Watershed

Robert Aldrich’s psycho-biddy masterpiece gets unfairly overlooked no longer! Bette Davis is absolutely unhinged, 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. Project the Dolls and Reel Life Monsters present 'What Ever Happened to Baby Jane?' 65th Anniversary.

Sell out warning! Literature discussion group Bristol Queerants hosts a collective close reading of MacArthur Prize winner Saidiya Hartman’s exploratory non-fiction gem. Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments combines meticulous research and imagined narratives to reconstruct the radical lifestyles of Black American women post-emancipation. Join us to discuss Saidiya Hartman’s book, Wayward Lives, Beautiful Experiments

Lyrafest 2026 closes on a high with this powerful showcase of resonant storytelling and cross-continental connection, curated alongside Ujima Radio. Celebrated headliners Theresa Lola and Joladé Olusanya bring rich explorations of identity, heritage and the diasporic lens, alongside sharp local talent and a digital link-up with Poetry Africa. For Lyra Festival’s closing event, join Ujima Radio for a dynamic evening showcase of established, emerging, national and local poets and spoken word artists of African Heritage. With headline performances from Theresa Lola (Ceremony for the Nameless) and Joladé Olusanya (Jabez Incarnate) whose latest books both explore culture, memory and history through a Nigerian-British lens.

Grassroots warmth with literary weight! Lyrafest hosts a welcoming women’s open mic – open to first-time poets and old hands alike – alongside Clare Pollard’s witty, historically attuned readings from latest collection Lives of the Female Poets, and performance poetry from BBC Sport’s favourite slam powerhouse Deanna Rodger. Join the Women Poets' Network for an in-person version of our popular open mic, featuring a feature set from Clare Pollard reading from her new collection Lives of the Female Poets, plus Bristol-based Deanna Rodger. Hosted by Degna Stone. 

Sell out warning! Bristol’s best-loved spoken word series returns with a headline set from legendary iconoclast Salena Godden, alongside avant-garde acolytes from Bad Betty Press: Desree, Antosh Wojcik, and Rowan Lyster. Plus NGAIO will be setting the sonic pulse with afrobeats and global bass on the decks! Raise the Bar and Bad Betty Press present an Autumn poetry spectacular at Arnolfini. Headlined by legendary UK performance poet Salena Godden.