Things To Do / Sponsored
21 things to do in Bristol this week, September 9-15 2024
Monday: Buffy Revamped, Tobacco Factory Theatres
This fast-paced award-winning show brings you the entire 144 episodes of Buffy the Vampire Slayer as told through the eyes of Spike.
Monday: Yotam Ottolenghi, Bristol Beacon
Spend a delicious evening with chef and restaurateur Yotam Ottolenghi, celebrating the release of his new cookbook, Comfort.
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Monday-Thursday: Starve Acre, Watershed
Matt Smith (Doctor Who) and Morfydd Clark (Saint Maud) star in this stylish adaptation of Andrew Michael Hurley’s folk horror novel. This is director Daniel Kokotajlo’s anticipated follow up to his BAFTA nominated debut Apostasy, which premiered last year at the BFI London Film Festival.

Starve Acre – photo: Watershed
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Monday: 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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Monday-Thursday: Kneecap, 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.

Kneecap – photo: Watershed
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Wednesday: William Tyler, Bristol Beacon
Tennessee-born guitarist, songwriter and producer William Tyler began his career in the early 2000s touring with acts such as Lambchop and Silver Jews before breaking away to focus on his unique brand of instrumental guitar music, often dubbed ‘cosmic country’. Having established his reputation as a versatile and supremely inventive guitar ace, he then launched a solo career that focused on instrumental, often experimental compositions that pulled from a variety of styles, from sparse American Primitive to pastoral country-driven rock and folk, with albums such as acoustic-driven Behold the Spirit (2010) and the expansive full-band effort, Modern Country (2016) receiving widespread critical acclaim.

William Tyler – photo: Bristol Beacon
Wednesday: Candice Brathwate, St George’s
The bestselling author, advocate, journalist and TV presenter promises to share her revolutionary and inclusive approach to manifesting.
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Wednesday: Shane Todd – Full House, Redgrave Theatre
Shane Todd is about to hit the road with his biggest ever tour. The host of Tea With Me podcast is fresh off the back of a world tour and a record breaking run of 16 shows at Belfast’s Grand Opera House. Northern Ireland’s (self titled) price of comedy is returning with a brand new laughter packed show.

Shane Todd – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Thursday: Grandmaster Flash, Lakota
“The legendary architect of hip-hop doesn’t just perform; he orchestrates an immersive, educational, dance-driven journey through the evolution of sound and culture”, with this audio-visual show promising to be “packed full to the brim of classic anthems, boogie hallmarks and cultural turning points”.
Thursday-Sunday: Led By Donkeys, 17 Midland Road
The first ever exhibition of the work of Led By Donkeys is taking place in Bristol to coincide with the publication of Led By Donkey’s new book, Adventures in Art: Activism & Accountability.
Friday: Vanessa Kisuule, The Station
An evening celebrating the release of Vanessa Kisuule’s debut non-fiction book Neverland: The Perils and Pleasures of Fandom, which begins with the former Bristol city poet’s childhood obsession with Michael Jackson and goes on to span themes such as family, money, magic, sex, queerness and questionable haircuts.

Former Bristol city poet Vanessa Kisuule has written her first non-fiction book – photo: Gloucester Road Books
Friday-September 18: Umber, Centrespace Gallery
A group show from eight different artists using wood, print, weaving, painting, floristry, textiles and ceramics to show their creative interpretation of a shared love for autumn.

Umber is “bringing autumn to the city” – image: Centrespace Gallery
Saturday: Bristol Coffee Festival, Bristol Beacon
The biggest celebration of speciality coffee in the South West returns to the Bristol Beacon.

Dozens of exhibitors will be attending Bristol Coffee Festival – photo: Ciara Hillyer
Saturday: Community open doors event, Circomedia
A free family-friendly day with a range of interactive activities including circus sessions, African drumming and dance workshops, as well as tours of St Paul’s Church by the Churches Conservation Trust.

Drop in throughout the day at Circomedia’s St Paul’s Church base on Portland Square in St Paul’s – photo: Circomedia
Saturday & Sunday: South Bristol Arts Trail, various venues
An annual weekend event celebrating creativity in Southville, Bedminster and Ashton.

The Tobacco Factory is just one of the venues taking part in the South Bristol Arts Trail – photo: Martin Booth
Sunday: Notice This Tree, Bearpit & Cube
Notice This Tree’s sixth ‘intervention’ comes to Bristol. The day will feature the noticing of a tree anywhere across the city, a meeting in the Bearpit and a connection at the Cube followed by time for reflection.

Notice This Tree’s sixth ‘intervention’ is taking place in Bristol on Sunday
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Sunday: Ocean Alley, Bristol Beacon
One of Australia’s most exciting musical exports, indie rock six-piece Ocean Alley has taken the world by storm with their dynamic live performances, infectious melodies and faultless musicianship. Operating as a proudly independent band, across four critically acclaimed albums, Ocean Alley have never wavered in their dedication to their craft, always grounded by a genuine passion for the creative exploration of music. Following the release of their latest album Low Altitude Living, the group’s plans to return to UK soil in September 2024 comes as their 6x platinum hit ‘Confidence’ continues to enjoy viral success. Joining them on tour will be fellow Aussie surf rock outfit Hockey Dad.

Ocean Alley – photo: Bristol Beacon
And coming soon…
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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!

Sustainable exhibition – photo: Future Leap
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September 27: FUTURES: Up Late at S.S. Great Britain
Part of FUTURES 2024, a FREE festival of discovery this Autumn. Discover interactive exhibits and hands-on activities showcasing cutting-edge University of Bristol research. Explore the historic ship and enjoy talks, demos, and more. Perfect for all ages!

University of Bristol, Futures – photo: SS Great Britain September 2023
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October 5: The Home of Halloween, Wookey Hole
Wookey Hole’s 2024 Halloween festivities run weekends from 5th October, and daily from 26th October to 3rd November. Enjoy spooky shows, the Giant Pumpkin Trail, Spooky Golf, and a Halloween-themed 4D movie. The Wookey Witch, fancy dress contests and over 600 pumpkins await! Book online.

The Home of Halloween – phtot: Wookey Hole
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October 13: Second Life Markets, The Prospect Building
Sustainable and lovable – The Prospect Building is excited to welcome Second Life Markets to Bristol for their first-ever event! Highlighting local sellers looking to pass on their pre-loved fashion. Whether you’re after vintage, pre-loved or up-cycled pieces, you’ll find a one-of-a-kind item that you won’t ever want to part with.

Second Life Markets – photo: The Prospect Building
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November 2: RUN presents Let It Roll, The Prospect Building
One of the world’s biggest DnB brands is coming to Bristol! RUN Presents Let it Roll is heading to The Prospect Building on 2 November, bringing with it a stacked line-up, including underground icon Andy C, to soundtrack an out-of-this-world audio & visual experience! Tickets on sale now.

Run presents Let it Roll – photo: The Prospect Building
Main photo: Ciara Hillyer
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