Chemistry is back on Friday 26 July, with another night of poetry and spoken word.

We’re doing something a bit different this time – instead of our usual two headliners, we’ll be showcasing five of our regulars, who have all had books out within the last few months. So it’ll be longer sets than usual from familiar faces Bill Fitzsimons, Tonnie Richmond, Colin Day, Kathleen Strafford and Tim Brookes.

We still have the usual open mic, and our chemical theme. This time it’s element number 14, which is Si for Silicon. The theme is entirely optional, but we hope you might use it as a creative prompt to come up with some new work to reveal on the night.

If you want to sign up for the open mic, just ask host Joe Williams for a slot when you arrive. Open mic readers are drawn in a random order from the Box of Mystery, and we’ll keep going till the box is empty. We welcome everyone from first-timers to veteran performers, so if you want to give it a go, please do. Please stick to the time limit of 3 minutes (which includes any introductions and other waffle).

Entry is on a pay-as-you-feel basis. If you don’t feel able to pay anything, that’s fine. The guest poets will also have books for sale. No need to book a ticket, just turn up.

Doors at 7.15pm for a 7.45pm start. I hope you can join us!

TRANSPORT: The Chemic is about 1.5 miles from the centre of Leeds. The nearest train station is Burley Park. Buses number 38 and 39 stop about 150m away, and there are very frequent buses from the city centre up nearby Woodhouse Lane, where you should get off just before the Hyde Park pub.

PARKING: There is limited parking at the front and rear of the Chemic, and street parking available nearby.

ACCESS: There are several steps to the front entrance, but only one step at the back door. Level access via an additional entrance can be arranged on request. If you need this or any extra assistance, please talk to Joe or one of the venue staff. Unfortunately there is no accessible toilet.