Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2023

2023 is set to be a bumper year for culture in Bristol.

Whatever your passion, from books and spoken word to theatre, comedy, dance, music, visual arts, circus or festival-going, there is something for everyone to relish in the coming 12 months.

Here are just a few of the highlights.

Bristol 650, city-wide, throughout 2023

2023 marks the 650th anniversary of Bristol becoming a city and county. There will be many festivals and events around this theme throughout the year, in celebration. Follow the latest updates on a dedicated Visit Bristol microsite, launching in late January/early February.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year, M Shed, until May 29

One of Bristol’s best-loved exhibitions, Wildlife Photographer of the Year is a great day out for animal enthusiasts and budding photographers of all ages. There are 100 striking photographs on show, covering all aspects of the natural world, from urban wildlife to underwater scenes. Photographers from over 90 countries submitted their work, and an expert panel of judges chose only the very best to appear in this exhibition, developed and produced by the Natural History Museum.

Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead, Bristol Old Vic, January 19-February 11

Based on the novel by Nobel Prize-winning author Olga Tokarczuk, a brand new and hugely anticipated Complicité production directed by Simon McBurney comes to Bristol Old Vic for a three-week run.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjiW9eFoXHv/

Martin Parr: A Year in the Life of Chew Stoke Village, Martin Parr Foundation, January 19-April 09

30 years on from the project, Martin Parr’s visual chronicle of the rural Somerset village is reprised at his own Foundation; it will be the second of his own exhibitions displayed at the Paintworks venue since it opened in 2017 with Parr’s collection, Black Country Stories.

6%, The Louisiana, January 21

The sixth all day festival hosted by Bristol promoter 1% of 1 arrives to dispel those winter cobwebs in noisy style. Featuring a whole host of brand new and much-loved projects, including debut Bristol shows from Peel Dream Magazine, Runner, Kierst, Gus Tiramani, Veranda Liv, and Handcuff.

Belly Laughs, multiple venues in Bristol/Bath, throughout January

Now in its fifth year in Bristol, Belly Laughs is branching out to Bath and Birmingham for 2023, and hoping to raise thousands of pounds for charitable causes in the process. Combining the best in independent hospitality venues with beautifully curated standup in intimate surroundings, this series of pop-up gigs is a welcome boost for the stomach, and the soul, at the darkest time of the year.

Photo Open, RWA, January 28-May 1

The New Year brings a season of photography to the RWA’s recently transformed galleries in Clifton, with a number of exhibitions and activities including its landmark Photo Open exhibition, stunning landscape photography by critically acclaimed photographer Jem Southam, and photographic portraits of RWA Academicians portrayed by Anne-Katrin Purkiss.

International Photography Exhibition 164, Royal Photographic Society Gallery, January 28-May 7

Over 100 works by 46 photographers will feature in the RPS exhibition, which is “a celebration of image-making and storytelling”, and encompasses a diverse range of themes, including “identity, cultural heritage, sexuality and gender, mental health, and environmental and political issues”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/Cl6BYfFtMkf/?hl=en

The Quantum Horse, The Cube, February 2-12

Once upon a time, a panto horse splits in two and goes on the run. What happens next is a thrilling and farcial chase through space and time. It’s behind you, it’s in front of you… it’s all over the place!

The Quantum Horse is a unique panto collaboration from Ergo Phizmiz and The Cube Microplex team, featuring all kinds of special guest spots each night, of course.

Bristol Light Festival, multiple city centre locations, February 3-12

The award-winning Bristol Light Festival returns to illuminate the city with a captivating trail of light installations dotted around the centre of Bristol over a ten-day period. Contributors are variously local, national and internationally recognised light artists, including Morag Myerscough, who is producing a brand new commission for the event.

Dizz Tate discusses Brutes, Gloucester Road Books, February 10

In the first of a new strand of events highlighting exciting debut publications, Gloucester Road Books presents Dizz Tate who will be discussing her first novel, Brutes, one of the most eagerly anticipated debuts of 2023. The book has received widespread praise in advance, including from the author of The Dangers of Smoking in Bed, Mariana Enriquez, who says: “Brutes is a beautiful and deeply strange novel, full of dread and longing. I loved it”.

