Bristol, the city of Banksy and colorful street art, has another vibrant creative scene that is worth exploring – the spoken word scene Over the years, the city has produced some of the most talented poets and spoken word artists, who have given voice to a diverse range of themes, from social justice to love, from politics to identity.
If you are a newcomer to Bristol or already live here, delve into the world of spoken word Here is a guide on how to get involved in the vibrant and diverse spoken word scene in Bristol.
Performances and Events:
The Bristol Spoken Word calendar is buzzing with events every month, ranging from open-mic nights to spoken word performances, where you can listen to established and emerging artists, or even perform yourself
One of the most famous spoken word events is the Raise the Bar’s Monthly Slam, an energetic, competitive night of poetry that features talented poets from all over the UK Other popular events include Milk Poetry, Bristol Storm, and Wordlife Southwest
If you prefer a more intimate and friendly atmosphere, check out the open-mic nights organized by Hammer and Tongue or Blahblahblah- two poetry collectives that are renowned for bringing diverse and exciting voices to the stage.
Workshops:
Whether you are an experienced writer or a beginner, workshops are a great way to develop your writing skills and get feedback on your work from professionals and peers Bristol has a thriving writing community, and there are numerous workshops available in the city, ranging from beginners to advanced level.
For example, the Lyra Bristol Poetry Workshop offers workshops, mentoring, and feedback for poets of all levels Meanwhile, the Wordsmithery runs writing sessions for young individuals and adults who want to explore their writing skills
Theatre Bristol offers writing sessions in collaboration with spoken word and music events, aiming to encourage poets, playwrights, and musicians to work together to develop their creative voice These events provide an excellent opportunity to experiment with different forms of writing and collaborate with other artists.
Community:
The Spoken Word community in Bristol is welcoming, supportive, and diverse spoken word bristol. From feminist poetry collectives to queer spoken word events, Bristol has a range of groups that cater to specific interests and identities
FORWARD meets regularly, centring around feminist voices and providing a safe space to discuss topics related to sexual assault, political oppression, and more Bedminster’s Story Slam is a quarterly event that focuses on stories that are original, locally-based, and under 500 words These events encourage emerging voices to come forward and share their work with a supportive audience.
Bristol’s queer scene is well represented in Queer’Say, a spoken word event for LGBTQ+ artists to share their stories and experiences The show is co-hosted and curated by two of Bristol’s well-known LGBTQ+ performance poets: Tom Denbigh and Danny Pandolfi.
If you are looking for a community-focused project, check out The Bristol Cable- an independent community newspaper that provides a platform for underrepresented voices They often feature spoken word artists in their publications and host events, such as their monthly “Night of the Kite” showcase, offering an opportunity for amateur poets to take the stage and perform.
Conclusion:
There is something for everyone in Bristol’s spoken word scene It is a place where you can explore your creativity, learn from others, and engage with important themes and issues that are affecting our world today The city has a reputation for producing unique voices and cultural innovators, and its spoken word scene is no exception
So, whether you want to write, perform, or just listen, get involved in Bristol’s spoken word scene and discover the city’s vibrant and creative heart.