What’s on in Bristol | Independent Magazine | Bristol24/7

Art / News
New planters with Ghanaian symbols added to Centre
Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs and aphorisms
News / Van Dwellers
Caravan site safer than cycle path
Local calls for an old railway line to become a cycle path could be ignored
News / Cafes
Experienced baristas to open their first cafe together
Fenix Coffee is due to open in August
Features / death
‘Death conversations are coming for everyone’
Meet Bristol's death doula, Ruby Love

Highlights

Things To Do / Bristol
15 things to do this week in Bristol, July 20-26 2026
Highlights this week include Basement comedy and summer sessions with Miss Mash
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News / Bristol Quakers
Bristol Quakers apologise for role in trafficking of enslaved Africans
"This is not just ancient history. We continue to see the consequences in the present day."
Read more
Film / News
Watch the amazing story of Bristol’s biggest screen on the small screen
The Big Picture is now available to view on multiple platforms
Read more
Features / Education
The rise of multi-academy trusts
The growth of MATs is controversial, with some questioning if the model deprives schools of power
Read more
Features / Ashton Court Mansion
Ashton Court Mansion: from dereliction to restoration
Bristol Historic Buildings Trust hope to bring the mansion back to life
Read more
News / Pottery
Potter wants to bring craft back to high street at new space
Finnerty Ceramics is being opened by ceramicist Rebecca Finnerty
Read more

News and Features

Features / Education
The rise of multi-academy trusts
The growth of MATs is controversial, with some questioning if the model deprives schools of power
Read more
Features / death
‘Death conversations are coming for everyone’
Meet Bristol's death doula, Ruby Love
Read more
News / Van Dwellers
Caravan site safer than cycle path
Local calls for an old railway line to become a cycle path could be ignored
Read more
News / Bristol Quakers
Bristol Quakers apologise for role in trafficking of enslaved Africans
"This is not just ancient history. We continue to see the consequences in the present day."
Read more
News / Share Bristol
Share Bristol to open fifth Library of Things in new area
The libraries rent out tools and equipment
Read more
News / Politics
Jones returns to backbenches with no place in Burnham’s cabinet
The Bristol North West MP was was one of Keir Starmer's most loyal lieutenants
Read more
News / ghost signs
Ghost sign unveiled and then painted over
"Well, this is tragic"
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Features / Ashton Court Mansion
Ashton Court Mansion: from dereliction to restoration
Bristol Historic Buildings Trust hope to bring the mansion back to life
Read more
News / social justice
Wealth redistribution group welcomes first members
The 25 new members are all working class or working class-led and aiming to create social good
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News / Housing
‘Eye-watering’ salary paid to council’s temporary housing boss
Sonia Furzland was paid £201,896 for just over eight months’ work, council accounts reveal
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Culture

Film / News
Date set for the Slapstick Gala 2027
The Buster Keaton classic The General is next year’s main attraction
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Theatre / Reviews
Review: Notting Hell: The Greatest Story in the Underworld, The Wardrobe Theatre – ‘Consistently funny, heartfelt, and packed full of gleefully ridiculous invention’
The smash-hit mash-up is back, transposed from Christmas-time to the middle of summer
Read more
Art / News
New planters with Ghanaian symbols added to Centre
Adinkra are visual symbols that represent concepts, proverbs and aphorisms
Read more
Film / News
Watch the amazing story of Bristol’s biggest screen on the small screen
The Big Picture is now available to view on multiple platforms
Read more
Comedy / GWAAC
Michelle de Swarte, Kiri Pritchard Mclean, Huge Davies and Michael Odewale amongst stars to appear at GWAAC fundraiser ‘Heli Laughs’
The annual Great Western Air Ambulance Charity fundraiser returns to Bristol Old Vic on September 3
Read more
Theatre / Riddlestick Theatre
Riddlestick are back with hit musical comedy Barleycorn and a brand-new show
‘Song of the Crow’ comes to The Wardrobe Theatre at the end of August
Read more
Dance / South West Dance Theatre
South West Dance Theatre to host summer dance intensive on Golden Age of Ballet
The day-long workshop will teach the famous Cecchetti technique to 7-12 year olds
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Music / Reviews
Review: Rosalie Cunningham, Louisiana
A magnificent performance despite the sweltering heat
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Books / News
Bookshop left ‘upset and frustrated’ after attempted break-in
"It just feels unnecessary as a spot to target," said bookseller Davey Poole
Read more
Poetry / Martin Rieser
Martin Rieser’s ‘reverse ekphrasis’ poetry collection explores the reliable narrative in a world of AI
‘Apocrypha’ features a series of Rieser’s poems adjacent to the AI generated images they inspired
Read more

