"Sell out warning! A lyrical Lyrafest exploration of Avonian biology, history and mythology. Award-winning poets from Bristol and beyond take to the Board Walk with their river reimaginings, including: acclaimed multidisciplinary artist and poet Asmaa Jama; rising writer and river health advocate Sophie Dumont; plus the Avon Bride herself, serving performance storytelling together with alt-pop sorceress Emily Magpie."
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A event on Thursday 23rd April. The event starts at 19:00.
Date: Thursday 23rd April 2026
Venue: The Board Walk (SS Great Britain)
Time: 19:00 - 20:00
Tickets: £5
✅ All Lyra Fest venues are wheelchair accessible. Access Information Pack available at www.lyrafest.com.
Words and Water: Poems on the Avon
Come along to The Board Walk, by Brunel’s SS Great Britain, for an evening of poetry responding to Bristol waterways and the River Avon, through themes of environmentalism, conservation, migration, grief, joy and more. Enjoy performances from an array of local poets, Sophie Dumont, Asmaa Jama, Suzannah V. Evans, Saili Katebe, plus music and poetry from The Avonas.
Hosted by Dr Edson Burton.
ARTIST BIOS:
Sophie Dumont
Sophie Dumont is a writer, editor, and campaigner for river health. Her debut poetry collection, Sculling (2025), has been featured in the Financial Times, The Guardian, and Sunday Times Style. Her work has won the Brian Dempsey Memorial Prize, and she has held writing residencies along Bristol Harbourside with Boat Poets and at Exeter Custom House with Literature Works.
Suzannah V. Evans
Suzannah V. Evans is a poet and educator. Her debut poetry collection Under the Blue is shortlisted for the Dylan Thomas Prize, and her work has received the Ivan Juritz Prize and a Northern Writers’ Award. Her poetry pamphlets are Brightwork and Marine Objects / Some Language, and she is the editor of All Keyboards are Legitimate: Versions of Jules Laforgue. Suzannah teaches poetry in adult education and works with Poetry By Heart.
Saili Katebe
Saili Katebe is a Zambian-born writer, performer and workshop facilitator based in the South West of England. His work celebrates the musicality of language and the power of art as a way to connect people through story and creativity. He was a poet in residence on board SS Great Britain in 2019, and part of the "Iron Island" Project bringing the ship back to life, has appeared on stages across the country including performances as a finalist at the BBC Edinburgh Festival Fringe Slam in 2018. He is the author of a poetry Pamphlet “Katabasis”, published by Frosted Fire Press. He has had his work featured on BBC Arts and BBC Radio Bristol Bristol.
The Avonas
The Avona's are a series of artists and creators in Bristol answering the call of the river Avon's distress. Collaborators Mrs Meg Avon and Emily Magpie have entwined performance poetry, storytelling and layered ethereal witchy rhythms to bring the voice Avona into public consciousness.
Part of Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival 2026
#LyraFest
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Entry requirements: 16+, any under 18s accompanied by 21+ adult 1:1 ratio
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