Things To Do / Sponsored
28 things to do in Bristol this week, August 5-11 2024
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Throughout August: Summer at Watershed
We’ve planned a summer of fun throughout August at Watershed, for kids and grown-ups, come rain or shine, night and day – with family matinee screenings at just £5.00, competitions, cocktails and plenty more.
Monday: Stomping Story – Owl Babies, Arnos Vale Cemetery
What are owls afraid of? Who protects the owlets when mum isn’t there? Learn about the owls of Arnos Vale. Check out where they hang out and then make some owl themed art to take home. Most suitable for ages 3 – 9, but toddlers and babies are welcome. Adults don’t require a ticket. There’s also a children’s bug-hunting activity available, and pond-dipping on Tuesday, as part of the cemetery’s Rooted in Nature project.
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Monday-August 16: Lumosphere, Quakers Friars
A new walk-through experience in Quakers Friars for 3 weeks only. Explore six mind-bending themes and discover a world where experiential art and technology collide.
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Monday: Milk Poetry, Wardrobe Theatre
‘The most nourishing and eclectic spoken word bonanza you could ever hope for,’ curated and hosted by Malaika Kegode. This edition features award-winning writer Maria Ferguson and Wakefield poet Matt Abbott.
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Monday-Friday: Rasheed Araeen: Conscious Forms, RWA
It’s the last week to view the colourful abstract works by the pioneering artist, curator and activist, part of a triple-bill of exhibitions at the RWA that are honouring global majority artists.
Tuesday: Bend and Blend Fun Family Yoga, Bristol Hippodrome
45 minutes of uninterrupted carer-and-child yoga time, in the theatre’s Grand Bar. The first in a block of four classes.
Tuesday-Friday: Lord of the Dance, Bristol Beacon
Michael Flatley’s back with his world-renowned show that has been running for over 25 years. It features high-energy Irish dancing, original music, storytelling and sensuality.
Wednesday: CORE, The Mount Without
A Dreamy installation immersion with painting and sound in celestial surroundings. Bristol based artist Khadija Choudhury unveils a specially curated A/V installation with sonic collaborator Will Irving, continuing both artists’ singular statement of creating immersive and dream like installation work.
Wednesday: Queer and Trans+ open mic, Cloak
Monthly in-house Open Mic focussed on platforming the work of queer, trans+ and female musicians and poets, hosted by Freddie Lewis. Sign up to participate on the night.
Thursday: Mini Pirates, Zion
Toe-tapping shanty singalongs for 0-6 year olds, with dressing up encouraged. A musical adventure full of laughter, waves of rhythm, and plenty of seafaring fun for our youngest buccaneers.
Thursday: Dungeons and Dragons August edition, Old Market Tavern
Drop-in, one shot quests for experienced players and newcomers, led by Jake from the Drag Dungeoneers. Previous adventures include a “chill” wolf attack, wild cabbage and lesbian warfare, physical action scenes with miniatures and maps, and computer-generated chaos with monsters, traps, and puzzles.
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Thursday-Saturday: Unscripted Players Big Summer Show, Bristol Improv Theatre
Two original improvised comedy productions from UK’s first amateur company dedicated to improvised theatre. Katherine Olive’s Head Talks and I Don’t Know What You’ll Do This Summer by Charlie Hutchence are on show everyday at the Clifton venue for improv.
Friday: Films on Friday, John Wesley’s New Room
A free film for children, with popcorn and drinks available to buy at the venue. Starts at 10.30am, suitable for 3-11 years.
John Wesley’s New Room – photo: Betty Woolerton
Friday: Chow Down Fridays, Paintworks
An evening of tasty food, local beers, cocktails and banging tunes. Featuring tasty tacos from Pura Vida Tacos, Neapolitan style pizza from Jim’s Pizza and vegan whippy ice cream from the legendary Happy Cow; plus local brewery beers, cocktails and live music from Eddy and Fraser, as well as DJs.
Coffee Club are the current custodians of the Airstream caravans at the Paintworks – photo: Coffee Club
Friday: Sunset Party, Clifton Observatory
Located at one of the highest points in Bristol with a clear view of the skyline above Ashton Court, this is the perfect spot to watch the Balloon Fiesta’s evening mass ascent. The party features a DJ playing tunes all night, a hot food stand, and a summer cocktail menu served from the rooftop bar.
