One of Manchester’s longest running spoken word events, Verbose, returns on Monday 19th October 2026 at the Kings Arms.

Verbose has a proud history of bringing together a vibrant mix of live literature from poetry, prose and everything in between. Verbose welcomes new talent to the open mic alongside established writers and performers wanting to showcase new material, giving audiences the chance to hear work that is on its way to be published or perhaps feature at festivals including Glastonbury, Edinburgh Fringe and many more.

Introducing our headliners for October…

Goodnighttheskye

Goodnighttheskye (they/them) is the agender flowergoth poet. Permanently preoccupied with what we shove under the bed, their poems refract their experiences through the lens of the frightening and fantastical, populating their pieces with ghosts, vampires, and minor deities. They write about monsters, moshpits, and the people who love them, and their debut collection, New Fables for Transformation, is available to purchase now.

David Viney

David Viney is a multiple poetry slam winner, workshop facilitator and guest at poetry nights and festivals across the UK – he has published two poetry collections with Flapjack Press, ‘A Poet Called Dave’ (2015) and ‘In Orbit, Back Soon’ (2021). His biggest gig (so far) was performing at the Opening and Closing Ceremonies of the World Taekwondo Championships at Manchester Arena in May 2019. His smallest gig (so far) was to one man and a dog at Edinburgh Fringe and “the dog loved it.” Through his facilitator work in prisons, schools and community groups, he continues to connect people to poetry.

“David Viney is one of the authentic voices of Manchester, a man who can be funny, sincere and compassionate in one fell swoop.” – Jo Bell / Former Director of National Poetry Day

To enter the draw for an open mic slot, please email us on verbosemanchester@gmail.com between 1st and 6th October

Tickets are pay what you can from the link

Verbose: Monday 19th October 2026

Kings Arms, Bloom Street Salford 7.30pm to 9.30pm
(doors open 7.15, show starts 7.30)