21 things to do in Bristol this week, July 25-31 2022

SPONSORED
Roxy Lanes now taking bookings
Roxy Lanes – which opened in May – boasts a huge variety of games, and massive rock and indie tunes. Including ten pin bowling, duck pin bowling, American pool, batting cages, ice-free curling, shuffleboard, beer pong, basketball and private karaoke rooms. The new location on Union Street also shows live sports.

The latest addition to Bristol’s night time entertainment scene is now open for bookings – photo: Roxy Lanes

Monday: Bristol Hitch-Hiking Masterclass (South West), Shell Garage, Easton Gordano Services
Ever wanted to just up and leave the city for a while, travelling as far South West as possible, without paying a penny? Learn the safe, smart way to hitch-hike across the South West of England this week, and get yourself out there.

The workshop talks you through the safest and most efficient way of travelling South West in other people’s cars – Photo: Headfirst

SPONSORED
Until September 11: Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781-2022, RWA
The RWA’s summer exhibition, Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022, examines how attitudes towards the landscape have evolved and how artists’ approaches have changed over time; from the pastoral idylls of the 18th century, through to present-day confrontations of the climate emergency. The free family space, Spicer+Cole cafe, shop and Kenny Gallery are free entry, with tickets to the main exhibition £8.90 / £4.45 concessions, or free for under 21s, students, RWA Friends and Art Pass Holders.

The exhibition explores our relationship with the natural world – Photo: Martin Edwards

Monday: Cooking and Garden Crafts, Redcatch Community Garden
In collaboration with local food charity Square Food Foundation, Redcatch Community Garden are hosting a series of lunchtime sessions throughout the summer holidays, where you’ll be cooking delicious, natural lunches using food grown in the garden, followed by a garden crafts session.

The workshop is designed for families on summer holidays – Photo: Redcatch Community Garden

Tuesday: Folk Singing Workshop, The Jam Jar
There’s certainly something impressive about a group of people singing harmonic songs with multiple layers. This Tuesday, come and celebrate Georgian/Eastern European songs at The Jam Jar, as they will be teaching you traditional songs that are both emotive and fun to sing along to.

The session is aimed at “anyone who can carry a tune” – Photo: The Jam Jar

Wednesday: Hip Hop Improv: Freestyle Lab, Bristol Improv Theatre
Hosted by New York-based improv rapper RJ Williams, this workshop will guide you through the key principles in improv rap, also known as freestyling. It’ll teach you how to find your own unique flow and style, and how your personality and experiences can bring something truly unique to your performance.

RJ has over ten years of improvisational hip-hop experience – Photo: Bristol Improv Theatre

Wednesday: In Conversation with Dark Cloud, Bookhaus
Dark Cloud is believed to be the only person of First Nation heritage living in Bristol. The poet can often be seen wandering the streets of Stokes Croft or perched thoughtfully in the windows of Café Kino. His story is incredible, heartbreaking and hopeful, and is not one to be missed. This week at Bookhaus, he’s being given the opportunity to tell that story. You can also hear him speak on our Behind The Headlines podcast from last year.

After being taken from Canada at two years old, Dark Cloud has had an incredibly emotional journey – Photo: Martin Booth

SPONSORED
Thursday: Martha Wainwright, Redgrave Theatre
Martha Wainwright’s song-writing has always carried a raw depth and uncompromising defiance. Whilst this essence to her artistry is still omnipresent on her fifth record, Love Will Be Reborn, the album also sees her delve into new reflections and perspectives. Like much of her work, the acclaimed musician and songwriter wrote the tracks on Love Will Be Reborn from places of pain and a need for catharsis. On these songs, however, Wainwright finds a renewed joy through the hardship and conveys this with her poignant lyricism and buoyant melodies.

Thursday: Summer Workshops for Kids, Square Food Foundation
Another one from Square Food Foundation, as they host their own summer workshops, this time solely for the little ones. You’ll cook a delicious lunch, and then do some gardening in their beautiful garden space.

