Things To Do / Sponsored
24 things to do in Bristol this week, September 30-October 6 2024
Monday: David Olusoga, St George’s
Following his BBC documentary, Union, the acclaimed historian and television presenter examines why Black history matters as well as looking at the causes of the ‘history wars’ and asking where they might lead us.
David Olusoga was called by the defence to give evidence as part of the Colston 4 trial – photo: Martin Booth
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Monday-Thursday: The Outrun, Watershed
When Amy returns to Orkney after more than a decade, she is drawn back to the Outrun on the sheep farm where she grew up.
The Outrun – photo: Watershed
Monday-Thursday: Festival of Economics, various venues
Asking economists and other experts and practitioners from around the world the key economic questions of our time.
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Monday-Thursday: My Old Ass, Watershed
What would you say to your older self? An 18th birthday mushroom trip brings free-spirited Elliott face-to-face with her wisecracking 39-year-old self.
My Old Ass – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: Neneh Cherry, St George’s
Neneh Cherry, whose music has long been intertwined with Bristol, discusses her new memoir, A Thousand Threads, with author and journalist Jude Rogers.
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Tuesday: Breath led with Lucy, The Mount Without
Join Lucy for an immersion in transformational breathwork, yoga and sound bath in the beautiful candlelit setting of The Mount Without. Breath is a powerful tool we can harness to regulate the nervous system, release stress and tension, and enter a deep state of calm and presence.
Wednesday: Folk Tales, John Sebastien
This evening’s event on the historic lightship moored at Bathurst Basin will feature music from A Different Thread and stories by Darren Hoskins.
Wednesday: Celebrating Guy Bailey, UWE Frenchay campus
Part of the Bristol Distinguished Address Series, this event will celebrate Guy Bailey’s integral role in the Bristol Bus Boycott.
Guy Bailey played a crucial role in the Bristol Bus Boycott – photo: Elaine Robinson
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Wednesday: Life on Our Planet In Concert, Bristol Beacon
From esk film, in association with Netflix and Silverback Films, comes a new natural history immersive concert experience: Netflix’s Life on Our Planet in Concert, presenting the highlights from across the series alongside an incredible live soundtrack. Accompanied by the Welsh National Opera Orchestra playing the score, audiences will see the story of life unfold through its most pivotal moments – from the first single-celled life form to the first animals to move out from the sea and onto land, to the first creatures to take flight.
Life on Our Planet – photo: Bristol Beacon
Thursday: Romy Gill, Boston Tea Party (Gloucester Road)
Romy Gill’s new book, Romy Gill’s India, takes a journey through her ancestral kitchens in the Bengal and Punjab region. At this Gloucester Road Books event, she will be in conversation with Nikesh Shukla, who once sent a tandoori lambchop into space.
Romy Gill previously owned a restaurant in Thornbury – photo: Sam Harris
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Friday: Charity benefit gig, Moor Brewery
Bands! Beer! Bristol talents The New Cut, Plaintiffs and They Entered the Door are getting together to raise money for 1625 Independent People, a local charity supporting young people at risk of homelessness and care leavers across Bristol and the South West. Come early, stay late!
Friday: Alumni double-bill, Circomedia
Two former Circomedia students take to the stage at St Paul’s Church with their latest professional shows. Featuring The Cycle by Liz Fairnell and The Beauty of Being Herd by Ruth Berkoff.
The Beauty of Being Herd is described as “a hilarious, bonkers, heartbreaking tale with original songs, clowning and possibly a rave” – photo: Ruth Berkoff
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Friday: Douglas Dare, Bristol Beacon
Since 2013, London-based artist Douglas Dare has blurred classical, chamber-pop, folk and avant-garde to dazzling effect, with a startling voice that can stop you in your tracks. It’s no surprise therefore, that he’s played with luminaries like Nils Frahm, Perfume Genius and Ólafur Arnalds, and was selected by David Lynch and The Cure’s Robert Smith for their respective cultural festivals in Manchester (MIF) and London (Meltdown). Join us in Lantern Hall as Douglas showcases his fourth album, ‘Omni’, a bold rebirth which embraces ecstasy and euphoria.