Slapstick Festival, multiple venues, February 14-19

The 19th edition of Bristol’s annual celebration of silent, visual and classic comedy will focus on musical comedy, as well as numerous events saluting the comic legacy of Michael Palin and Monty Python’s Flying Circus. Palin (who will be 80 in May) is a guest curator. Also under the Slapstick umbrella, a screening of Harold Lloyd’s Safety Last! will take place at St George’s on April 1, marking exactly 100 years since its release.

Emilia, Circomedia, February 17-25

Morgan Lloyd Malcolm’s triple Olivier Award-winning comedy storms into St Paul’s Church – the home of Circomedia – in February 2023. A brilliant concoction of historical inspiration and imagination, this vibrant period romp charts the life of feminist 17th century poet Emilia Bassano from young courtier to a radical writer, well-versed in pushing the boundaries of a stiff society. With direction from the highly acclaimed Sally Cookson, this galvanising and riotous production vividly transforms Emilia’s life from page to stage whilst giving voice to generations of silenced and exploited communities.

Garry Fabian Miller: ADORE, Arnolfini, February 18-May 28

A major photographic retrospective – and a homecoming of sorts – from a prolific artist who had his first solo exhibition at Arnolfini in 1979, aged 19 years old. Fabian Miller’s process often sees him returning year upon year to chart the same hawthorn trees, plants and flowers through time.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CmKDBLMLIdz/?hl=en

Fun It Up: Bristol Reggae Weekender, Old Market Assembly, March 3-4

The first Bristol Reggae Weekender brings international reggae selectors and fans together for two nights to remember. The Friday night lineup includes The Rhythm Ruler, Cello, Rixti RGS and Simon Cobb; Saturday concludes the party with Adam ‘Wake The Town’, Asher G, Simon Tipper, and Slogs and Miss Vera Cruz.

Rapture album launch, All Hallows Hall, March 11

Bristol’s pop noir artist Emily Breeze is back with an album of songs written in her 40th year; a “poignant and humorous take on how it feels to grow old disgracefully in an increasingly weird world”. With support from Wilderman and more acts to be comfirmed.

Waldo’s Circus of Magic & Terror, Bristol Old Vic, March 11-April 1

It’s 1933 Brandenburg. Fascist whispers are growing to shouts. Many are leaving the country, but Waldo and his troupe of acrobats, clowns and conjurors are staying put. And hidden beneath the glamour of the big top is a story of forbidden love which balances on the tightwire. A dazzling and uplifting new circus theatre musical by Hattie Naylor and Jamie Beddard, with an original score by Charles Hazlewood.

Self Esteem, Marble Factory, March 12

Performing as Self Esteem, Rebecca Taylor has made legions of fans with her candour, lyricism, musicality and incredible live act. Amplifying the sexism, misogyny and inequity she has faced not only in the music industry but in daily life, she has earned her place as a hugely important voice in contemporary culture.

Michelle de Swarte, Hen & Chicken Studio, March 16

Comedian, model, actor and star of The Baby, Michelle de Swarte “breaks down the highs and lows of burning your life to the ground and starting again when 40 is around the corner”.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CgttsVxI_JM/?hl=en

The Talent, The Wardrobe Theatre, March 21-25

Bristol’s brilliant theatre pioneers Action Hero present a post-pandemic, post-human vocal soup that wonders aloud about how the human voice lives on outside the body.

The Little Improv Festival, Bristol Improv Theatre, March 31-April 1

Join the Bristol Improv Theatre family for the festival launch night, followed by an all-day event the next day. Expect exciting entertainment from Bristol’s best improvisers, a chance or two to give improv a go yourself, a warm welcome in our cosy bar between shows and lots more from the friendliest theatre in town!

.John Kearns: The Varnishing Days, The Wardrobe Theatre, April 8 and 15

Chuckle Busters have already added an extra date for the wig-donning, false-teeth sporting double Edinburgh comedy award winner, and tickets are unlikely to be around for very long.

Peter Brathwaite: Rediscovering Black Portraiture, Bristol Museum, April 14-July 16

Opening to coincide with the anniversary of the Barbados insurrection of April 14, 1816, Peter Brathwaite brings his illuminating practice of Rediscovering Black Portraiture to the collections of Bristol Museum and to the history of Georgian House Museum.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjK5SVeDWSV/?hl=en

Next Level, Bristol Beacon, April – dates tbc

Co-produced by Big Team and Bristol Beacon, Next Level partners with some of Bristol’s biggest names in music – Love Saves The Day, Pirate Studios, Crack Magazine and SWU FM. The event offers Bristol singers, rappers or MCs aged 18 to 25 the chance to take their career to the next level, with a week-long mentorship programme from already established artists – culminating in a showcase performance at Bristol Beacon.

