Bristol is a city with a vibrant and diverse poetry scene. From open-mic nights to spoken-word performances and poetry slams, there are plenty of opportunities for both established and emerging poets to showcase their work. In this article, we’ll explore some of the best Bristol poetry events and the people behind them.
One of the most popular events on the Bristol poetry calendar is the Bristol Poetry Festival. This annual event brings together poets and fans of poetry from across the city and beyond. The festival features a range of performances, workshops, and showcases, all designed to celebrate the art of poetry. One of the festival’s highlights is the Slam Final, where poets compete against each other, performing their work in front of a live audience and a panel of judges.
Another popular poetry event in Bristol is the Word of Mouth Open Mic Night. This monthly event is held at the famous Tobacco Factory Theatre and attracts a diverse range of poets, performers, and writers. The open-mic format means that anyone can sign up to perform, making it a great opportunity for emerging poets to take the stage and share their work. The event is hosted by Vanessa Kisuule, who is an award-winning poet and performer in her own right.
For those interested in performance poetry, Evidently is the place to be. This monthly event is held at the Alma Tavern and features some of the best spoken-word performers from across the UK. The event is hosted by Bristol-based poet and performer, Akiel Chinelo, and includes an open-mic session for anyone wanting to showcase their work. Evidently also has a YouTube channel, where you can catch up on performances from previous events.
If you’re looking for a more relaxed and intimate poetry event, the Lyrical Mixer might be just what you need. This monthly event is held at the Prince Street Social and features a mix of spoken-word poetry, live music, and DJ sets. The event is organized by Lyra Bristol, a community organization that aims to promote the art of words and music. The Lyrical Mixer is hosted by poet and musician, Solomon O.b, and is a great opportunity to connect with like-minded poets and artists.
For those interested in social justice and activism, Raise the Bar is an event not to be missed. This bi-monthly poetry and spoken-word event gives a platform to poets and performers who are passionate about issues such as climate change, human rights, and social injustice. The event is held at the Crofters Rights and is hosted by poet and activist, Tom Denbigh. The night features a mix of established and emerging poets, as well as open-mic sessions for anyone wanting to share their work.
Finally, for those interested in exploring the intersection between poetry and music, the Milk Poetry event is a must-see. This monthly showcase is held at the Wardrobe Theatre and features some of the best poets and musicians from across the UK. The event is hosted by Bristol-based poet and performer, Malaika Kegode, and includes performances from both established and emerging artists. Milk Poetry also runs a range of workshops and courses for those looking to develop their skills in poetry and music.
In conclusion, Bristol is a city with a vibrant and diverse poetry scene. Whether you’re an established poet or an emerging artist just starting out, there are plenty of opportunities to showcase your work and connect with other poets and writers. From open-mic nights to poetry slams and spoken-word performances, there is something for everyone in Bristol’s poetry events calendar. So why not get involved and see for yourself what this wonderful city has to offer?