Lyra - Bristol Poetry Festival Returns

The full programme, including ticket information and full programme listings, is now live at www.lyrafest.com

South West’s largest dedicated poetry festival, Lyra brings together local, national and international writers for a city-wide celebration of contemporary poetry from 17–26 April 2026 with an unparalleled 10-day programme.

​​Events take place in leading arts venues across the city, including St. George’s Bristol, Arnolfini, Watershed, Bristol Old Vic and Loco Klub.

The 2026 theme, Wonder & Wanderers, invites audiences to come together and celebrate  histories of migration and movement in Bristol and across the UK. The programme reflects on landscape, mythology and belonging, and considers how poetry holds stories of travel, change and home.

Across the 10 days, we invite audiences to wander and wonder through genres, attending readings, performances, workshops, poetry slams, family events, walking tours, open mics and panel discussions. Selected events will be BSL interpreted, captioned and live streamed. All festival venues are wheelchair accessible.

Headliners and Featured Artists
Lyra 2026 presents a wide range of established and emerging voices.
Jamaican-born American poet Shara McCallum headlines the Caribbean Poetry Liming at Bristol Old Vic, appearing alongside Anthony Joseph and Malika Booker, as well as Bristol-based poets.

Canadian spoken word artist Shane Koyczan performs new work at St. George’s Bristol.
Author and broadcaster Musa Okwonga headlines and judges the 2026 Lyra Poetry Slam, joined by poet and actor Caitlin O’Ryan.

Former Children’s Laureate Michael Rosen presents a family performance for ages 6+.
Bristol-born writer and performer Travis Alabanza leads a Queer Poetry Cabaret at Arnolfini.
The programme also includes theatre performances by Joelle Taylor (Maryville) and Inua Ellams (Search Party), alongside readings from recently published collections by Nikita Gill, Rishi Dastidar, Karen McCarthy-Woolf, Wayne Holloway-Smith, Matthew Rice and Clare Pollard and more.

Alongside headline performances, Lyra 2026 offers over 20 participatory events.

Opportunities to Get Involved
In addition to individual performances, Lyra 2026 hosts opportunities to participate, including:
The coveted, annual Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam, open to competitors across the South West.
12 writing workshops for writers of all styles and backgrounds, with no experience necessary.
3 open mic events, where anyone can sign up.

Discussion panels on themes such as The Power of Poetry and Poetry, AI, Ethics and Inclusion.
Lyra continues its commitment to widening access to poetry and supporting both emerging and established writers.