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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

Sell out warning! Bedmo would be a much greyer place indeed without the pastoral oasis of Windmill Hill City Farm. Come celebrate half a century of community nature & nurture with family-friendly frollicking (puppet shows, face painting, pottery) + live music from local folk legends, acappella choirs + more TBA. Windmill Hill City Farm 50th Anniversary Fayre at Windmill Hill City Farm.

Sell out warning! Bristol’s BYO conspiracy theory gathering returns! We’re assured no government actors are involved, but eyes and ears are everywhere. Scramble together your wildest conspiratorial jabberings – now’s your chance to be heard – or just pull up a chair for the unfolding post-post-truth wormhole... Truth Seekers 2026 at St Werburghs Community Centre.

A bona fide Renaissance woman, Sarah Dunant’s storied career has taken her from broadcast journalist to arts critic, from lecturer to celebrated author. She joins the Folk House to discuss her latest works of historical fiction and kick off the sparkling inaugural programme of Bristol New Writers Festival. In conversation with Sarah Dunant at Bristol Folk House.

The feel-good alternative to the skip and the shopping centre, or just another stop on the conveyor belt? Tansy E. Hoskins’ Charity Shop World delivers a reality check on the afterlife of your donated wares, interweaving far-reaching research into overconsumption with her personal experiences of the shop floor. A fascinating unpacking of consumer culture and community! Charity Shop World launch with Tansy E. Hoskins at Bookhaus.

What our editors say

“Spoken Word Open Mic all styles welcomed if you have written it you can read it be it a short story, Flash / Micro - Fiction, poetry extracts from your book it will be welcomed. (Unfortunately we cannot accept comedians). The event is warm, friendly and supportive so come and join us. ENTRY IS FREE”
From: Spoken Word Open Mic

“* Selected films from the International Poetry Film Competition and the Audience Award. * Workshop. * Talk - taking poetry film beyond the screen. * Exclusive interview with BAFTA award screenwriter and poet Dean Atta, plus screening of Two Black Boys in Paradise. * Plenty of time for discussions and chat and to enjoy the harbour. Full programme and times will be available soon.”
From: Poetry Film Festival

“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

“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

“GAY AS F*CK + SNAPSHOT unite again, for a celebration of sustainability, fashion and queerness 19:00 EXHIBITION (artist stalls, photographers, poetry, djs) 21:00 intermission 21:15 CATWALK 21:45 intermission 22:00 DJs 00:00 END DJs: GUNK 7-8pm Tommy Sinewave 8-9pm IDIORHYTHMIA 9:15-9:45pm Slaggamuffin 10-11pm Hauswife 11-12pm”
From: Sustainable Fashion Week: Queer Joy