Join professional storyteller Stories with Liv and harpist Niamh Flynn from Made with Music for an interactive, musical retelling of Jack and the Beanstalk. This immersive experience invites families to sing, move and play along as the classic tale comes to life.
Chemistry returns to the Chemic on Friday 25 July, with another night of poetry and spoken word, not two but THREE brilliant headliners and our amazing open mic. This time round our headliners are gothic polymath Rosie Garland, and former Chemic hosts Mark & Gill Connors, appearing together as a double act.
The events are themed on the elements of the periodic table, so this time it’s element number 20, which is Ca for Calcium. The theme is entirely optional, but we hope you might use it as a creative prompt to come up with some new work to reveal on the night.
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!
Readings by a different local published poet each month and this month we’re delighted to welcome
Faye Marshall – a poet and spoken word artist who founded the Cloth and Coal Poetry Community in south Leeds and has hosted workshops and panels in the UK, Europe, the Americas and South East Asia.
Her poetry has been published in several anthologies, and her debut pamphlet, ‘Throwing Sugar on the Fire’ was published by Yaffle Press in May 2025.
OPEN MIC
We supply the mic – you supply the poetry
Benjamin loves to visit his granny, so is excited to spend a whole week with her in the summer holidays. But he isn't excited about his suitcase. He thinks it's plain, brown and well just BORING! Granny on the other hand has other ideas and helps Benjamin find out just how exciting a Magic Suitcase can be!
Family Story Play Sessions suitable for ages 1-5. A perfect multi-sensory introduction to the world of storytelling. Sibling discounts available.
Together we’ll be:
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 Group.
Poets: Eleanor Cantor, Jacob Walker,
Jane Sharp, Liz McPherson,
Patrick Lodge, Paul Brookes,
Polly MacLean, Susan Darlington,
Debbie Lindley, David Hutchinson.
Musicians: Sister Chain & Brother John,
Polly MacLean.
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.
OPEN MIC
We supply the mic – you supply the poetry
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.