Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival, now firmly established as one of the UK’s major literary events, promises an exciting mix of performances, workshops, and interactive experiences across the city’s leading arts venues.
This year’s theme, ‘Weird and Wild,’ invites audiences to explore the natural world, difference, and imagination through poetry. Featuring themed readings, workshops, and walking tours, the festival will also mark key literary anniversaries, including 130 years since Samuel Taylor Coleridge and William Wordsworth met in Bristol and 225 years since the publication of Lyrical Ballads Volume II. Events will connect Romantic poetry with contemporary environmental themes, offering a fresh perspective on the legacy of nature in literature.
A Celebration of Words, Creativity, and Community
With over 30 events designed to make poetry accessible to all, the festival will feature a diverse array of readings, poetry slams, family-friendly activities, panel discussions, open mics, and a special poetry and performance retreat. To ensure inclusivity, events will be available both in-person and live-streamed, with accessibility measures including BSL interpretation, captioned performances, and wheelchair-friendly venues.
Lyra 2025 brings an impressive lineup of acclaimed poets and spoken word artists. Among the headline performers are:
- Harry Baker, Brian Bilston, and Suhaiymah Manzoor-Khan – spoken word sensations with huge online followings
- Jackie Kay, Pascale Petit, Joelle Taylor, and Fran Lock – award-winning poets celebrated for their powerful work
- Ilya Kaminsky – Ukrainian-Jewish-American poet and author of Deaf Republic, making an exclusive UK appearance
- Arielle Cottingham – Berlin-based spoken word artist and former Australian Poetry Slam Champion, leading the festival’s poetry slam
Slam Poetry, Exhibitions, and Interactive Events
Poetry slams remain a festival highlight, with Lyra 2025 hosting the South West Slam, featuring teams from Weston, Gloucester, Exeter, and Clevedon, alongside the Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam, open to competitors from across the region. A poetry exhibition curated by Raise the Bar at Arnolfini will also add a visual and immersive element to the celebration.
For those looking to develop their craft, a poetry and performance retreat will be led by renowned spoken word organisation Apples and Snakes. Open mics, workshops, and interactive events will welcome writers of all styles and experience levels, reinforcing Lyra’s commitment to making poetry accessible, inspiring, and transformative.
Festival Listing:
Event: Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival 2025
Dates: 25 April – 4 May 2025
Locations: Various arts venues across Bristol
Theme: ‘Weird and Wild’
Headline Performers: Jackie Kay, Ilya Kaminsky, Harry Baker, Arielle Cottingham, and more
Key Events: Readings, slams, workshops, exhibitions, family activities, open mics, and a poetry retreat
Accessibility: BSL interpretation, captioned events, wheelchair-friendly venues, live-streamed performances
Tickets & Programme: www.lyrafest.com