The workshops will teach children the basics of fun, tasty, healthy food preparation – Photo: Bristol Design

SPONSORED
Friday: St. Paul & The Broken Bones, O2 Academy
Alabama eight-piece St Paul & The Broken Bones pack a soulful punch with their sound. Blending gospel, R&B, rock’n’roll, funk and psychedelia, the band’s latest release The Alien Coast reflects the times with its narratives. Yet whilst frontman Paul Janeway’s lyrics meditate on dystopian realities and the record offers a pensive fever dream, the group still captures a psychedelic radiance in the music. And throughout it all, as on previous records, there is an intuitive collaborative musicianship which harnesses a captivating power.

Friday: Rocky Horror: Immersive Cinema Experience, Cloak & Dagger
In an entirely unique way to watch the classic musical, the Cloak & Dagger are screening the Rocky Horror Picture Show, combined with drag performances of some of the best songs from the flick, and a whole host of other surprises.

SPONSORED
Friday: Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday, Redgrave Theatre
Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. Let’s just hope the weather holds out…

Friday: Idle Hands w/ Henzo, Fliss Mayo & Chris Farrell, The Love Inn
Bristol electronic music staple Idle Hands continues their run of parties at the decorated Love Inn, this time bringing along Manchester-based Henzo on headline duties, with rising Bristol star Fliss Mayo manning the support duties.

SPONSORED
Opens Friday: Fire of Love, Watershed
A vivid and heart-wrenching documentary from director Sara Dosa about adventure, love and enough close-ups on erupting volcanoes to leave you slack-jawed, terrified, and awe-inspired.

SPONSORED
Friday – August 28: Studio Ghibli Summer, Watershed
Fresh for the summer holidays, Watershed will be screening a collection of Japanese animation giant Studio Ghibli masterpieces, specially selected to delight and entertain the whole family.

Friday-Saturday: Siren Bristol, Lloyds Amphitheatre
In another weekend of partying at the amphitheatre, Siren is a new two-day day festival boasting a top musical selection. Friday is headed by a live set from Groove Armada, celebrating their 25th anniversary. Saturday sees the stage being taken over by drum and bass label Hospitality Records, bringing the finest in modern drum and bass.

SPONSORED
Saturday: Milkshake Live!, Redgrave Theatre
Milkshake! Monkey is back and can’t wait to put on a spectacular NEW show for you all, joined by some of his favourite Milkshake! friends plus two Milkshake presenters creating the most dazzling show you have ever seen!

Sunday: ALOK, Bristol Old Vic
Internationally acclaimed non-gender conforming performance artist ALOK comes to the Old Vic this weekend, delivering one of their emotive performances that cover a range of topics. They will be supported by fellow artist Travis Alabanza.

Sunday: Tabletop Sunday, Beard and Sabre
Central Bristol cider mill Beard and Sabre are hosting their weekly tabletop games session, where punters are free to stay for as long as they like, play some games, meet some new people and sample some of the finest cider the city has to offer.

Beard and Sabre are one of the latest additions to Bristol’s independent Cider Mill community – Photo: Beard and Sabre

And coming soon…

SPONSORED
August 11: MC Yallah & Debmaster, Trinity Centre
MC Yallah is a Kenyan artist based in Uganda, and an affiliate of the big Nyege Nyege crew. Her fierce and intense lyrics are drawn from real-life experiences and often address women’s issues, spreading a powerful message of integrity and self-determination. Plus support from Grove.

SPONSORED
August 18: After Hours, RWA
Join the RWA this August for their next After-Hours event! A great opportunity to see and enjoy the newly-transformed RWA, soak up the atmosphere outside on the remodelled forecourt, and immerse yourself in the galleries exploring the summer exhibition ‘Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022’ after hours.

The After Hours series runs alongside main exhibitions at RWA – Photo: Lisa Whiting

SPONSORED
September 11: Les Filles de Illighadad, Trinity Centre
Les Filles de Illighadad are revolutionaries reclaiming Tende music and bringing their ancient village folk music into the modern era with mesmerising guitar patterns, and rhythmic percussion. They draw from two distinct styles, ancient village choral chants and desert guitar, the result is a hypnotic and soul-stirring sound that resonates far outside of their village into the hearts of others.

Main photo: Bristol Design

Read more: Tessa Bunney’s new photography exhibition documents Somerset cider makers

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: