Bristol is a bustling city with a vibrant arts scene, and its poetry scene is no exception. The city has produced an impressive number of talented poets, both well-established and up-and-coming, who draw inspiration from the rich cultural and social diversity of Bristol itself.
One of the most well-known Bristol poets is Vanessa Kisuule, who was crowned Bristol City Poet in 2018. Kisuule is a dynamic spoken word artist who tackles complex themes such as race, gender, and identity with wit and sensitivity. Her poetry is deeply rooted in her personal experience as a Ugandan British woman and explores the challenges and joys of navigating multiple cultural identities.
Another notable Bristol poet is Lawrence Hoo, who was the city’s inaugural Poet in Residence in 2019. Hoo is a powerful performer whose work combines poetry, music, and theatre to tell compelling stories about race, class, and social issues. His poetry is informed by his experience as a working-class British Chinese man and explores themes of displacement, belonging, and inequality.
In addition to these established poets, Bristol is also home to a thriving community of up-and-coming writers who are making a name for themselves in the city’s literary scene. One of these writers is Hanan Issa, a Somali British poet and performer whose work has been featured in a number of Bristol-based poetry events. Issa’s poetry often explores issues of migration, displacement, and identity, drawing on her personal experience of growing up in Bristol as a Muslim woman of Somali heritage.
Another promising young poet is Ngaio Anyia, a spoken word artist who has been making waves on the Bristol poetry scene. Anyia’s poetry is deeply personal, drawing on her experiences as a Black woman growing up in Bristol and exploring themes of race, gender, and identity. Her writing is powerful and emotive, often weaving together personal anecdotes with broader cultural and social commentary.
Bristol’s poetry scene also boasts a number of collectives and events that provide a platform for poets to share their work and connect with other writers. One such event is Milk Poetry, a monthly poetry night that features both established and emerging poets from Bristol and beyond. Milk Poetry has become a cornerstone of Bristol’s poetry scene, offering a friendly and inclusive space for poets to showcase their work and engage with the community.
Another notable collective is Raise the Bar, a spoken word and hip-hop collective that has been active in Bristol since 2012. Raise the Bar puts on regular events and workshops that provide opportunities for poets and performers to develop their skills and connect with other artists. The collective also runs a podcast and a music label, showcasing the diverse range of talent within Bristol’s poetry and music scenes.
There are also a number of smaller poetry events and workshops taking place across the city, providing opportunities for poets to hone their craft and connect with other writers. These include workshops run by Bristol Poetry Institute, an organisation dedicated to promoting the study and practice of poetry in Bristol and beyond. Bristol Poetry Institute offers a wide range of workshops, courses, and events that cater to poets of all levels of experience, from complete beginners to seasoned writers.
Bristol’s rich and diverse poetry scene is a testament to the city’s vibrant cultural and social landscape. Its many poets draw on their personal experiences to explore complex themes with nuance and sensitivity, making a valuable contribution to the wider literary canon. Whether through collectives, events, or individual performances, Bristol’s poets are united in their passion for poetry and their commitment to supporting and uplifting one another.