Things To Do / Sponsored
23 things to do in Bristol this week, July 29-August 5 2024
Monday: Lumosphere, Cabot Circus
A 45-minute multi-sensory experience for all ages at the Friary Building that is described as an ‘other-worldly anomaly.’ Includes artworks, lights, music and rooms themed around perspective, journey, connection and discovery.
Monday: Byrd Takes Flight, Clifton Cathedral
Fresh young choral group Corvus Consort present their own takes on the works of Renaissance masters William Byrd and Thomas Tallis, in collaboration with Music on the Edge.
Monday: Den building workshop, Arnos Vale cemetery
Learn how to create a simple den using natural and recycled materials, then test it out for waterproofing! Suitable for 5+ years.

All children must be accompanied by adults, who do not require tickets for the workshop – photo: Arnos Vale
Monday-Saturday: King Arthur, Bristol Old Vic
A retelling of the Arthurian legends that is two hours of inspired silliness and tomfoolery; a laugh out loud show for all ages.
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Until August 11: Disney’s Aladdin, Bristol Hippodrome
From the producers that brought you The Lion King, Beauty and the Beast and Frozen, comes the spectacular Disney Broadway and West End musical Aladdin. Already seen by over 14 million people worldwide, this exuberant production, based on the 1992 animated film, is filled with unforgettable magic, comedy, breathtaking sets and dazzling costumes. It also features new music, alongside all the smash hit songs by Alan Menken, Howard Ashman and Tim Rice, Friend Like Me, A Whole New World, One Jump Ahead, Prince Ali, and Arabian Nights.

Aladdin – photo: Bristol Hippodrome
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Monday-August 31: Tartan Titans at Avon Valley / Avon Valley Adventure & Wildlife Park
Get ready for the ultimate summer challenge, Bristol! The UK’s longest inflatable assault course is returning to Avon Valley. With over 50 obstacles to tackle, the Tartan Titan is the perfect day out for adventurous friends and colleagues. Don’t miss out – book your tickets now for an unforgettable experience!

Charity fun – photo: Avon Valley adventure & wildlife park
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Tuesday: Ziggy Alberts, Bristol Beacon
Critically acclaimed Australian singer-songwriter, Ziggy Alberts, will return to the UK in Summer 2024 for his New Love World Tour. With nostalgic melodies and intricate acoustic guitar runs, Alberts’ songwriting is reminiscent of artists Ben Howard, Jack Botts and Nick Mulvey. The announcement of the tour also hints at new music from Alberts, adding to the excitement of fans eager to experience the evolution of his sound. As melodic fan favourite tracks ‘Tattoos’ and ‘Rewind’ continue to circulate the airwaves, Alberts is poised to elevate to new heights this year. Steph Strings, one of Australia’s fastest-growing musicians, supports.

Ziggy Alberts – photo: Bristol Beacon
Tuesday: Bristol Community Big Band and Vic Klewin, The Mount Without
Lindy hop beginners class followed by the big band ensemble delivering super tight swinging classics and some lesser known surprises. Renowned trumpeter Jonny Bruce is joined by the soft velvet of Vic Klewin on vocals.

The mount without photo : Big Band
Wednesday: Numinous Waterfall Yoga, The Langton
A two-hour queer yoga event that takes in a visit to a waterfall and numinous experience with a tree deity.
SPONSORED
Wednesday: Cillian O’Connor – My Magic World, Redgrave Theatre
Cillian O’Connor is bringing his first ever live stage show on tour to the UK and Ireland in 2024! Cillian literally burst onto an unsuspecting world during Britain’s Got Talent in 2023 and immediately captivated the hearts of the entire nation, reaching the top three in the final. His performances online have now been the most watched of the entire series reaching over 500 million views in just a few weeks.

Cillian O’Connor – photo: Redgrave theatre
Thursday: Siren presents Sugababes, Lloyds Amphitheatre
The ‘babes celebrate their triumphant return to the mainstream with a gig at the harbour, supported by Jaguar, Tyler Lewis and Peachin’. Pop Confessional take over the second stage.

The pop trio have been back on a roll since they caused a roadblock at Glastonbury Festival two years ago – photo: Plaster
Friday-Sunday: Madrí Excepcional’s Summer City Tour, Anchor Square
Interactive pop-up murals inviting guests and passersby to celebrate modern day Madrid, with specially-curated playlists, fusion food and plenty of beer flowing.