Food and Drink

News / Cafes
Experienced baristas to open their first cafe together
Fenix Coffee is due to open in August
Read more
News / New Openings
Bath sandwich makers coming to Bristol
"We can’t wait to become part of Bristol’s vibrant food scene"
Read more
News / Pubs
Pub wins battle over complaints of ‘noisy’ beer garden
The neighbours complained of cigarette smoke and foul language drifting into their garden
Read more
Restaurants / Reviews
4500 Miles From Delhi, Colston Avenue: ‘The model of a classic Indian restaurant’ – restaurant review
The restaurant is celebrating its 15th birthday in July
Read more
Features / EatDrink24/7
Limited-edition beer and round-the-block queues: capture the atmosphere of the EatDrink24/7 launch if you missed it
Our independent food and drink guide is now available around the city
Read more
News / Cafes
Traditional Vietnamese food and drinks at new cafe
Banh-Mi Caphe is from the family team behind Viet Kitchen
Read more
News / Square Food Foundation
The role food education can play in creating lasting change
Square Food Foundation is rallying people working in food in a renewed call for collective action
Read more
News / Restaurants
Restaurant named seventh best in the UK
Wangs began as a series of pop-ups and supper clubs
Read more
Shop of the Week / Shop of the Week
Shop of the week: Public Market, Easton
The farm shop, deli and kitchen sits in the heart of Easton
Read more
News / coffee
Full Court Press ‘take things to next level’ with new coffee bar
Full Court Press' new coffee bar is within a railway arch
Read more

Bristol Legends

Features / Bristol Legends
Ashton Court Mansion: from dereliction to restoration
Bristol Historic Buildings Trust hope to bring the mansion back to life
Read more
News / Bristol Legends
The role food education can play in creating lasting change
Square Food Foundation is rallying people working in food in a renewed call for collective action
Read more
News / Bristol Legends
Bristol hospitality group recognised with special prize
The Pony Group were honoured at the 2026 Cateys awards
Read more
News / Bristol Legends
Bristol business founder recognised in King’s Birthday Honours
The Bristol Legends Awards winner has been awarded an MBE for services to education and skills
Read more
Books / Bristol Legends
‘Representation is so important in children’s books’
Bristol poet and writer, Stephen Lightbown, has written a children's book, My Dad Can
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
If I Knew Then: Heather Frankham
Heather Frankham was the winner of the Bristol Legends Awards in the business leaders category
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: sustainability
Watch our panellists talk about Bristol's legendary environmental campaigners, companies and causes
Read more
Other Sport / Bristol Legends
‘The best sport you’ve never heard of’
Inside the Bristol korfball club which has elite players yet inclusivity at its heart
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: community
Watch our panellists talk about Bristol Legends' 2026 community shortlist
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Meet the man with the best job in Bristol
Bristol’s official Sustainability Legend Mark Leach gives an insight into his work
Read more