Lyra Festival 2023, multiple venues, April 21-30

Bristol’s annual poetry festival returns in the spring, with a rich and varied programme of slam performances, workshops, talks and readings from a glut of poets from the local scene and plenty of special guests – including Hollie McNish at St George’s on April 29, and John Agard on April 30, the 60th anniversary of the Bristol Bus Boycott.

Boiler Room Bristol: Open Air, venue tbc, April 29

Following successful takeover events at Propyard in 2022, Boiler Room is returning for their biggest ever event in Bristol, at an as-yet-undisclosed location. The lineup may not been published, but tickets are already on their final release.

Shonen Knife, The Exchange, April 29

The 40th anniversary tour of the kitsch all-female Japanese rockers comes to the Exchange on a big weekend for live music in Bristol.

Astral Festival VIII, Strange Brew, April 29-30

See you down the front, as Bristol’s heavy psychedelic/hard rock festival weekender returns for an eighth time. Presented by Stolen Body Records, there are two stages of bands from all over the world over the two days, as well as food available and a few extra surprises along the way.

Spike Island Open Studios, April 28-30

The annual chance to explore over 70 artists’ studios as well as the labyrinthine passageways of Spike Island never disappoints. The range of practitioners is hugely diverse and inspiring, from animators and filmmakers to writers, designers, sculptors and fine artists.

IMPERMANENCE presents: VENUS, Bristol Old Vic, May 3 & 4

VENUS is a quadruple bill of new work by Bristol based dance company IMPERMANENCE. Featuring collaborations with the London Symphony Orchestra and author George Monbiot amongst others, it is an eclectic, politically charged collection of entertaining and arresting pieces, performed by some of the most exciting dancers working in the UK.

Richard Dawson, St George’s, May 4

The astonishing Northumbrian singer/songwriter tours his latest album, The Ruby Cord. Touching on psych-folk, prog, traditional folk and even blues, Dawson’s genre-defying blend of styles makes for an electrifying live act.

Invisible Circus presents: Weekends of Wonder!, Broadmead, May 13-June 4

A street theatre festival from the Invisible Circus spanning four weekends, incorporating vibrant circus and theatrical ‘Covent Garden style’ performances in circle shows and interactive walkabout acts, along with a treasure trail of window installations. Themes centre on connection, creativity, playfulness, sustainability and inclusivity. All performances are free and open to all ages.

Tim Key: Mulberry, Tobacco Factory Theatres, May 13-16

After selling out the theatre in September 2022, Tobacco Factory Theatres have added four more dates for Key’s lockdown-inspired “ruminations about the great indoors”. Expect “a bit of stamping around. Velour tracksuit, continental lager, some ‘poetry’”.

Dot to Dot, multiple city centre venues, May 27

Dot to Dot has been known to bring hottest new emerging artists to city centre venues and they have announced acts for 2023 will include Yard Act, ALVVAYS, Finn Foxell and many more.

Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court, May 27-28

The South West’s biggest day festival continues the adventure at its luscious new home of Ashton Court, having made the move across the city in 2022. Featuring ten spectacular stage builds paired with some of the best national and local artists from across a wide range of sounds, keep an eye out for the lineup dropping early in the new year.

Festival of Nature, venues across Bristol and Bath, June 9-18

Organised by the Natural History Consortium, the Festival of Nature is the largest free festival of its kind, and features a packed programme of digital and in-person events across the region. 2023 will mark the 20th anniversary of the festival.

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AfroFest Bristol Music Festival + Fashion Exhibition 2023, Trinity, June 10

One day outdoor summer festival showcasing the best of African culture through fashion, dance, art and music. Also featuring activities for children with under-5s going free.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CiGDe9kOtex/?hl=en

Asmaa Jama with Gouled Ahmed: Except this time nothing comes back from the ashes, Spike Island, June 10-September 10

A new film commission by Bristol-based Somali artist and poet Asmaa Jama, developed in collaboration with artist and costume designer Gouled Ahmed. Shot in Addis Ababa, the film follows ghostly, glitchy presences haunting a city. Inspired by African photography studios, the work explores self-portraiture, archive and memory to consider who is excluded from institutionalised national narratives.

