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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

“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

““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

“Take a break from the holiday chaos, allow some time for the ‘deep rest’ that mid-winter calls for, and immerse yourself in the healing sound of choral harmony, poetry, guided meditation, vocal soundscapes, ASMR, therapeutic instruments, and re-imagined contemporary choral pieces.”
From: Murmuration Choir Sound Bath Concert

“And it’s easy to see why. David Lynch’s debut feature is less a narrative than a fever dream, an industrial lullaby of anxiety, desire, and transformation. Released in 1977 after five years in the making, Eraserhead is a haunting vision of parenthood and alienation, rendered in stark black and white and scored with an unforgettable mechanical hum. Lynch described it as “a dream of dark and troubling things,” and it remains one of the most audacious first films ever made, a surreal blend of body horror, absurd comedy, and transcendental poetry.”
From: Eraserhead & The Leeem Quartet