Watershed

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.

Sell out warning! Free entry! Is this the dawn of bionic bardism!? Lyra Fest goes deeper down the rabbit hole with their investigation into the interplay between creative writing and technology, and the possibilities and pitfalls of their co-existence. Featuring presentations pairing poets with AI researchers to try and accurately model our inner lyrical experiences. The UK's first ever AI and Poetry symposium, as poets, technologists and creatives share their work, ideas and research. Everyone is welcome to attend this free event (advance booking essential) and to join the conversation around AI, poetry and creativity in a relaxed, fun and friendly environment.

The Ukrainian writer, translator, and critic Ilya Kaminsky took the literary world by storm in 2019 with his internationally exalted “fairy tale in verse” ‘Deaf Republic’. He joins Lyrafest for an intimate reading and book signing – a rare chance to see this genuine poetry master at work. An exclusive Bristol reading from international guest poet Ilya Kaminsky, author of Deaf Republic (Graywolf Press, 2019), Dancing in Odessa (Tupelo Press, 2004), and co-editor and co-translator of many other books. Plus support from Charlotte Shevchenko Knight. Followed by a book signing.