MPF2023 POETRY STAGE

We at Manchester Punk Fest are pleased to announce the return of the Punk Poetry Stage for 2023. Compèred and curated by the ineffable Henry Raby, our very own admin anarchist, theatre-maker, performance poet and playwright. 

The Punk Poetry Stage promises spiky stanzas, rebellious rhymes and vivacious verse; a welcome respite before the moshpits and pint-slinging begin in force. Our dream for 2023 is to finally see a human pyramid assemble to accompany the spoken word.

This year’s poetry line-up features some of the country’s finest punk poets, including Bridget Hart, Cookie Love, Luke ‘Tatty’ Hoggarth, Cherry B and Ross McFarlane. Nestled in a slot between podcasts and comedians, there’ll even be an open mic opportunity for you to bring your own words to MPF’s stage. 

Luke ‘Tatty’ Hoggarth

Luke ‘Tatty’ Hoggarth is a ranting poet from Bradford, West Yorkshire. He has written and performed poetry for over a decade alongside other poets such as Nick Toczek, Atilla The Stockbroker, Janine Booth and Laura Taylor. 

Inspired by his time interviewing punk bands on Phoenix 96.7FM as well as attending regular gigs at the 1in12 Club, he is a rising star in the new wave of ranting poets being sharp, political and funny.

Cookie Love

Cookie is the front person from Manchester pinger-core band Gurnal Gadafi. They’re a spoken word artist whose poetry sheds light on our dark sides with their perception of human nature. 

They have featured in the HOME Manchester Open Exhibition 2022, on BBC Radio Manchester for Black History Month, Worldwide FM, Reform Radio, Under The Pavement and are a regular at spoken word nights across the North.

Cherry B

The bouffanted, bellowing bard from Essex that combines filth and fury poetic verses. From hard-hitting injustices that attack the government’s core, to shockingly saucy stories of desire that make you laugh out loud. 

Cherry performs up and down the country, often with her partner in rhyme, Peesh, as a musical collaboration. They are regulars at Rebellion Punk Festival. Cherry released her first book through Flapjack Press in 2021 and is working on her next one.

Ross McFarlane

Ross McFarlane is a Glaswegian poet, performer and theatre-maker. His work exemplifies that DIY, entertainment-centric, hope-punk ethos on which he was brought up – dealing with themes of queerness and radical empathy. 

He is a writer on the award-winning horror audio drama Folxlore. Ross has opened for touring poets and musicians including Sabrina Benaim, Shane Koyczan, Rae Spoon and Petrol Girls.

Bridget Hart

A working class, queer performer and producer living in Bristol. A writer of funny, searing, hugely original poems that are absolutely bullshit-free. Expect an absolute powerhouse of razor-sharp, yet warm, performance poetry. 

“A kiss on the lips and a punch in the stomach.” – Agnes Török

Download our MPF2023 app to check out the running order.

Tickets still available here.