03/09/2026
Join us for an evening of poetry and spoken word at Brew+Bao, as part of the Chapel Allerton Arts Festival.
Our headliner is the brilliant Helen Mort, one of the UK’s most renowned poets, with her acclaimed new collection ‘Stepmother’. In support we have Kristina Diprose, a former ILF New Northern Poet who was worked with Bradford 2025, the Brontë Parsonage, and appeared on BBC Front Row.
Our compere will be Joe Williams, award-winning Leeds poet and regular host of popular poetry event Chemistry.
There’ll also be an open mic section, where anyone can step up to read or perform their own work. If you want to sign up for a slot, just ask Joe when you arrive. We’ll be welcoming everyone from first-timers to veteran performers, so if you want to give it a go, please do. Please stick to the time limit of 3 minutes (which includes any introductions and preamble!).
Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis, with all donations going towards the cost of future festivals. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. The guest poets will also have books for sale. No need to book a ticket, just turn up.
Doors at 7pm for a 7.30pm start. I hope you can join us!
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TRANSPORT: The venue is about 2.5 miles from the centre of Leeds. Buses number 2, 3, 3a, 36 and 48 stop about 150m away. If coming from the city centre, you can catch any of these buses from Vicar Lane. The cross-city 91 bus also stops nearby.
PARKING: There is limited on-street parking available nearby.
ACCESS: Brew+Bao has step-free entry and an accessible toilet. However the stage area and nearest audience seating is one step down in a lower area. If you have questions or need additional assistance, please talk to Joe or one of the venue staff.
CHILDREN: Children are welcome in the venue, but please be advised that there is likely to be strong language and/or adult themes during the performance.
