Lyra is a Bristol-based organisation running the annual Lyra - Bristol Poetry Festival, the Bristol City Poet and Young City Poet schemes, and other projects. Lyra brings together local, national and international poets/speakers, representing Bristol as a cultural centre for poetry.
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2026 Festival Pass (on sale soon)
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Venue Accessibility Info
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![Lyra Fest 2026 Brochure (coming soon)]()
Lyra 2026 Brochure (coming soon)
Lyra Festival returns from April 17th - 26th 2026
Scroll down to view all events.
A selection of headline events are on sale early, including international headliner Shane Koyczan and beloved children’s poet Michael Rosen.
The full 2026 programme will be announced in late February.
Sign up to our mailing list (below) or follow us on socials to be the first to find out.
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“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.
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“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
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"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)
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"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)
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"So happy to catch this fab performance online - making stuff accessible to people with mobility issues like me is one of the best things about this festival"
Bee Knightly (attendee, 2025)
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"This workshop was life affirming, it helped me to weave together the complex threads of my heritage. I cannot express how much I took from this or how grateful I am. Thank you Lyra, that was a really powerful 2 hours!"
Anonymous (attendee, Safiya Kamaria Kinshasa workshop 2025)
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"Such an amazing inclusive event! The artists were so talented and it was so fun and enjoyable. Loved every minute."
Anonymous (attendee, Lyra Slam Finals 2025)
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"Beautiful and inspiring night with fantastic funny hosts and some really incredible poets. Felt moved and connected to my community."
Anonymous (attendee, Queer Poetry Special 2025)