Douglas Dare – photo: Bristol Beacon
Saturday: Alice Project, St Dunstan’s House
Supporting gender inclusivity with a “transformative day” of art, music, education, and positive energy.
Saturday & Sunday: Bristol Tattoo Fest autumn edition, Glitch
UK and international tattoo artists will be gathering for the autumn edition of Bristol Tattoo Fest, with walk-ins and pre-bookings available.
Bristol Tattoo Fest is taking place in Glitch on Old Market Street – photo: Glitch
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Sunday: Hermans Hermits – 60th Anniversary UK Tour, Redgrave Theatre
Formed in 1964 in Manchester, England, Herman’s Hermits became a global sensation with hits like “I’m Into Something Good.” With over 80 million records sold, 23 chart hits, and appearances on shows like “The Ed Sullivan Show,” they remain one of the UK’s most successful bands.
Herman’s Hermit – photo: Redgrave Theatre
And coming soon…
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October 7: The Tiger Lillies – Come On Down (The Nihilist Tour), Redgrave Theatre
Grammy-nominated post-punk pioneers The Tiger Lillies explore the absurdity of existence in their darkly humorous shows. Known for blending pre-war Berlin cabaret, anarchic opera, and gypsy music, this Olivier Award-winning trio tour globally with acclaimed performances like Shockheaded Peter and The Ancient Mariner.
The Tiger Lillies – photo: Redgrave Theatre
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October 11 – November 2: FEAR Scream Park, Avon Valley
Get ready for #ABloodyGoodNight this October at the multi-award winning FEAR Scream Park. The event features 5 immersive, ‘scare’ attractions, roaming street theatre, fire & laser shows, thrill rides and Halloween festival vibes. It’s an adrenaline fuelled, laugh along event not to be missed!
FEAR – photo: Giulia Spadafora
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October 15 – November 9: Bristol Cathedral welcomes Gaia with a series of inspirational events
A unique opportunity to join a series of events in celebration of the arrival of Gaia, the stunning art installation, at Bristol Cathedral. Faith, science and art come together in a programme that includes music, talks, stargazing and fashion. Free and paid-for events running between the 15th October – 9th November.
Bristol Cathedral welcomes Gaia
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October 16: The Eagles Greatest Hits – For Orchestra, Bristol Ensemble
The Bristol Ensemble bring you a magical night of The Eagles Greatest Hits, specially arranged for the orchestra, keeping the iconic rock feeling while fully integrated into the symphonic sound. Following sold out performances and five star reviews of Dark Side of the Moon, Tubular Bells and The Beatles, this will be another epic night to remember.
Be Eagles – photo: St George’s Bristol
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October 16: Bristol Photo Festival
Bristol’s international biennial of contemporary photography returns on 16 October. Bringing together leading photographers from across the world, this year’s Festival includes exhibitions, talks and workshops across the city’s main art centres and temporary spaces transformed for the festival.
Photo: Hashem Shakeri
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October 19: Down Stokes Festival
Your new favourite DIY mini-fest returns with a stacked ‘n’ sludgy celebration of psych, garage, grunge & alt rock across Stokes Croft venues: ft. surf doom enchanters The Wytches, gobby post-punk poster boys Saloon Dion, eldritch slacker rock from Wych Elm, + tons more.
Lineup – photo: Down Stokes Festival
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October 19: Steve Reich – Different Trains, Bristol Ensemble
Different Trains was a novel experiment, using recorded speech as a source for melodies taken from interviews with people in the US and Europe about the years leading up to, during, and immediately after World War II. The concert will also feature music from three leading UK female composers; Hannah Kendall, Anna Meredith and Carmen Ho.
Bristol Ensemble Contemporary – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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October 24: A one-off concert in celebration of our Blue Planet
Enjoy a unique evening of music on the 24th October. In the atmospheric surroundings of Bristol Cathedral, with the extraordinary Gaia: Our Home Planet installation as the backdrop, the Bristol Ensemble orchestra will take you on an incredible journey of contemporary and traditional music, all inspired by nature.
A one-off concert in celebration our Blue Planet
Main photo: Michael Leckie
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