Clifton Observatory overlooks the Suspension Bridge – photo: Martin Booth
Friday-Sunday: Bristol Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court
It’s been reduced to three rather than four days this year but the Balloon Fiesta will still feature (weather permitting) morning and afternoon mass ascents, the evening nightglow, and plenty more fun.
Special shapes are always some of the highlights of the Fiesta – photo: Plaster
Saturday: Reef ‘N Rhythms, Bristol Aquarium
After their successful Under the Sea performance at Bristol Aquarium in March, the Kris Nock Big Band is back for an evening of funk tunes.
Saturday: Faith, Alma Tavern & Theatre
Using the mechanics of a friendship group as a microcosm of the reactions from the wider world, Faith details the trauma dredged up for those who were never taken seriously when they feared a male in their life. Based on true stories of violence against women and girls.
Saturday: Streetwear Market, Art Club
Hosted by 4szn studios , come vibe out and shop whilst networking with people with common interests in fashion + music. The perfect mix of tunes being played through out the day with open decs also.
Sunday: Food and Drink Festival, Old Down Estate
The historic manor undergoes a remarkable transformation into a haven for food enthusiasts. Featuring cuisines from round the world, with an opportunity to explore the country estate as well.
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Until September 1: Space Shanty, M Shed
A playful experience exploring Bristol’s involvement in space travel. Follow Bemmie the ‘Ratronaut’ as he introduces you to heartwarming stories through video, audio and augmented reality.
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And coming soon…
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August 21: MASSIVE Preview: Kneecap + Q&A, Watershed
The real life story of how an anarchic Belfast trio became the unlikely figureheads of a civil rights movement to save and reinvigorate their mother tongue. Aa Q&A with Kneecap and director Rich Peppiatt follow the screening.
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August 24-26: BBC Proms 2024, Bristol Beacon
This summer, we are delighted to be a host venue for the world’s greatest classical music festival. Part of the recently introduced Proms Across the UK, four concerts make up Proms Bristol: immersive experience The Virtuous Circle from Charles Hazlewood and Paraorchestra, the BBC Singers at 100 with a selection of a cappella masterpieces, Kirill Karabits and the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with soloist Evelyn Glennie and a fun-filled CBeebies: Ocean Adventure with Kwamé Ryan, the Southbank Sinfonia and Andy Day.
BBC Proms – photo: Bristol Beacon
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August 27-28: Hoo-Ha! 2024, Bristol Beacon
Hoo-Ha! Festival, Bristol’s biggest annual event made for kids, returns to Bristol Beacon this August for two days of music, dancing and fun for little people and their families. After one year off, Hoo-Ha! is back with a bang for 2024, and bigger than ever before. Expect all areas of Bridgehouse to be packed to the brim with shows, shenanigans and spectacles, as well as shows taking place in Lantern Hall. There’ll be plenty of opportunities to get creative with activities, things to discover, see and do. It’s free entry, no tickets required – so come one, come all to the Hoo-Ha party: a hullaballoo of family fun!
Hoo Ha – photo: Bristol Beacon
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August 30-31: Harvest Home Festival, Mendip Base Camp
A two-day, family friendly festival with camping just a few miles from Bristol. Friday entertainment includes a 40ft cinema screen showing The Greatest Showman, plus live music, fairground rides, camp fire, food stalls and bar. Saturday includes live music from six great bands, a magic show and use of Mendip Outdoor’s sporting facilities. Come for the evening or buy a weekend ticket with camping included.
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September 9: Mark Smith – For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross’, Redgrave Theatre
Acknowledged as a Worldwide expert on the Victoria Cross, Mark has written five books on ‘The Great War’ and contributed to many other books and magazines. ‘For Valour – The Story of the Victoria Cross’ will give you the opportunity to witness his extensive knowledge live as he explores and details the instigation of the VC, expel some of the myths and presents some of the most breathtaking stories of those men who have been awarded this country’s highest award for bravery.
Mark Smith – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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September 19: Embrace the Green Future: Attend for Free!, Future Leap
Join us at Future Leap’s Festival of Sustainable Business Exhibition at the newly re-opened We The Curious. Discover innovative green solutions, engage with local sustainability leaders, explore interactive exhibits and hear from inspiring speakers including Carla Denyer MP. Free for the public—don’t miss this chance to inspire change and build a sustainable future!
Main photo: Martin Booth
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