City of Words

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Lyra Festival celebrates Bristol and the South West through poetry

Wednesday, 5 April, 2023

The city of Bristol will soon be transformed into the City of Words.

Co-directed by Bath Spa University Professor Lucy English and alum Danny ‘Craft-D’ Pandolfi (MA Transnational Writing), Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival will take place from 22 April-1 May at several venues across the city. 

The theme for this year is ‘City of Words’ and the festival will explore Bristol and its communities, history, physical spaces and future through the lens of poetry. The festival also ties in with the city-wide Bristol 650 anniversary project, the 60th anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott, and Windrush 75.

Lucy said:

“Lyra Bristol Poetry Festival celebrates Bristol as a key destination for the appreciation of poetry. We have a really exciting programme this year with a whole range of activities for people to engage with. We also have a community outreach programme and workshops on the craft of poetry.”

The ten-day programme includes readings, workshops, family activities, walking tours, talks, panel discussions, open mics, and more, with headliners including Hollie McNish, John Agard, Anthony Anxaxagorou, Vanessa Kisuule, Tony Walsh, John Hegley and Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa. Battles will be fought with words at the Grand Slam Finals, where wordsmiths compete to become Lyra Slam Champion, and a Bristol vs Weston slam, with winners being chosen by the audience.

For the first time, Lyra will also host an exhibition of poetry at Bristol Beacon, showcasing poetry from different community groups, current and former City Poets, and a public contribution wall where visitors can add their own poems.

“We have aimed this year to keep our ticket prices affordable and our events accessible. Many events are free and/or online,” Lucy explained. “We thank ACE England for continuing support of the festival.”

More info, tickets and a full programme of events is available on the Lyra Festival website.