Unfortunately tonight’s performance Velma Celli’s a Brief History of Drag has been cancelled due to unforeseen circumstances. Our Ticketing will contact all bookers to arrange a refund.
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Artist Antony Szmierek smiling at the camera against a white background.

19 Sep 2025

St George's Hall

Antony Szmierek

Critically acclaimed spoken-word artist and musician Antony Szmierek held an evening of infectious lyrics.

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We joined critically acclaimed spoken-word artist and musician Antony Szmierek for an evening of infectious lyrics as he rounded out a busy summer of performances at Glastonbury, Bearded Theory and the Hay Festival. He headlined a special intimate gig just for BBC Contains Strong Language festival.

The Manchester-based artist’s debut album “Service Station at the End of the Universe” was released in February 2025 and was supported by BBC Radio 6Music as well as live sessions on Jo Whiley’s Radio 2 programme.
Szmierek’s debut book “Roadmap” is also out now, described as an “exploded view” of the tracks on his debut album.
Credits
BBC Contains Strong Language was a partnership between the BBC, Word Up North and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. It is supported by Arts Council England.

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Poet Kirsty Taylor wearing a green jacket performs using a microphone. Poet Kirsty Taylor wearing a green jacket performs using a microphone.

Part of BBC Contains Strong Language

The UK’s biggest poetry and performance festival for new writing came to Bradford for the first time.

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