Tucked, as the evening usually is, behind our tongues and an unsuspecting door are the poets and wordsmiths of every generation. Zeitgiests, the cultural voices of this city will stampede over the stage and, like any good choir, the range and pitch of their processions mark the rise and fall of the chapters of life across the equally disruptive evening. At the bar, Max Hamlyn, the evening's eclectic archangel, is busy making money and friendly acquaintances - those who will soon erupt into a shower of words.
As put most eloquently by renowned local poet Isabel White, nowhere is the quality of the poetry so consistently high as at The Bristol Fringe. And that's down to you. Every month, Clifton Fringe draws poets from across Bristol and the surrounding area to wallow in the frenzy of words, thoughts, and feelings which are unwound like clouds above our heads and into our bones. Communities of poets flow together in the melting pot of the eventful evening; thanks to the legacy left by its illustrious founder Ash Bond, Max Hamlyn has continued to foster Bristol Fringe as a bridge between the local and student poet community. It is therefore the resounding variety of spoken word, in all manner of forms, which contributes to the resounding monthly success of one of Bristol's flagship poetry events.
Celebrated almost religiously on the second Tuesday of every month, sign-up is from 7:30pm on the door. It's best to get there early to guarantee a slot though there are 24 available with each poet granted 5 minutes each. Any and all poets and styles are more than welcome. Newcomers will inevitably feel intimidated by the weight of performing in front of the crowd but the encouragement from regular poets is abounding and the thrill of holding the audience in the palm of your hand is intoxicating. The scene is constantly aching for more voices and the stage is your canvas; Bristol Fringe is a safe place where our deepest vulnerabilities and our most flippant and tongue-in-cheek erotica can be expressed through the artform of voice.
For first-time readers ticket fees are usually waivered but for members of the audience and repeat offenders they are a gentle £4. For those that have the Headfirst app downloaded (a fantastic service for uncovering all the grand variety of events Bristol has to offer - not just limited to poetry!) it's preferred to purchase tickets in advance but they are sold on the door as well. Kick-off is usually around 8pm with a short interval halfway to quench our thirst and support The Bristol Fringe for hosting such a fiery night of fun. The vibrant air in the empty room freezes, almost overpowering with the electric rhythm, before the empty seats and pint glasses are refilled and the spell is broken with raucous shouts and applause.
All good things must come to an end and at around 10:30pm the evening steams to a steady close. But the bar is still open until 1am and the poets themselves, buzzing with exhilaration, mingle with excitement around bustling tables before filtering out into the breeze.
For those of you who dabble, don't spare us from your dirtiest secrets and your wittiest words. And for those of you with an undying love for the arts - bring your friends! We wouldn't be here without a community of people keeping the rhythm flowing through the cold night.
