Leeds Poetry Events
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Writing the North
Transports of Delight?:
Each month Keith Fenton, a Leeds-based performance poet, broadcaster and host of Poets Talking Bollocks podcast, explores the events, people and debates shaping literary culture in the North. This month, he turns his attention to the gulf between Leeds’ creative energy and the infrastructure that contains it, exploring how a city overflowing with talent risks stifling its own brilliance when late-night buses, social spaces and community connection are missing links.
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Soul Shed: Music, Poetry & Comedy
Headliners: Matt Nicholson, Matt Abbott and Schwa
Soul Shed returns with another showcase of a variety of talent, both homegrown and nationally known. From poetry to music to comedy, there's something for everyone.
Hosted by Faye Marshall (Cloth and Coal, Morley) and Tim Brookes (Under the Lobby Lights, Wakefield) this night will have you nodding, swaying, laughing and wondering when you can do it all again.
Entry is free, and food and drinks are available to buy onsite!
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Ink Spill #39 Poetry Workshop and Open Mic
Join us for an evening filled with creativity and poetry at The Head Of Steam, Huddersfield - with a poetry workshop and open mic event where you can showcase your own poetic talents or simply enjoy the beautiful art of spoken word.
On Fri 12 December 2025, you are invited to a friendly night of poetry. Whether you're an aspiring poet or a seasoned wordsmith, this event is open to all. So grab your pen, bring your thoughts, and let your words spill onto the page.
During the workshop, you'll have the opportunity to write and develop your poetry - inspired by the theme: Reflection. You'll be introduced to a variety of styles and techniques that will be supported by a variety of activities.
Following the workshop and a short hydration break, the stage is yours! Step up to the mic and share your creations with our supportive and enthusiastic community. Or simply sit back, relax, and enjoy the performances of other talented individuals.
Whether you're seeking inspiration, looking to connect with fellow poets, or simply want to spend an evening surrounded by poetry, Ink Spill is the place to be!
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Yea, Write
Poetry and Spoken Word open mic
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Regular events in the Leeds area
(The following information comes from Leeds poetry - what's on — Ian Harker)
Bone Down
A literary affinity group that runs poetry open mics socials, one off events, cabaret nights, and collaborations with other Leeds based groups, communities and venues. We focus on platforming marginalised writers and facilitating artistic expression and collaboration to the highest degree. Our open mics reclaim public spaces and take an informal approach to poetry and spoken word.
Venues vary - includes outdoor events
Quarterly
Links: Facebook; Insta; Twitter
Cardigan Arms Open Mic
Open mic
The Cardigan Arms (Burley)
Second & fourth Monday of the month
Links: Cardigan Arms website
Chemic Tavern open mic
Open mic for music & spoken word. House guitar and piano available. Free drink for all performers
The Chemic Tavern, (Woodhouse: best pub in Leeds)
Weekly; Thursday nights
Chemistry
Featuring headline sets from established and emerging poets, plus an open mic
The Chemic Tavern (Woodhouse: best pub in Leeds)
Bi-Monthly; last Friday of every other month,
Links: Facebook; organiser Joe Williams’ website
Cloth & Coal
Open mic
Cranks Studios
Every other month; the third Thursday
Links: Insta
Crooner Club
Open mic
Bridge End Social
Monthly: 3rd Thursday of the month
Links: Bridge End Social, Insta
The Fenton Open Mic
Open mic
The Fenton (Woodhouse Lane)
Weekly; Tuesdays
Links: The Fenton website
Ink Spill
A growing poetry project which started with a monthly poetry night - half workshop, half open mic - but now hosts an annual festival and a podcast as well.
Head of Steam, Huddersfield
Every third Friday
Links: Facebook
Leeds Stanza
We are Leeds Stanza-a monthly @thepoetrysociety
For details contact Becky (leedsstanza @ gmail.com)
Meetings alternate between in-person and Zoom
Meet last Tuesday of every month.
Links: Insta
Open Mind @ The Grove Inn
Acoustic & spoken word open mic
The Grove Inn (town centre)
Weekly; Wednesdays
Links: Facebook
Other Poets
Meets to read and discuss the work of published poets
The Fleece, Otley + online (via Zoom)
Monthly; second Thursday
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Poets
Open mic + occasional guest poet
The Fleece, Otley
Monthly; first Thursday of the month
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Poetry Gym
An informal group offering constructive criticism on poetry work in progress
The Fleece, Otley
Monthly; third Thursday of the month
Links: Otley Poets website
Otley Stanza
Discuss all things poetical and sometimes have special events, readings etc.
Otley Courthouse
About every two months
Links: Otley Poets Website
Poetic Off Licence
A space for poetry & live music in leeds
Holding Patterns
Every other Thursday
Links: Insta
Poets Talking Bollocks
Live podcast recording with guest + open mic (message on Instagram for open mic slot)
The Chemic Tavern (best pub in Leeds)
Monthly, usually second Sunday of the month (check Instagram for latest dates)
Links: Insta
Runcible Spoon
Open mic + two guest poets
The Carriers Arms (Morley)
Monthly (third Tuesday)
Links: Facebook
Soul Shed
Music Poetry and comedy
Wakefield Exchange, Union Street, Wakefield
Monthly
Links: see updates at Welcome to Wakefield Exchange
Soundbites
Regular night featuring a guest poet + open mic
The Heart Centre, Headingley
Monthly
Links: Facebook
Under The Lobby Lights
Monthly Variety Open Mic. For Prose, Poetry, Comedy, Music. all sorts.
The Venue (Horsforth)
Monthly; second Wednesday of the month
Links: Facebook
Wordspace
Monthly Variety Open Mic. For Prose, Poetry, Comedy, Music. all sorts.
The Venue (Horsforth)
Monthly; first Wednesday of the month
Links: Facebook
Please Read
Firstly, many thanks to Ian Harker and Keith Fenton for the information in this list. If you spot any inaccuracies, please get in touch and I will put them right.
If you would like to see your open mic or any poetry or spoken word event listed on this page please do get in touch. Equally if you would like me to remove the information please do get in touch.
This page is run purely for the love of poetry so all listings are free with no strings attached.
Please note this website has no direct link to any of the events included, so you attend at your own risk. This said you might see me at one of them if so please do say, 'hello'!
If the event does not take place there really is nothing I can do about it (sorry!). I recommend that you attempt to contact the event via the direct link on the night if possible.
Most recent update: 6 December 2025