
Things To Do / Sponsored
23 things to do in Bristol this week, January 27-February 2 2025
Monday: Soul Asylum, The Fleece
Soul Asylum formed in 1981 in Minneapolis, whose 1993 hit Runaway Train won the Grammy Award for Best Rock Song.
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Monday-Thursday: The Brutalist, Watershed
Director Brady Corbet’s (Vox Lux, The Childhood of a Leader) monumental drama is an ambitious American epic starring Adrien Brody as a Jewish Hungarian architect who flees Europe at the end of World War II to rebuild his life in an unfamiliar land. Until Thu 30 Jan.

The Brutalist – photo: Watershed
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Monday-Thursday: Architection, Watershed
The latest from master documentarian Victor Kossakovsky (Gunda, Aquarela), Architecton is an epic, intimate, and poetic meditation on architecture and how the design and construction of buildings from the ancient past reveal our destruction — and offer hope for survival and a way forward. Until Thu 30 Jan.

Architecton – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: The Power of Imagination, Wake The Tiger
Wake The Tiger co-founder and Graham MacVoy shares the story of its inspiring journey, and how he and his team created another world.
Tuesday: Papa’s, The Lock Up
Join Papa’s at The Lock Up for six courses of Mexican food.
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Wednesday: The Magic Numbers, Thekla
Comprised of two pairs of siblings (Romeo and Michele Stodart, and Sean and Angela Gannon), the Magic Numbers are known for their unique harmonies, melodic hooks, songwriting craftsmanship and timeless sound.
Wednesday: Dirigo: 11th International Student Film Festival, Arnolfini
Directed and produced by BA Film & Media Arts Production students from University Centre Weston, Dirigo aims to inspire and showcase the creativity of student filmmakers worldwide.
Thursday: Cold Gawd, Rough Trade
Two of the best in the current wave of American shoegaze, Cold Gawd and Soft Blue Shimmer have joined forces for an expansive co-headline tour.
Thursday: Quiz Night, The Orchard
Join the Orchard for their weekly quiz night, hosted by The Big Fat Quiz and with entry costing only £2.
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Thursday: London Philharmonic Orchestra, Bristol Beacon
It’s a gripping showcase for the London Philharmonic Orchestra’s Principal Guest Conductor, Karina Canellakis, who opens the concert with Sibelius’s tale from the forests of Finnish legend before joining much-loved British pianist Benjamin Grosvenor. Together, they unlock the majesty and beauty of Mozart’s 21st Piano Concerto.

London Philharmonic Orchestra – photo: Bristol Beacon
Friday: Farfetched Fridays, SWX
Farfetched is Bristol’s longest-running student night. You can expect lots of competitions, prizes, balloon drops and giveaways.
Friday-February 9: Bristol Light Festival, various venues
Bristol Light Festival returns with ten installations brightening up Bristol at a traditionally dark time of the year as well as a number of fringe events happening across the city centre.
Saturday: The Emo Fest, Marble Factory
The greatest tribute night to the music that was never just a phase. Put on your eyeliner, lace up your high-tops and get ready to rock.
Saturday: Oden & Fatzo, The Prospect Building
TRICK heads to The Prospect Building for the first time, alongside a lineup of label affiliates such as Denis Sulta, Oden & Fatzo and Raphi, as well as head honcho Patrick Topping.
Sunday: Ignacio Lopez, Hen & Chicken
Ignacio Lopez, is on a mission to destroy himself and build a better version: leaner, smarter and funnier. Join the star of Live At The Apollo, Have I Got News For You, Comedy Central, QI, House of Games and more for an exploration of vices, intrusive thoughts and self-improvement.
And coming soon…
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February 4: Sam Greenfield, Bristol Beacon
Multi-instrumentalist Sam Greenfield blends the sophistication of jazz with the lively spirit of pop and funk to create a sound that is uniquely his own. Irresistible melodies fuse with his vibrant energy and infectious personality to produce an exciting and dynamic live show.

Sam Greenfield – photo: Bristol Beacon
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February 8: A fun and transformative workshop, Gus Hoyt
You’ll dive into the Three Pillars of The WHM: Breath, Cold, and Mindset, as well as discovering the scientific basis and how to implement them into your daily life. Gus is also a Functional Breathwork Coach and a Conscious Breathwork guide and incorporates this to his workshops.

Fundamental workshop – photo: Gus Hoyt
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February 14: ABBA By Candlelight, St George’s
This Valentine’s Day, let the romance of ABBA’s unforgettable tunes set your heart dancing – because love deserves dramatic violins and epic crescendos! In a one-of-a-kind orchestral concert blending ABBA’s iconic pop sound with lush symphonic arrangements, expect hits that’ll have you crying into your champagne one moment and dancing in the aisles the next. The perfect soundtrack to your Valentine’s night!

ABBA by Candlelight – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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February 15: The Big Chris Barber Band, Redgrave Theatre
Returning to the Redgrave once again this programme features Barber classics such as Petite Fleur, Bourbon Street Parade and When The Saints Go Marching In. Plus a journey through many of the other genres that the band has explored over the years.

The Big Chris Barber Band – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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February 16: Redgrave Theatre Showcase
Join us for a vibrant evening of live music and spoken word performances at the Redgrave Theatre Showcase. This exciting new event will feature 4 talented musicians and 4 spoken word artists from the local community, offering a platform for fresh voices and original creativity.

Redgrave Theatre Showcase
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February 19: Black Foxxes, Strange Brew
Grunge alt rockers Black Foxxes (and very special guests Lila Tristram and Runners Up) will be playing Strange Brew on February 19th. Tickets are going quickly, book today!

Black Foxxes – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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February 20: Turns, Loops & Glances, Bristol Ensemble
Experience three captivating works for string quartet performed by the Bristol Ensemble at Bristol’s Arnolfini. Featuring Hannah Kendall’s evocative’*Glances/I Don’t Belong Here’, Errollyn Wallen’s powerful ‘Romeo Turn’, and John Adams’ mesmerising ‘Shaker Loops’, this 60-minute performance explores themes of identity, place, and connection through vibrant, contemporary compositions.

Turns, Loops & Glances – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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February 24: Four Year Strong, SWX
Pop-punk powerhouses Four Year Strong (with very special guests Bearings and Youth Fountain) will be taking the stage at Strange Brew on March 15th. Tickets are selling fast—grab yours now!

Four Year Strong – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Main photo: PYTCH
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