There are two poetry slams lined for the Bristol poetry festival taking place between 24-30 September. On Thursday 27 September it’s Bristol (Lucy English, Anna Freeman, Steve Duncan, and Jonny Fluffypunk - pictured) v Dublin (Stephen James Smith, Ophelia McCabe, Elayne Harrington, John Cummins). Special guest is Elvis McGonagall. Then on Sunday 30 September at 7.30pm it’s the Next Generation slam when Bristol’s Harry Baker, Vanessa Kisuule, Emma Ward, Lydia Beardmore, and Jack Dean take on a nationwide Apples and Snakes team. Leading poets appearing at the festival include Philip Gross, Elaine Feinstein, Behjamin Zephaniah, Helen Dunmore, Kathryn Simmonds, Jo Bell, Matthew Barton, and Dennis O’Driscoll. More details