James Domestic is an acquired taste

Fully back into the rhythm of gigging, James Domestic can be seen headlining Fen Speak in Ely on 20th May (Centre E, Barton Road).  Doors at 7:00pm.  Performances from 7:30pm – and it’s free entry too!

The following night he’s at The Bell in Ticehurst (home town of Earth Island Books!), on the Kent/Sussex border the following night, supporting the brilliant TV comedy and film scriptwriter, Andy Riley.

On the subject of Andy Riley, he’s also a widely published cartoonist and has provided some amazing illustrations for the next James Domestic book, Is an Acquired Taste, which will be out sometime later this year and promises to be his bet yet!

On Friday 5th June, James supports punk poetry legend, Attila the Stockbroker at Sudbury Arts Centre. Attila’s been making a living doing this for 45 years, so he knows his stuff and doesn’t pull his punches either.  It’s a very strong endorsement of James’ new book that Attila has written the foreword. Doors for the gig are at 7:00pm.

On Sunday 14th June you can find Mr (well, Dr., actually!) Domestic at Welly Fest at The Duke of Wellington in Shoreham-by Sea.  A three-day event put together by the aforementioned Attila the Stockbroker.  James is on around 4pm on the Sunday.

On the 20th of June, James supports the brilliant Henry Normal at Bank Arts in Eye, Suffolk (along with Tim Barlow and Nancy T). This is just one of many events that are part of Foreword Festival.  In the afternoon you can sign up to attend a poetry workshop with poetical heavyweight, John Hegley (with that and Henry Normal in the evening, why not make a day of it!). Tickets are very limited to both the Henry Normal gig in the evening and the John Hegley workshop (even more so). Check here for the full list of events at Foreword Festival 2026.

Finally – for now – James is at The Hunter Club in Bury St Edmunds as part of the supporting cast for Andy Riley’s gig there on 25th June. It’s a one-off special in place of the regular GOB night (always great; do check it out!).  Also on the bill are fellow Earth Island poet, Sam Marsh, and the amazingly funny Laura Bradley.  The evening is hosted by Matt Carter (AKA Cat Martyr!).  Tickets are just £8 ADV/£10 OTD and you can get ‘em here. 

Keep your eyes peeled for more gigs and the publication of Is an Acquired Taste…