Manchester’s celebrated spoken word maestros Bad Language returns in October for another wild night of live literature.

Bad Language will once again team up with the Cultural Welcome to bring another stellar line-up of poets, novelists and everything in-between. We’ll have a fabulous headliner, and there will be open mic slots available too.

Bad Language made its name as the UK’s Best Regular Spoken Word Night, as voted twice in the Saboteur Awards. The long-running night hosted regular packed-out events at The Castle and Gullivers in Manchester’s Northern Quarter. Hosts Joe Daly and Fat Roland will be back to host, raising or crushing the energy depending on their mood on the night.

Students and non-students are welcome to take part in the open mic and to attend: entry is free, and there will be a bar.

This event is run in collaboration with the Anthony Burgess Foundation, home of the author of A Clockwork Orange and many other novels. The event is part of The Cultural Welcome, a week of events offering students the chance to discover arts and culture along the Oxford Road Corridor.

Open mic slots will be available in the autumn. In the meantime, pop this in your diary:

Wednesday 7 October 2026 | 7.30pm doors, 8pm start | International Anthony Burgess Foundation, Cambridge Street, Manchester | Free entry