Following an electric Concert Hall debut in 2025, the Bankstown Poetry Grand Slam returns to the Sydney Opera House's biggest stage on Thursday. Set to be a celebration of community, creativity and collective power, Bankstown Poetry Slam features 27 finalists brought together to compete in teams across two back-to-back Grand Slam rounds.
This convergence of generations, cultures and performance styles will create a buzzing forum for creativity and expression. The night's second act will feature performances from seven poets who have shaped Australian spoken word, hip hop, poetry, literature and performance for decades - and live music from Cooee before the winner is crowned.
The Grand Slam line-up features several talented creatives, including First Nations favourite rapper and Drummer DOBBY plus the musical project of Gunai multidisciplinary artist Kirli Saunders (OAM) and musician/illustrator Mark Chester Harding, Cooee.
"There is a raw depth and love in the Bankstown Poetry Slam community that is transformational, so we are incredibly proud to return to the Opera House and share that community, and our biggest night of joy and skill, on one of the world's most famous stages," said artistic director of Bankstown Poetry Slam, Bilal Hafda.
"It is an experience unlike any other, legacy and future on the same stage, and we couldn't be more excited for this electrifying night."
"It's always transformative when the room is run by poets and Bankstown Poetry Slam are always cultivating radical spaces to champion the voices of the community," said Saunders.
"This one-night celebration of collective power at the Sydney Opera House is so needed."
Director of programming at Sydney Opera House Brenna Hobson, said Sydney Opera House are thrilled to partner with Bankstown Poetry Slam.
"We are thrilled to partner with Bankstown Poetry Slam and showcase some of the most urgent and expressive artists that our city has to offer," she said.
To play a role in empowering authentic voices is a privilege and we're excited to celebrate an evening of storytelling and performance from this exceptional roster of poets."
The Opera House's in-house presenting arm delivers a bold and inspiring annual program that reflects the experiences of artists from diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
Led by Brenna Hobson, working closely with genre experts and in collaboration with the vibrant Australian and international arts community, Sydney Opera House Presents programs up to 800 performances a year, attended by 359,000 people last financial year.
The program spans live music, musical theatre & cabaret, contemporary art, First Nations-led performance, talks & ideas, children, families & creative learning, classical music, contemporary dance, theatre, community activities and open-air events as well as a Screen program that enables the Opera House to reach a global audience.
Bankstown Poetry Slam - Grand Slam will take place on Thursday, 12th February 2026 at Concert Hall, Sydney Opera House.
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