Bristol Sounds, Lloyds Amphitheatre, June 21-25

The popular summer series returns, with the first wave of headliners already announced, including Jacob Collier, James, and the Levellers. Goldie Lookin Chain, Black Grape and Emily Breeze are also confirmed, with plenty more to come.

Bristol Pride Day, The Downs, July 8

Following a spectacular festival in 2022 which saw 40,000 people attending Pride Day on the Downs and 20,000 joining the Pride March, plans for 2023 are already shaping up. Wristbands for 2023 are available now, with information to follow on what is in store over the packed two-week programme of events leading up to Pride Day itself.

UnicornFest, multiple locations across Bristol, July-September

As part of Bristol 650 events, UnicornFest will be a public art trail of unicorn sculptures, painted by Bristol artists and on display at famous landmarks. The trail will bring local artists, schools, communities and businesses together as the colourful, fun unicorns will be located at locations across the city.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CjQxgULMTtb/

 

Bristol Harbour Festival, July 15-16

A jam-packed weekend of free entertainment for Bristol, featurng circus, dance, family fun, music, food and drink and naturally, nautical excitement all around the buzzing harbour. From the SS Great Britain to Underfall Yard, Queen Square to Millennium Square, and Lloyds Amphitheatre to the Cascade Steps, there promises to be something for everyone to enjoy.

Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake, August 3-6

The best-tasting music festival will take place on the first weekend of August, and the first wave of acts has already been announced. Expect hedge-to-hedge Somerset sparkle and plenty of nonsense with a spectacular soundtrack. The Saturday headliner will be The Kooks. Josh Eggleton will be at the helm of the food programme, with Peter Sanchez-Iglesias behind the Friday feast.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court, August 13-16

Europe’s biggest ballooning event is back, with morning and afternoon ascents, daytime music, activities, talks and performances for all the family, and evening nightglows.

The Ocean at the End of the Lane, Bristol Hippodrome, August 15-19

From the imagination of Neil Gaiman, best-selling author of Coraline, Good Omens and The Sandman (now a major Netflix series), comes the National Theatre’s major new stage adaptation of The Ocean at the End of the Lane. This five-star spectacular from the producers of War Horse and The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time is a thrilling adventure of fantasy, myth and friendship, taking audiences on an epic journey to a childhood once forgotten and the darkness that lurks at the very edge of it.

Jamaica Street Studios – Open Studios, Stokes Croft, autumn 2023

Join the artists at the beautiful Jamaica Street Studios for their annual Open Studios weekend (dates TBC). Take a peek around over 30 artist’s studios, with a huge range of practices. Visitors can also expect the welcome return of the famous art auction and opening night party.

Bristol Beacon reopening, date tbc

Arguably the biggest event in Bristol’s cultural calendar for 2023 will be the reopening of the city’s biggest venue and cultural institution, the Bristol Beacon, which has undergone a £48.8m transformation. Complete with a state-of-the-art main modernised auditorium, a new restaurant and an additional venue in the cellars beneath the building, this promises to be a return to glory with major artists now able to return to the city outside of the festival season.

Encounters Film Festival, September 2023

The UK’s leading short film, animation and VR festival showcases international competition shorts from new and emerging talent, and is a gateway for filmmakers to the world’s most prestigious awards: the BAFTAs, the European Film Awards and the Academy Awards.

FORWARDS Festival, Downs, September 2023

FORWARDS was a new addition to Bristol’s already packed events calendar in 2022, bringing the biggest names in international music to Bristol Downs in September, blending a cutting edge lineup with a platform for social purpose and timely debate. Sunday headliners the Chemical Brothers saw FORWARDS’ debut edition out in spectacular style – bringing their world-renowned live show to Bristol for the first time in over 20 years. 2023’s offering promises to be equally as impressive.

Bristol Open Doors, multiple venues, September 15-17

Produced by the charity Design West, Bristol Open Doors is a rare chance to explore the undiscovered gems on your doorstep. For 2023, participating venues confirmed so far include The Mount Without, Glenside Hospital Museum, LV 55 John Sebastian Light Ship, Redcliffe Caves and Queer Bristol: an audio tour.

Tokyo World, Eastville Park, September 16 & 17

The last Bristol festival of the season will be back in 2023 to round off the summer with an enviable lineup of DJs, celebrating the best in urban and dance music across seven different stages.

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Main photo: Matt Whiteley

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