.00pm at Bristol Improv Theatre.

Sell out warning! Bristol Porn Festival digs into the raunchier end of the moving image, bringing together short films by queer artists and sex-workers from Bristol and beyond. Hosted by local filthmongers Maya Poison and Pixie Sin, with ceramic awards for the evening’s most salacious offerings hand-crafted by Bunny Royle. Leave your inhibitions at the door.... Bristol Porn Film Festival at The Cube.

Sell out warning! Aunt Gladys is for the gays! Zach Cregger’s Weapons gifted us a high-camp queer icon, and it was only a matter of time ‘til it got the signature Ghoulboss drag-horror treatment. Cue Drag Dungoneers’ Boohooman, enthralling enigma Mariana Trench and the fantastical Garbitch, all serving up creepy-chic cabaret mayhem and ghoulish mystery. Ghoulboss Productions Presents: WEAPONZ at Zed Alley.

Grassroots food'n'film fundraiser featuring two illuminating shorts: in My Neighbourhood, Mohammed must suddenly share his family home in East Jerusalem with Israeli settlers, while Free Running Gaza shows parkour as a means of temporary escape from the constant oppression in Khan Younis refugee camp. Palestine Film Fundraiser - My Neighbourhood and Free Running Gaza at The Arc.

What our editors say

“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

“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

“How do our senses help us find poetry in moments of uncertainty and urgency? Part of a weekender exploring touch, multisensoriality and rhythm in our universe of warnings, this concert will featuring a new collaboration between Valentina Magaletti and Aura Satz.”
From: Scoring Warnings

“Causing a stir and serving up his blend of honest, observational and comedic stand-up poetry, performance and comedy poet Ade Smith's quick wit, charm and relatability provide quite the occasion. All in the name of rhyme!”
From: Ade Smith - Rhymes Against Humanity

“Join us to celebrate the UK publication of Korean-American poet and translator Don Mee Choi's work, in particular her newest collection *Freely Frayed* (And Other Stories). This is a rare and exciting chance to hear prominent voice in US poetics Don Mee Choi read in person. Her thought and practice of both are among the most vital, political and experimental examples of poetry and translation at the borders of anglophone radical poetics and the (neo)colonial nation-state. The author will be in conversation with poet and scholar Dr. Rebacca Kosick.”
From: Don Mee Choi: *Freely Frayed* . With Rebecca Kosick