"A brand new voice and a fresh perspective on the art of poetry and performance. Finding majesty in misery and making the mundane move you to laughter and tears. He leaves an emotional impact whilst employing a delicate touch. A wry observer of the first quarter of the twenty first century. - Craig Charles
The Platform is a new space for young, emerging artists to share their work with Hay Festival audiences. Each year we like to invite one of the Platform artists back to the Festival, to give them a longer opportunity to share their work - this year we are extremely pleased to welcome back award winning poet Bradley Taylor.
Bradley appeared on The Platform in 2024 and was an immediate hit with Hay audiences. As well performing on stage he also delivered 'Poetry on Demand' across the Festival site, where he created dozens of new poems on his old typewriter. After Hay Festival his career has continued to go from strength to strength and he went on to win the prestigious Roundhouse Poetry Slam in London, the UK's biggest spoken word competition for 18-25 year-olds. The night was the most attended poetry slam in history - his award winning performance of "Got a Light" can be seen here
Bradley is the co-host of The Big Gay Poetry Night alongside M.L.Walsh, which has featured poets such as Joelle Taylor, Kandace Siobhan Walker & Sanah Ahsan. He has appeared at the Hay Festival, Cheltenham Literature Festival, The Inspirational Youth Awards, on BBC News and BBC Radio 6 Music as part of Craig Charle’s 'Class of 2024'. His work has appeared in Gutter Magazine, Shooter, Strix and across Birmingham train stations as part of Birmingham Hippodrome’s collaboration with photographer Paul Stringer’s project The City That Spoke To Me.
He writes for, and about, people.
In 2025 Bradley releases his debut collection ‘You Missed The Best Part’ with Verve Poetry Press, which he will perform tonight. Fee Mak will be in conversation with Bradley following the performance.
"From the moment Bradley takes to the stage you can tell he belongs there. A brilliant and engaging performer who pushes the boundaries of what poetry is and can be, and who takes the audience with him every step of the way" - Harry Baker