Opinion

Your say / St Philips Marsh
‘Bristol needs a new Big Park – have the strategic planners learnt nothing?’
St Philips Marsh plans need more green space, argues Frances Robertson from Bristol Parks Forum
Read more
Your say / Politics
‘The question for Bristol is whether Burnham will now surrender some of the power he has inherited’
Political analyst Thom Oliver on the future of devolution under new prime minister Andy Burnham
Read more
Your say / Jacob's Wells Baths
‘A monument to civic disobedience’
George Ferguson praises the transformation of Jacob's Wells Baths
Read more
Your say / Bristol airport
‘The powerful think they can ride roughshod over our rights for profit’
We can all help in the fight to save wild spaces from the airport's expansion, say campaigners
Read more
Your say / Transport
‘We must stand up for people in one of Bristol’s most deprived areas against a council convinced that it knows best’
Former lord mayor Steve Smith says the liveable neighbourhood should not become permanent
Read more
Your say / climate change
‘For our bodies to be healthy, fractions of a degree matter – yet we have increased temperatures by 1.4 degrees’
Glenn Vowles examines the links between people and the planet
Read more
Your say / drugs
‘By working together, we can save lives through making Bristol a city of harm reduction’
Cara Lavan says drugs are a health issue, not a criminal one
Read more
Your say / Brislington Meadows
‘Too steep to be fair – the Brislington Meadows plans still won’t work’
Plans do not take Disabled people, prams or cyclists into account says campaigner Lucy Bell-Reeves
Read more
Your say / Transport
‘Chasing easy votes by not taking action is much easier – but in the long term, it will harm all of us’
Two Green councillors on the future of the East Bristol Liveable Neighbourhood
Read more
Your say / taxis
‘Our responsibility is to decide if an individual is fit to hold a taxi or private hire licence’
Abdul Malik urges people to recognise the legal framework that motivates decisions by councillors
Read more

Climate

Features / Politics
‘There is a community of love and joy building in politics’
Organisers share the inspiration behind the Green Party parties ahead of their Bristol edition
Read more
Features / climate fiction
New novel imagines a ‘radically different’ future Bristol
Bristol author Tim Kindberg has set his latest work of fiction in his hometown
Read more
Features / Wildlife
The ‘other’ Taylor swift
A film documents the remarkable story of one woman working to save swifts from UK extinction
Read more
News / fishing
Bristol Channel wildlife needs better protection
A report demands a ban to bottom trawling which is putting porpoises at-risk
Read more
Features / bars and pubs
Bristol venues choose climate over corporate greed
The world's first not-for-profit booze brand is making waves across our city
Read more
News / Bristol airport
Fight or flight club?
Residents say it's time to pick a side in the fight to protect our green spaces from Bristol Airport
Read more
Features / eco-arts projects
Sonic explorations: tidal power, urban nature and the city’s acoustic quirks
A creative project is capturing the urban nature soundscape of St Philip's Marsh
Read more
News / adaptation
Disabled artists deliver climate warnings to government
The artists' craftivism urged national policymakers: 'don't blow it'
Read more
News / clothing
Biomaterial company backed by clothing giants wins top sustainability award
The biomaterial developed by the Bristol firm was used by the likes of Stella McCartney and Berghaus
Read more
News / University of Bristol
University ranks 6th in global sustainability index
The rating recognises sustainability work across research, services and nature's recovery
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Lifestyle

Family / Summer holiday
Bristol’s best boredom-busting summer holiday clubs
Educator Hannah-Rose Wiltshire talks about the immersive classes she's cooked up for the kids
Read more
News / Pottery
Potter wants to bring craft back to high street at new space
Finnerty Ceramics is being opened by ceramicist Rebecca Finnerty
Read more
Health and Fitness / News
Yoga teacher to open new community wellness hub
Seana Ruddick hopes to create an inclusive space for people to exercise and connect
Read more
Family / Advertising Feature
Enjoy a Summer of Free-Range Family Fun
If you’re looking for a family day out, heading West might be just the ticket this summer
Read more
Family / playgrounds
‘I visited 50 playgrounds and this quirky spot is my number one pick’
The creator of Bristol Playgrounds reveals her new app and our city's best playgrounds
Read more
News / Advertising Feature
Love Summer
Your guide to summertime activities in and around the city
Read more
Shops / News
Former Wapping Wharf project manager opens shop of her own
Inti Baby is inspired by parenthood and Peru
Read more
Homes and Gardens / allotments
Award-winning dementia allotment featured in National Garden Scheme
The allotment highlights the power of inclusive gardening
Read more
Homes and Gardens / Advertising Feature
Top 5 Best Home Renovation Companies in London for 2026
The right home renovation company turns a stressful, expensive project into a smooth one.
Read more
Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Rikaxxe Music, Broadmead
The guitar shop hiding one of the most trusted pairs of hands in the guitar world
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Business

