Arnolfini is delighted to welcome back Bristol’s annual poetry festival. With a host of literary events taking place across the city, read on for details about what will be taking place at Arnolfini…
The Power of Poetry: Panel Discussion
Friday 17th April, 18:00 – 19:00
Join international, national and local poets for a captivating panel discussion which considers the enduring power of poetry in contemporary life. Featuring Shane Koyczan, Georgie Jones, Vanessa Kisuule, and Bertel Martin, chaired by Professor Lucy English.
Queer Poetry Cabaret: Travis Alabanza + Guests
Friday 17th April, 19:30 – 21:30
Join hosts Aish Humphreys and Sam J. Grudgings for an exciting bill of local and national talent to kick off Lyra Fest 2026. A raucous and dynamic evening of queer poets and drag artists, headlined by the sensational Travis Alabanza!
Inua Ellams: Search Party
Sunday 19th April, 13:00 – 14:00
Award-winning poet and playwright Inua Ellams (Barber Shop Chronicles, The Half-God of Rainfall) brings his chaotic, audience-led poetry event to Lyra Festival.
Joelle Taylor: Maryville
Sunday 19th April, 16:00 – 17:00
Joelle Taylor brings a staged reading of her new poetry collection to Lyra Festival; a searing, poetic excavation of 50 years of lesbian counterculture.
Lyra Poetry Slam 2026 | Grand Finals
Sunday 19th April, 19:00 – 21:30
Come along to see 10 of Bristol’s finest wordsmiths battle it out to be crowned the 2026 Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam Champion, as well as feature performances from acclaimed headline poets Musa Okwonga and Caitlin O’Ryan! The winning poet will need to impress the judging panel as well as YOU, the audience, who have the biggest say of all. Raucous, energetic and passionate, this is an audience favourite at Lyra Festival and a landmark event in Bristol’s cultural calendar. Also featuring poetry from the 2025 Lyra Bristol Slam Champion, Ben Vince.
There will also be a range of poetry workshops taking place at Arnolfini, led by Shane Koyczan, Sukina Noor, Musa Okwonga and Joelle Taylor. For details, please see the Lyra Festival website.
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