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18 Sep 2025

City Library

Bradford Open Mic Night

Bradford Open Mic is a space open to all to read, perform or just listen to poetry and spoken word.

Past event

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Take part in the Timed Poetry Challenge.

Write a poem of either 60 seconds or 30 seconds, perform it at the event and the one closest to the time wins!

Credits
BBC Contains Strong Language was a partnership between the BBC, Word Up North and Bradford 2025 UK City of Culture. It was supported by Arts Council England.
A woman reads in front of an audience - behind her is signs reading: Word Up North and BBC Contains Strong Language.
© Rich Bunce
A person reads in front of an audience - behind them is signs reading: Word Up North and BBC Contains Strong Language.
© Rich Bunce
A man gestures as he performs to an audience - A man in a flatcap and green shirt reads in front of an audience - behind him is signs reading: Word Up North and BBC Contains Strong Language.
© Rich Bunce
A man in a green shirt reads in front of an audience - behind him is signs reading: Word Up North and BBC Contains Strong Language.
© Rich Bunce
A man in a flatcap and green shirt reads in front of an audience - behind him is signs reading: Word Up North and BBC Contains Strong Language.
© Rich Bunce

Past event

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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 is coming to Bradford for the first time.

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