Entertainment / best of 2024
Bristol’s best cultural events of 2024
2024 has been another memorable year across Bristol’s thriving cultural landscape.
From one-off events to annual parties; and the spark of new discoveries, there has been something to suit all creative tastes.
Bristol24/7 writers pick out some of their highlights of the last 12 months.
is needed now More than ever
Julia Masli: Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha Ha, The Wardrobe Theatre (January)
Julia Masli, ha ha ha ha ha ha ha – photo: Kit Oates
The joyful experience of watching Julia Masli’s gentle and warm-hearted clown at work was undoubtedly the most unifying experience I have felt as an audience member all year. Underpinning it all was a beautiful and electrifying simplicity: asking individuals to name their problems, and attempting to solve them as a group. Inspiring, life-affirming, unmissable stuff.
Sarski Anderson
The Sleeping Beauty, Bristol Hippodrome (April)
The Sleeping Beauty, Birmingham Royal Ballet – photo: Tristram Kenton
This was my first ballet and completely out of my comfort zone, but an incredible visual feast that just proves you should push yourself to try something different. Make 2025 the year you will try something new.
Paul Wright
Apartment House at Bristol New Music Festival, St George’s (April)
Bristol New Music Festival 2024 – Apartment House – photo: Tony Benjamin
Amongst Bristol New Music Festival 2024’s array of interesting new discoveries, Apartment House’s reclamation of Nico’s album The Marble Index especially captivated me. Francesca Fargion’s folk-classical vocals and the string ensemble’s interpretation of John Cale’s electro-acoustic score transformed the bleak original while catching its essence perfectly. I may have been the only audience member who’d actually bought the album back in 1968 but I was far from the only one to be enraptured on the night.
Tony Benjamin
Dot to Dot Festival, multi-venue (May)
So much music jampacked into 12 hours, with bands spilling out of the city’s best venues big and small, the festival was a brilliant opportunity to see big names, support exciting emerging local acts, and everything in between. An exhausting but exhilarating day.
Ursula Billington
Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court (May)
Love Saves The Day – photo: Mike Massaro
Despite muddy conditions, Love Saves the Day delivered a weekend of unforgettable energy. Held in the vast grounds of Ashton Court, the festival showcased an eclectic lineup – electronic beats, drum and bass, alternative rap, with artists ranging from Camelphat to The Streets. With its immersive stages and unbeatable atmosphere, Love Saves The Day was worth battling the elements for!
Meg Davies
A Child of Science, Bristol Old Vic (June)
A Child of Science – photo: Bristol Old Vic
A remarkable play spanning 20 years of scientific resolve and immense personal bravery. Every aspect was on point to capture this deeply human story, from stage design and direction to performances across the board.
Samuel Fletcher
Bristol Sounds Rock and Metal Day, Bristol Amphitheatre (June)
Skindred at Bristol Sounds, 2024 – photo: Darren Clarke
Since I can’t choose the ArcTanGent festival every year, my nomination is this unexpected day of rock joy. Metalheads are used to being overlooked by the organisers of events here and on the Downs, but Bristol Sounds took the plunge and were rewarded with this hugely successful big day out for the city’s rock community, with a magnificent headline set by Skindred. Let’s hope they do it again in 2025.
Robin Askew
Wonder Boy, Bristol Old Vic (September)
The triumphant return of the Sally Cookson-directed Wonder Boy by Ross Willis at Bristol Old Vic was heart-warning, audaciously inventive, and funny. It follows Sonny, a 12-year-old grappling with a speech impediment within a struggling school system. With brilliant performances, giddily enjoyable visuals and a profane script, this was unforgettable tale of adolescence.
Paul Gainey
My Mother’s Funeral: The Show, Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic (September)
This show, coming directly from the Edinburgh Fringe, captured what good small-scale theatre is all about. A sparse but interesting set, superb performances (notably from Nicole Sawyer) about a tricky subject and executed in a way that transcends the crude stereotypes around class and race. Authentic working-class voices defy the tired tropes often imposed by the media. A terrific piece of writing by Kelly Jones with a fabulous cast and my definite pick of the year. More please!
Bryan J Mason
BBC Young Musician 2024, Bristol Beacon (September)
Ryan Wang – photo: Betsan Evans
For the first time in its 46-year history, Bristol hosted the prestigious event where two pianists were featured in the final, and they chose the same composition. But the night belonged to Ryan Wang from Canada who dazzled the audience with his electrifying rendition of Rachmaninov’s Piano Concerto No. 2.
Milan Perera
Metalheadz 30th anniversary mural, Eastville (October)
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Just a stone’s throw from Ikea, Goldie brought together artists from across the world to paint a huge mural to celebrate three decades of his drum’n’bass label. It wasn’t just one of the best walls ever seen in Bristol; it was one of the best walls ever painted. An extraordinary collaborative effort that will be remembered for a long time.
Martin Booth
BLOC present: Me and my Girl, Bristol Hippodrome (October)
Me and My Girl – artwork: BLOC Productions
Me and My Girl is a classic musical for a reason, with hits including The Lambeth Walk, The Sun Has Got His Hat On, Leaning On A Lamp-Post and many more. The original West End tour was in 1937, so it was a privilege to see this story brought to life by BLOC Productions. BLOC is a charity that provides opportunities for talented amateur performers, with a commitment to equality, diversity and inclusion. Not only was this a fabulous show, but it supports the performing arts in Bristol.
Isobel Higley
KNEECAP, SWX (November)
After seeing their movie at The Cube in early October, I knew immediately that I had to see them live. Rapping away in Gaeilge, they were exactly as I had imagined: raucous, fun and spitting lyrics with explosive energy.
Hannah Massoudi
Sing The Body Electric, Undershed (November)
Sing The Body Electric, Undershed – artwork: Tony Stiles
I particularly enjoyed Undershed’s first display. It was mind-blowing to see the invisible power of art. It was a beautiful experience that I will never forget.
Karen Johnson
Bristol 100 years in music and film, Bristol Beacon (December)
Bristol 100 Years in Music and Film – artwork: Bristol Beacon
This was an innovative collaboration between filmmakers David Parker and Bob Pitt, Bristol Youth Orchestra and Bristol Archives. Clips from 65 historic local films held at Bristol Archives were set to music played live by Bristol Youth Orchestra, including the stunning new work Bristol Spirit by Sandie Middleton. A really beautiful and at times moving portrait and tribute to our city and its people.
Mary Milton
CLOSING PARTY, Cloak (December)
Closing Party – artwork: Cloak
A bittersweet goodbye that showcased everything that made Cloak so special. Eclectic, trans-led drag performances, diverse, queer DJs, lots of hugs, some tears, and a powerful display of support from Bristol’s LGBT+ community. Plus speeches giving a strong reminder that our venues need us now more than ever; let’s not lose anymore!
Andy Leake
Main photo: Rebecca Need-Menear (artwork for My Mother’s Funeral: The Show)
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