Poetry & spoken word in Leeds: what’s on?
Here’s a list of regular poetry and spoken word events in Leeds. These details are as correct as I have been able to make them - please check with organisers if you’re planning to go along to an event (which I hope you will!).
If you’re an organiser and would like details amending, or if you have an event you’d like to add, please use my contact page to get in touch with all the details.
I’m plannning to add events happening a bit further afield from Leeds, as well as other stuff relating to poetry, like bookshops and festivals.
Bone Down
A literary affinity group that runs poetry open mics socials, one off events, cabaret nights, and collaborations with other Leeds based groups, communities and venues. We focus on platforming marginalised writers and facilitating artistic expression and collaboration to the highest degree. Our open mics reclaim public spaces and take an informal approach to poetry and spoken word.
Venues vary - includes outdoor events
Quarterly
Cardigan Arms Open Mic
Open mic
The Cardigan Arms (Burley)
Second & fourth Monday of the month
Links: Cardigan Arms website
Chemistry
Featuring headline sets from established and emerging poets, plus an open mic
The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse: best pub in Leeds)
Monthly; last Friday of the month
Crooner Club
A cosy, community-focussed open mic night
Wappentake (town centre)
Weekly; Wednesdays
Links: Wappentake’s website
Open Mind @ The Grove Inn
Acoustic & spoken word open mic
The Grove Inn (town centre)
Weekly; Wednesdays
Links: Facebook
Other Poets
Meets to read and discuss the work of published poets
The Fleece, Otley + online (via Zoom)
Monthly; second Thursday
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Poets
Open mic + occasional guest poet
The Fleece, Otley
Monthly; first Thursday of the month
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Poetry Gym
An informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress
The Fleece, Otley
Monthly; third Thursday of the month
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Stanza
Discuss all things poetical and sometimes have special events, readings etc.
Otley Courthouse
About every two months
Links: Otley Poets Website
Poetic Off Licence
A space for poetry & live music in leeds
Watermark Bar (town centre)
Every other Thursday
Links: Insta
Poets Talking Bollocks
Live podcast recording with guest + open mic (message on Instagram for open mic slot)
The Chemic Tavern (best pub in Leeds)
Monthly, usually first Sunday of the month (check Instagram for latest dates)
Links: Insta
Runcible Spoon
Open mic + two guest poets
The Carriers Arms (Morley)
Monthly (third Tuesday)
Links: Facebook
Soundbites
Regular night featuring a guest poet + open mic
The Heart Centre, Headingley
Monthly
Links: Facebook
Subjective Silhouettes
Feature a range of local poets, musicians and any other performance art people want to bring that will fit in the back room of a cafe! Free entry, we take tips to pay for the venue and artists. Accessible venue. Open to all levels of experience.
Greek Retreat, town centre
Monthly; first Monday of the month
Links: Insta
Tubthumping
Regular night featuring a guest poet
The Old Wollen (Farsley)
See website
Links: The Old Woollen website
Wordspace
Monthly Variety Open Mic. For Prose, Poetry, Comedy, Music. all sorts.
The Venue (Horsforth)
Monthly; first wednesday of the month
Links: Facebook