Don't feel as bad as Chris, but I have to say that for atmosphere and the quality of performers (plus the odd quirky performance), it's without doubt the best venue that I have been to.
Pity it's so far away

Yes - it was a good night. Plenty of humour mixed in with really class poetry. As ever, a very warm welcome from Steve and the 'scouse' poets. Let's big it up for the Bards!

Hey you guys, thanks for coming! I was battling with a monster headache last night as I MC'd, but there is always magic in the air at the BARDS.

We pride ourselves on being genuinely friendly and unpretentious - and you certainly can't say that about all poetry nights!

Isobel, Chris, and Steve you were all crowd-pleasers last night - no doubt about that. Sorry about my feelthy language, by the way!

For those who haven't been to the BARDS yet, it is on the second Monday of every month at the Magazine pub, Magazine Brow, New Brighton, CH45 1HP, and we NEVER cancel a night.

THE BARDS always draw a big crowd, but the sets are fast-paced, so everyone who wants to gets to read / performance at least once during the evening, and usually twice.

(New Brighton was the North of England's most popular seaside resort in its heyday, and had a tower taller than Blackpool's! The town is currently udergoing a MASSIVE regeneration programme.)

Next BARDS session is 8 March.

And it will be a similar atmosphere at our sister open-mic night, LIVERpoetry!, upper room, Pilgrim pub, Pilgrim Street, central Liverpool, L1 9HB tomorrow Wednesday 10 February, starting 8pm. The theme for the night is 'Sex and Love' but you don't have to stick to the theme.