Got something to say?
Want to share your music, art, poetry, stories, songs or passion?
Listen up is a safe space to share your creativity with an audience ready to listen.
An open mic with a difference.
To book a slot email us at hello@leftbankleeds.org.uk
We are delighted that local author Maria Ferguson will be in the shop to chat to readers and celebrate the launch of her latest poetry collection ‘Swell’. Maria will be in conversation with the award winning British poet and novelist, Helen Mort.
In the consultation room I stared
at the purple flowers in their purple
vase and imagined my insides:
an ocean, a cave, a storm.
These relaxed events are for parents with babies (pre-walkers). With grown-up poems about new parenthood (as well as life outside of that bubble), it's an opportunity to unwind and escape through the power of words. Maria Ferguson is a poet and multi-award-winning playwright whose second collection Swell is published by Penguin.
These relaxed events are for parents with babies (pre-walkers). With grown-up poems about new parenthood (as well as life outside of that bubble), it's an opportunity to unwind and escape through the power of words. Hollie McNish is an award-winning poet and Sunday Times bestselling author.
Part of Leeds Storytelling Festival 2025.
A pay-what-you-decide event for adults and their pre-walking babies. Includes refreshments.
The world's first mobile poetry emporium! Come along and meet our team of experienced poet chefs, who'll conjure up unique and bespoke poetry for you to keep forever. You serve us the ingredients and we create the poetry - it's as simple as that. The Poetry Takeaway has travelled to a huge range of events - from the BRIT Awards and Glastonbury Festival to The Great Yorkshire Show and local high streets. All poems are free of charge.
Part of Leeds Storytelling Festival 2025. Taking place at 11am - 4pm outside:
Every month The Barn Coffee Shop welcomes the best performers to Meanwood Valley Urban Farm.
“Loving these Acoustic Nights” “super food, excellent coffee” “such a great buzz” “Blooming amazing concert” “Phenomenal night” “You have an amazing thing going on”
In March 2025 we're privileged to host a concert by BEYOND THE BLUE.
Songs Inspired By The Poems Of Donna Ashworth
An evening of acoustic singer songwriter songs reminiscent of The Carpenters or Jack Johnson.
Featuring the "beautifully crafted ... sublime music" of Phil Baggaley and Nina Blaszczyk.
SOUNDBITES – Monthly Poetry Open Mic
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!
Readings by a different local published poet each month.
This month we’re delighted to welcome TONNIE RICHMOND
Tonnie only started writing poetry after retiring and moving to Leeds in 2013. Her first collection, Rear-view Mirror was the first to be launched by Yaffle’s here at Heart in November 2023. She is currently working on a full collection which she hopes will come out in 2025.
Explore the relationship between surrealist techniques and human and animal bodies in this free workshop.
Join visual poets Daniela Nicolaescu and Blaise Sales to create poetic collages about tongues (furry and otherwise), language and surrealist transformations, inspired by our current exhibition The Traumatic Surreal.
This workshop has been tailored for individuals aged 12 to 20 in mind, but all are welcome.
Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen! The second Monday of the month
Readings by a different local published poet each month and this month were delighted to welcome Mark and Gill Connors – Mark and Gill will be reading from their debut joint collection ‘The Where We Were’, out now through Yaffle Press.
Embark on a journey of global folk songs and storytelling with The Apex Singers, the critically acclaimed vocal ensemble. Known for their intricate harmonies and gorgeous melodies, this live concert promises an unforgettable experience.