HOT PICK
See No Evil 2012 returns to Bristol for an epic weekend of street art and parties in and around Nelson Street. The fun has already begun, but the main draw will be the free New York style Block Party on Saturday – with live painting, live music, DJs and entertainment. Curated by Bristol-bred graffiti legend Inkie, with artists heading to Bristol from across the globe, expect some of the most jaw dropping street art in the world. There’s also a ticketed event at Watershed on Friday night, featuring Adrian Utley from Portishead. Read our full guide to See No Evil 2012, HERE. More info at www.seenoevilbristol.co.uk
MUSIC
Howling Owl Records Summer Showcase, taking place on Saturday August 18, features some of the best bands in Bristol – including The Naturals, Towns and Spectres as well as GuMM and Big Naturals. Taking place in the eerie surrounds of The Crypt in Southville, the event has, unsurprisingly sold out. But if you were lucky enough to secure your ticket you’re in for a real treat – with indie, electo and rock the order of the day. Read our interview with The Naturals HERE, Towns HERE and Spectres HERE. More info at www.howlingowlrecords.bigcartel.com
CINEMA
Watershed hosts a beautiful indie film, Swandown, screened at 8.40pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. This typically offbeat documentary by British filmmaker Andrew Kötting sees him team up with writer/psychogeographer Iain Sinclair to stage a uniquely British protest against the Olympics. Their vessel for the 160 miles they travel from Hastings to the site of the 2012 Olympics is Edith, a swan-shaped pedalo they liberated from a seaside resort. Blending archival footage of the areas they pass with readings from authors and poets including Lear, Conrad, Eliot and Brecht and comments on the countryside and its history, it’s a daft journey, but a playfully eccentric one. More info at www.watershed.co.uk
EVENTS
Bristol’s newest venue, Big Top – Creative Common in the Temple Quarter, next to Temple Meads, has been bringing the party all summer. With a brilliant folk-vibe night last Friday (read our review HERE) and some Invisible Circus action the week before, they’re back this Friday with an Electo-Swing Club. Brought to you by the mighty Tall Will (the world’s tallest DJ, apparently) in association with live acts such as Le Klischee, Circo Swing and The Big Swing Soundsystem, get your dancing shoes on and join the 1940′s inspired dancers as they swing and sway to the catchy beats. Entry £5 before 9pm, £10 after. More info at www.facebook.com/electro.swing
ART
Ray Rawlings’ impeccable railway inspired watercolours create classic looking pieces of art – and form the focus of an exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy in Bristol this weekend. Retiring from the printing industry in 1995, he began to paint in watercolour for his own pleasure, being persuaded to hold a one-man exhibition at the Museum of Oxford in 1997. His success has led to many more exhibitions, commissions and his work appearing in personal collections worldwide. All work in the exhibition, which starts on Saturday (and runs until September 27) are available for sale, as prints, in the shop. Entry is free. More info at www.rwa.org.uk
MISC
Cafe Kino in Stokes Croft hosts the second Making Things Club event on Sunday. Making Things Club, the brainchild of Lori and Chirs, is the perfect storm of creative fun – withg live music, drinks and unlimited craft joy. Bring your own supplies or dive in to a communual hoard of crafty goodness, sit back, relax and get making! Live music comes from Joyce The Librarian and The Weary Band. Entry £5. The first 15 new Making Things Clubbers through the door will receive a fantastic crafty swag bag full of great surprises. More info at www.facebook.com/MakingThingsClub