News / Reuse Shops
Waste operator’s reuse shops save 500,000 items from going to landfill
"From junk to joy"
Read more
News / Female empowerment
Social enterprise founders recognised for empowering mothers back to work
The founders of an all-female social enterprise have been awarded honorary doctorates by UWE Bristol
Read more
Better Business / Member news
Bristol IT firm wins top regional industry award
The B Corp company has provided IT support and cyber security services for almost 20 years
Read more
News / Andy Burnham
What does a Burnham premiership mean for Bristol businesses?
The newly ascended prime minister has not been short of pro-business messages
Read more
News / jewellery
Bristol jewellery shop marks 25 years
The founder began making bespoke jewellery from her living room in 1993
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News / Law
Bristol law firm clears £200m mark in annual revenue
The national law firm has doubled its annual revenue from five years ago
Read more
News / aviation
‘UFO’-led campaign to tackle aerospace skills shortage
The initiative aims to address an estimated 10,000 unfilled technical vacancies in aerospace sector
Read more
Better Business / Member profile
Ovation Finance joins the Bristol24/7 Better Business network
Founded in 2000, Ovation has spent more than two decades championing financial wellbeing
Read more
News / Law
Leeds law firm launches first South West branch in Bristol
The firm specialises on a wide range of domestic and international commercial disputes
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News / independent shops
New market launched to support independent businesses
The new market promises to encourage more people to explore lesser-known independent businesses
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Sport

Rugby / News
Chris Vui breaks silence on ‘devastating’ doping ban
The Bristol Bears lock has always denied knowingly using a banned substance
Read more
News / Triathlon
In photos: Bristol Triathlon 2026
The route had to be changed due to an early morning rave
Read more
Cricket / Gloucestershire Cricket
Shire and Short put Surrey to the sword
D'Arcy Short scored 92 not out as Gloucestershire beat Surrey by 57 runs
Read more
News / athletics
Two athletics tracks would be ‘financially unsustainable’
Councillors respond to campaigners seeking to save Witchurch Athletics Track
Read more
Cricket / Gloucestershire Cricket
No dream Gloucestershire debut for Dawid Malan
Gloucestershire lost to Northamptonshire by eight wickets
Read more
News / charity
Olympic rowing medallist helps fundraise for sporting charity
The annual golf day raised over £2,000 for Access Sport
Read more
Rugby / Bristol Bears
New principal sponsor of Bristol Bears unveiled
Under the new deal, the firm's logo will appear on the shirts of both the men's and women's teams
Read more
News / Ultimate Frisbee
Bristol ultimate frisbee team win silver in youth championships
The team were also honoured for their dedication to sportsmanship
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News / Kostüme
Bristol cycling apparel brand powers record-breaking ride
The founder of the Bristol-founded cycling gear called the collaboration "the ultimate validation"
Read more
Cricket / Women's T20 World Cup
Win for West Indies as World Cup cricket returns to Bristol
Six matches are being played at the County Ground in the Women's T20 World Cup 2026
Read more

