SOUNDBITES – Monthly Poetry Open Mic 

Live in the Assembly Bar + Kitchen!

Readings by a different local published poet each month. This month we’re pleased to welcome F R KESBY

F R Kesby is a writer and creator from Leeds. They have a string of publishing credits including Strix, Riggwelter, Picaroon, Laldy and Wanton Fuckery as well as having headlined for events such as Stirred, Word Space, neurodiVERSE and Verse Matters.

Their debut pamphlet “Shul” was published by Maytree Press and their first full collection “Here Be Monsters” is out now from Stairwell Books. When not poeting about town they work in the charity sector, run training courses for multiple organisations and generally roll around causing trouble. They describe themselves as a queer disability activist who wants to make the world better. Others describe them as “a difficult bitch with a big mouth”. We’ll let you decide which is true. (Spoiler alert; it’s both.)

F R Kesby is a poet, performer and linguist from Leeds who aims to challenge the status quo with their work. Their pamphlet Shul was published by Maytree Press and their collection Here Be Monsters was published by Stairwell Books in February 2026.

OPEN MIC

We supply the mic – you supply the poetry

Put your name down for a 4 minute slot (first come, first served) or just come along and listen.

Open mic name listing from 6.30pm

Event begins with guest poet at 7.00pm

Everyone welcome. Free (donation appreciated)