Art / Christmas Steps
Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps: The Audio Trail
Bristol’s hidden history is rich in stories of the many figures who once called it their home.
To bring their stories to life, The Invisible Circus, one of Bristol’s most unique theatre and performance troupes, is set to transform the historic Christmas Steps into its own immersive installation, with particular emphasis on sound.
A new permanent exhibition called Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps: The Audio Trail, will allow the public to become encapsulated in the area’s rich history using their own digital devices.
is needed now More than ever
This new endeavour builds on The Invisible Circus’s extremely popular previous live performances, where the multi-skilled artist collective brought to life sailors, soldiers, scandalous figures and abolitionists from decades past.
Popular drag performer Mrs Shufflewick (Rex Jameson)
Doug Francisco, creative director of the Invisible Circus, said: “Christmas Steps is one of Bristol’s most atmospheric and overlooked gems.
“With this audio trail, we’re cracking it open and flooding it with light, sound and stories.
“It’s bold, it’s weird, it’s rooted in real history and it’s exactly the kind of creative, immersive experience that will bring Bristol’s stories to life.”
With its foundations in the enriching archival research by Paul Green, The Hidden Stories project, in collaboration with local businesses and residents, celebrates the spirit of Bristol through a purely creative vision.
Harriet Harman defended Francis Wood against the police after his mistreatment on Christmas Steps
To celebrate the launch of the trail, a free evening event will take place on Saturday, May 3 from 7.30pm to 9.30pm, where the steps will become a living time capsule.
Video projections and art installations are set to transform buildings and windows, with two live characters roaming the cobbles to guide passers-by just as projections materalise.
Access to the audio trail is simple, requiring only a smartphone or tablet with a camera and internet connection.
QR codes will be displayed in selected shops windows along Colston Street and Christmas Steps, each holding the key to a hidden story from the area’s mysterious and rich past.
By opening their camera and hovering it over the QR code, a link will appear taking passers-by straight to the audio content.
Alongside the audio trail, curated information displays and original artworks will be viewable in participating windows.
Hidden Stories of the Christmas Steps is part of the City Centre and High Streets Cultural Events Programme, which is funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority.
You can find out more information on their website.
All photos: Andre Pattenden
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- In photos: Hidden Stories of the Christmas Steps
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