Festivals

Reviews / Big Love
Review: Big Love, Usk – ‘A festival that feels like a family’
It only takes two days to get the Big Love bug, says our reviewer
Read more
News / bristol international balloon fiesta
Hot air balloons take to skies for Balloon Fiesta 2026 lift-off
Around a dozen colourful balloons took off from College Green
Read more
News / South Asia
‘It’s not about taking over; it’s about what we represent as a collective’
South Asian Heritage Month has made its Bristol Harbour Festival debut
Read more
News / Bristol Harbour Festival
In photos: Bristol Harbour Festival 2026
From the chaotic cardboard boat race to global music performances
Read more
Reviews / Dungeon synth
Review: Dungeons of Wessex, Moor Beer – ‘Blurred the line between music and magic’
Bristol's first dungeon-synth festival was a roaring success
Read more
News / bristol musicians
‘Hidden music festival’ promises intimate shows and warm connection
The 500-person weekender is designed to feel communal
Read more
News / st Pauls carnival
Huge turnout for unofficial St Paul’s Carnival
The community came together to host a joyful celebration
Read more
News / st Pauls carnival
‘St Paul’s Carnival is a very special part of our culture’
St Paul's Carnival has officially been cancelled but thousands of people are still expected
Read more
News / st Pauls carnival
Reclaiming St Paul’s Carnival for the community
"Everyone is invited"
Read more
News / Sistaland
‘The system is not designed for us’
Sistaland is set to return, bringing together women and non-binary creatives
Read more

Student

News / Film
Uni filmmakers challenge industry barriers with new accessible film
The film explores themes of communication, identity and belonging
Read more
News / live music
Improved food accessibility at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals
The new measures include encouraging vendors to be nut-free and increasing gluten-free options
Read more
News / books
Bristol pupils co-author book on impact of microfibres
"Taking a Close Look at Microfibres" was officially launched on Earth Day at May Park Primary School
Read more
News / Tech
Uni researcher develops digital tool to help people with anxiety disorders
The app uses data from smartwatches to detect signs of anxiety in real time
Read more
News / reparative justice
Bristol Uni’s reparative justice programme marks milestone
"Reparative justice is about more than acknowledging historical wrongs"
Read more
News / Film
Student filmmaker wins top regional award for ‘heartfelt’ documentary
The documentary follows the UK’s only student-led lion dancing society
Read more
News / Research
Bristol academic to lead discussion on macabre Victorian phenomenon
The curious phenomenon gripped the 19th-century Britain
Read more
News / Entrepreneurship
New event to bring together businesses and student entrepreneurs
The new Business Expo is aimed at connecting students with entrepreneurs
Read more
News / Research
Funding secured for major study on crime and asset seizures
The 15-month project will assess how seizing criminal assets influences offender behaviour
Read more
News / University of Bristol
Former student returns to graduate after 30 years
Bee Costello-Bates returned to Bristol Uni more than three decades after finishing her studies
Read more

LGBTQ+

News / Bristol Pride
Pride parade brings ‘moments of joy’ to Bristol
Thousands marched together for LGBTQ+ rights, with allies standing in solidarity
Read more
Features / Bristol Pride
‘I was marching in Pride when there were fewer than 250 of us – and I’ve watched it get bigger and bigger’
Jajay Dahling tells her story of Bristol Pride, from 90s marches to creating the annual celebration
Read more
Features / Jo Hartland
‘Bristol is welcoming and progressive, but it’s also very divided’
Former NHS doctor turned activist Jo Hartland on hope, healthcare and allyship
Read more
News / trans rights
New university guidance prompts concern among trans staff and students
UWE Bristol maintains its commitment to trans and non-binary community members
Read more
News / Literature
Festival to bring LGBTQ+ authors to Bristol
QueerLit Southwest is a gathering for independent queer authors
Read more
News / trans rights
Trans rights protest to ‘resist the EHRC’
One activist condemned the new guidance on single-sex spaces as "segregation"
Read more
News / Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride refuses sponsorship from UWE
Bristol Pride had faced growing pressure from the LGBT+ community to sever ties with the university
Read more
Features / bristol film
Queer Film Festival Open for Submissions
The Queer Vision Film Festival highlights LGBT+ voices in the Southwest
Read more
Features / ShoutOutRadio
15 years of ShoutOut Radio
The positive platform for queer voices is listened to by 100,000 people every week
Read more
News / Trans in the City
Five Bristol individuals featured on 2026 ‘Trans Changemakers’ list
Five Bristolians have been named in list of influential trans people
Read more

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