Photo: MadrÍ Excepcional
Saturday: National Children’s Orchestras of Great Britain, Bristol Beacon
At just 12 and 13 years old, the young musicians of National Children’s Orchestras’ Under 13 Orchestra are some of the UK’s most remarkable young musicians.

The concert will bring together an National Children’s Orchestra with an ensemble of 35 young musicians from Bristol Beacon for a special side-by-side performance, introducing the makeup of a symphony orchestra through the performance of Benjamin Britten’s Young Person’s Guide to the Orchestra – photo: NCO
Saturday: Wild Food foraging walk, Avon Gorge
A guided walk exploring the Downs and Avon Gorge, learning how to identify and foraging wild edible plants, trees & fungi.

Foragers might come across the goats that are helping to restore the wildflower-rich grassland in the gorge – photo: Friends of the Downs and Avon Gorge
Friday-Sunday: OutCider Festival, Fernhill Farm
An ‘old school, no-nonsense’ weekend of live music and revelry fuelled by cider, on a working regenerative farm on Bristol’s outskirts. Artists include the Allergies, Sonic Boom Six, the Dreadnoughts, Funke and the Two Tone Baby, Knife Club and Bridget.
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Friday-Sunday: The Gruffalo, The Witch and The Warthog with Julia Donaldson, Redgrave Theatre
Following a sell out season at the Edinburgh Fringe, Britain’s most popular children’s author presents a show full of magic, music and excitement. Along with four actors, including her guitar playing husband Malcolm, Julia brings six of her stories to life with songs, puppetry, and of course an appearance by the Gruffalo himself.

Julia Donaldson – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Saturday: Hospitality on the Harbour, Lloyds Amphitheatre
A drum and bass summer day party by the water, with a huge lineup topped off by best in the business award-winning DJ Andy C.
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Saturday: Thelma, Watershed
Oscar® nominee June Squibb plays her first lead at 94, in a tender and well-observed story of a grandmother refusing to accept the limitations of age, directed by improv comedy veteran Josh Margolin.

Thelma – photo: Watershed
Sunday: Amnesty Bristol’s 41st Garden Party, Goldney Hall
The main annual fundraiser of the Bristol and Weston-Super-Mare Amnesty groups features a packed lineup of live music, and refreshments available in the Orangery which is exclusively open to the public for the occasion.

Goldney Hall’s Orangery overlooks ten acres of stunning gardens, an ornamental canal and a hidden 18th century underground shell grotto – photo: University of Bristol
Sunday: BS4 Sunday Market, GreenWorks
Summer edition of the free-entry market featuring creatives, cooks and crafters, with Caribbean food and pizzas on offer, as well as prints and zines, handmade jewellery, bespoke furniture and local art.
SPONSORED
Sunday: An evening of Sufi & Qawwali music, Bristol Beacon
Join us for an immersive evening of traditional qawwali in Urdu, Punjabi, and Persian, with music that pays tribute to Sufi legends like Baba Bulleh Shah and Miyaan Muhammad Baksh. After a stunning UK debut in July 2023, Chahat Mahmood Ali Qawwal and his ensemble have graced numerous high-profile events. The group features Sarfaraz Hussain, a virtuoso tabla player and third-generation performer at the shrine of Bulleh Shah in Kasur. Don’t miss this captivating celebration of spiritual and musical heritage.
SPONSORED
Throughout August: Summer at Watershed
We’ve planned a summer of fun throughout August at Watershed, for kids and grown-ups, come rain or shine, night and day – with special offers, competitions, cocktails, creative workshops and plenty more.

Summer at Watershed – photo: Watershed
SPONSORED
Throughout August: Mutt Strut, Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Join Bristol Animal Rescue Centre’s Mutt Strut this August. From August 1 to August 31, walk 100km to support this amazing charity’s life-changing work. Participate virtually from anywhere. Register here, set a fundraising goal of at least £200, and track your progress with apps like Strava. Raise £50 to receive a doggie bandana, and the top fundraiser gets a VIP Rescue Centre tour. For more info, visit our website or email fundraising@bristolarc.org.uk.

Mutt Strut – Bristol Animal Rescue Centre
Main photo: Lumosphere
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