SPOKEN WORD AND POETRY EVENTS IN MANCHESTER
SPOKEN WORD AND POETRY EVENTS IN MANCHESTER
Most Popular Spoken Word and Poetry Events in Manchester
Sat 31 Oct - Sun 1 Nov 2026
Antony Szmierek
Friday 23 October 2026
Manchester spoken word and indie hip-hop artist Antony Szmierek has a distinctive way of mixing introspective and poetic lyrics with cool nostalgic beats which have seen him compared to Mike Skinner and The Streets. "He is being lauded as ...
Jackie Kay
Sunday 25 October 2026
One of Britain's most engaging live performers, poet Jackie Kay brings warmth, wit and extraordinary humanity to every reading. The acclaimed poet, novelist and former Scottish Makar performs a selection of poems from her landmark new coll...
Lemn Sissay
Saturday 31 October - Sunday 1 November 2026
Spend an evening with a master of the spoken word, BAFTA award-winning author, activist, performer and Sunday Times number one bestseller, Lemn Sissay OBE as he returns to the stage with this acclaimed show. Every morning for 10 years L...
Breaking Ground
Monday 2 November 2026
Join us for an evening of ground breaking new work by some of the region's most talented performers. A showcase for work in development by some for the region's most talented performance-makers. Join us for a relaxed evening of ground-brea...
I Was A Teenage Bisexual
Tuesday 3 November 2026
Junior just wants to be an ordinary guy but it feels like everyone knows he isn't. Bullies pick him apart at school, while his dad wants him to be more masc. Just when he thinks things couldn't get worse, bodies start turning up in his sma...
Itch - Spoken Word Night
Tuesday 10 November 2026
Itch is Shakespeare North Playhouse's monthly spoken word night. It is an inclusive, welcoming community space for both performers and audience alike. If you are a performer and are looking for a performance opportunity get in touch. You m...
Behind Enemy Lines
Friday 13 November 2026
Extraordinary women whose courage, daring, ingenuity and sacrifice defeated Nazi terror. Songwriter and storyteller Louise Jordan uncovers the lives of inspiring secret agents of WW2. Who were they? How were they selected and trained to co...
Northern Publishers' Fair
Saturday 14 November 2026
Join readers and writers alike at this free event celebrating independent publishing. Peruse books from 16 publishers across genres including literary fiction, genre fiction, middle-grade and children's, poetry and memoir. Watch a printing...
Dr. John Cooper Clarke
Friday 20 - Saturday 21 November 2026
Literary phenomenon John Cooper Clarke is a British cult hero. Known as the 'Godfather of Punk Poetry' and the original people's poet, John's cultural influence spans literature, music and fashion. From creating some of the most iconic ...
Henry Normal
Tuesday 24 November 2026
"Henry Normal - COLLECTED POEMS and other landfill" is the very latest and greatest poetry of the BAFTA-winning Nottingham-born writer, poet, TV & Film producer, founder of the Manchester Poetry Festival (now the Literature festival) and c...
Yippee Ki Yay
Saturday 5 - Wednesday 23 December 2026
Written and performed by Richard Marsh Acclaimed retelling of classic film Die Hard from Richard Marsh - Fringe First-winner, London poetry slam champion, BBC Audio Drama Best Scripted Comedy Drama award-winner and New York cop (on...
LYR
Tuesday 8 December 2026
LYR (Land Yacht Regatta) is Huddersfield author and current British poet laureate Simon Armitage, Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Richard Walters and multi-instrumentalist producer Patrick Pearson (a former member of Liu Bei). Describe...
Michael Rosen - Christmas Storytelling
Saturday 19 December 2026
Much-loved children's author and poet Michael Rosen returns to The Old Vic to read from some of his own favourites for children aged 6+. Following the performance, there will be a book stall and signing with Michael. ...
David Byrne's Night
Friday 15 January 2027
David Byrne's Night returns for a massive celebration of two of Scotland's greatest poets: David Byrne and Robert Burns. Expect to hear Talking Heads, David Byrne, and Robert Burns all night long with a massive rotating live house band fea...
