Bristol has long been a hub for creative and expressive arts, from its vibrant street art scene to its world-renowned music culture One form of art that has also been gaining popularity in recent years in the city is spoken word poetry.
Spoken word is a form of poetry that is performed out loud rather than written down It has been around for centuries, with traditions of oral storytelling evident in cultures all around the world.
In Bristol, spoken word has been embraced by a community of artists, poets and performers who take to stages across the city to share their words with audiences who are eager to listen.
Venues such as The Wardrobe Theatre, The Left Bank and The Loco Klub regularly host spoken word nights, providing a platform for both new and established artists to showcase their work.
One of the most well-known spoken word events in Bristol is Raise the Bar Founded in 2015, Raise the Bar is a collective of poets and musicians who host regular events across the city They also offer workshops and talks to help aspiring poets hone their craft.
Their events are known for their energetic and inclusive vibe, with audience members often encouraged to participate in the performance with call-and-response sessions and group readings.
Another popular spoken word event in Bristol is Blahblahblah, which takes place at The Wardrobe Theatre on the last Monday of every month Blahblahblah features a mix of established and emerging artists, offering a diverse and creative line-up for its audiences.
But spoken word isn’t just limited to events and performances Many poets in Bristol also take part in charity work and community outreach programmes, using their words to engage with and empower people from all walks of life.
One such organisation is the Bristol Refugee Rights Poetry Group Founded in 2018, this group provides a safe space for refugees and asylum seekers to come together and express themselves through poetry.
The group meets every week, with workshops led by professional poets and writers, and each session culminates in a public performance Through the power of spoken word, the group is able to raise awareness about the experiences and struggles of refugees and asylum seekers, while also giving them a chance to reclaim their voices and share their stories.
Spoken word poetry is also becoming increasingly popular in schools and universities in Bristol spoken word bristol. Many educators recognise the power of spoken word in helping young people to develop their confidence, creativity and critical thinking skills.
Organisations such as Creative Youth Network and Rife Magazine offer workshops and programmes in schools and youth centres across the city, helping young people to discover and explore their own poetic voices.
Bristol also boasts a thriving spoken word scene among its student population The University of Bristol’s Spoken Word Society hosts regular events featuring student poets, while UWE Bristol’s Write to Speak society offers workshops and performances across the city.
Of course, the COVID-19 pandemic has had an impact on the spoken word scene in Bristol, with many events and performances being forced to move online But despite the challenges, the community has remained strong and supportive, finding new ways to connect, collaborate and create.
One such response to the pandemic was the creation of the Mouthy Poets’ Lockdown Poetry Club Founded by Mouthy Poets alumni, the club offered a space for poets from around the world to share their work during the lockdown period.
The club’s weekly Zoom sessions featured themed prompts and challenges, as well as guest appearances from established poets and performers The project was a huge success, with over 100 poets taking part from countries as far afield as New Zealand and Canada.
As we slowly emerge from the pandemic, the spoken word scene in Bristol looks set to continue flourishing With its strong community spirit and commitment to inclusivity and creativity, spoken word in Bristol is truly an art form for everyone.
Whether you’re an experienced performer or a curious newcomer, there are plenty of opportunities to get involved and explore your own poetic voice So why not check out some of the events, workshops and organisations mentioned here, and discover the power of spoken word for yourself?