A special celebration of the great working-class Leeds poet to mark several new public art works, including on Chapel FM Arts Centre.
Featuring a screening of the controversial poet-film about Leeds "V", readings, and conversation.
A blend of original poetry and music performed by the poets and musicians who created it. With a sprinkle of old favourites added.
By The Poets of Esnoid, Read to Write Poetry and musicians Sister Chain and Brother John.
Directed by Eleanor Cantor and David Hutchinson.
We are delighted to announce that Mel Taylor from Playful Being is coming to Kirkstall.
Unlock your creativity with an evening of improvised storytelling.
Never done anything like this before? Then this is the perfect introduction – and a great way to start the Kirkstall Art Trail weekend.
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!
Readings by a different local published poet each month. This month we’re delighted to welcome Leeds poet HOLLY BARS
Guest poet: 7pm
Holly has an MA in Creative Writing and a BA in English and Philosophy from the University of Leeds.
She has been published by Stand; The Moth; The London magazine, and more, as well as being a New Modern Poet for Ilkley Litfest Festival in 2024.
Her debut collection, Dirty, is published by Yaffle Press.
Photo credit: Rich Bunce Walking
OPEN MIC
This double-bill features sharing of a new radio documentary created with the British Library about corner shop stories, followed by a thousand years of British history through song parodies.
Grab the mic and say it with your chest at our open mic fundraiser
Whether you’re a poet or novelist, short-story writer, musician, stand-up comedian, or want to share a favourite piece of writing, the stage in our brand new event space awaits.
Sig-up for spots is on the night on a first-come, first-served basis, and strictly for a maximum of five minutes. Any accompaniment must be acoustic only. A paid bar will be available, as will a table for performers to sell books/CDs/merch directly to the audience.
Veteran Northern poet James Nash launches his fourth collection of sonnets (and more). Notes of Your Music sets out to celebrate what may be gone, or flag up what might be celebrated before it goes.
Learn about the history of queer poetry, and using inspiration from the workshop, produce your own works of poetry reflecting on your LGBTQ+ identity. All ages and previous experience levels welcome. All materials provided.
Opportunities to share your work afterwards, including contributing to the Leeds Zine Library and performing your work at an event in the future.
Learn about the history of queer poetry, and using inspiration from the workshop, produce your own works of poetry reflecting on your LGBTQ+ identity. All ages and previous experience levels welcome. All materials provided.
Opportunities to share your work afterwards, including contributing to the Leeds Zine Library and performing your work at an event in the future.
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!
Readings by a different local published poet each month and this month we’re delighted to welcome Doug and Maria Sandle
A PAIR OF SANDLES – POETRY AND SONG
Doug has been published in several publications, including Poetry and Audience, Poetry and Covid, The New European, The Ekphrastic Review, The Psychologist, Manx Reflections, Orbis, and most recently The High Wolds Poetry Collection 2023 and 2024.