! DSCF8423.JPG
Lyra Poetry Slam Final-40.jpg
%21DSCF5453+%281%29.jpg
!DSCF3025.JPG
Michael Rosen-10.jpg
Lyra Poetry Slam Final-69.jpg
DSCF2401.JPG

Lyra is a Bristol-based organisation delivering the annual Lyra - Bristol Poetry Festival, Bristol City Poet, Bristol Young City Poet, and other outreach projects. Lyra brings together local, national and international poets and speakers, representing Bristol as a centre of world class poetry.

Lyra Festival returns from April 25th - May 4th 2025.

Scroll down to browse the full programme.

Use the filter to locate specific event types (eg. workshops, BSL interpreted).

loading events...

  • “Seeing Bristol not only buzzing with an incredible diverse array of literary events for 10 days, but attended by such a varied mix of people and tastes, was inspiring. I hope Lyra has many more chances to grow and expand, as it is becoming a staple part to the city’s artistic calendar”

    - Travis Alabanza, poet and performance artist.

  • “Lyra Festival provides a real opportunity for people to engage with poetry and spoken word. It’s accessible, it’s fun, and it cements Bristol and the West Country as the UK’s home of creativity.”

    - Adam Crowther, BBC Upload Presenter

  • Lyra was one of the best festivals I have ever taken part in, so warm, inclusive, lively, fun, with packed audience and incredibly helpful team – everyone made me feel very welcome and what an enjoyable vibe you have!

    - Pascale Petit (guest poet, 2025)

  • Unbelievably good programming, planning and hosting. Lyra makes a difference to so many poets and people’s lives by having this festival. You’ve made me feel like I really do belong in this world - thank you’

    Susie Wilson (guest poet, 2025)