Bootle Bards

A Family-Friendly Open Mic Poetry Night

Bootle Bards is landing at Kingsley & Co in 2026 and you’re invited to bring your words (or just your ears).

Bootle Bards is a family-friendly poetry open mic where young people and adults share the stage, the spotlight, and the joy of storytelling.

Expect heartfelt poems, brave first performances, thoughtful words, and the occasional goosebump moment - all in the warm, book-filled surroundings of Kingsley & Co Literacy Project.

Whether you’re a seasoned poet, a first-timer clutching a notebook, or someone who simply loves listening to good words well told, Bootle Bards is for you.

The evening is split into two relaxed halves:

• an early section spotlighting young voices, and
• a later section mainly for adult performers,

with plenty of time in between to grab a drink, browse the shelves, and soak up the atmosphere.

How the Evening Flows🕰️

• 6:00pm – Doors open
  Drinks, food, books, mingling and settling in
• 6:30pm – 7:00pm – First half
• 7:00pm – 7:20pm – Interval
• 7:20pm – 8:20pm – Second half
• 8:30pm – Home time

The event is family-friendly throughout - no swearing or inappropriate content - making it a lovely shared creative space across generations.

Want to Read a Poem?🎤

Bootle Bards is hosted by Ali Harwood, who will guide the evening and keep things running smoothly.
If you’d like to perform, please email alihar@hotmail.com in advance with details of your theme or poetry piece.

Drinks, Food & Good Vibes☕

Kingsley & Co’s café will be open all evening, serving delicious drinks and lovely food , perfect fuel for poetry, courage and conversation.

Tickets & Ages 🎟️

• Adults (18+): £5 (via Eventbrite)
• Under 18s: Free (ticket required)
• Under 11s: must be accompanied by an adult

Please note: this is an open access event. We are not in loco parentis.

Come along. Bring a poem, bring a friend, or just bring your curiosity.
We can’t wait to hear what you have to say.