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With UK spoken word royalty as we welcome Kat Francois and Zena Edwards! + more local talent to be announced.

Raise the Bar has for the last four years been bringing the country and world’s finest spoken word performers to Bristol, as well as providing a talent development platform for emerging artists in the South-West.

Our resident DJ Ngaio (of Booty Bass) will be spinning an incredible selection of hip-hop, R&B, world music and UK underground.

Raise the Bar’s shows at Arnolfini showcase the best of UK and world spoken word poetry, whilst giving a local artists showcase and platform for development. These are always high quality, high energy shows.

 “Out-loud reactions are encouraged…shaking off traditional theatre etiquette” – Bristol 24/7

“Exuding originality….accessible…atmospheric ★★★★” – Intermission

“Raise the Bar demonstrates how strong the Bristol spoken word scene is” – Epigram