Things To Do / Sponsored
29 things to do in Bristol this week, January 13-19 2025
Monday: Morning Class with Ania Varez, Bristol Old Vic
GATHER UP invites different Bristol-based practitioners to lead morning classes to support the continuous training and development of experienced movers and professional dance artists. Ania will share their practice of Flying Low and Passing Through techniques, which have been developed by David Zambrano, so you can expect to move through different paces and to learn some set routines as well as improvised material.

Morning Class with Ania Varez
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Monday-January 23: Kiddi Caru Day Nursery & Preschool Grand Opening Event!
Join us for a fun day of activities at the launch of our beautiful, newly refurbished day nursery baby snug, for children aged 3-24 months (toddler & preschool coming Spring 2025). Join us anytime between 9AM-4PM to see why we are the nursery of choice in Bradley Stoke!
Monday: Mr Wolfs Open Mic, Mr Wolfs
Every week Mr Wolfs opens their doors and stage to welcome all performers and eager ears. Your host, Max Harrison will be kicking things off from 8pm, so arrive early to book your slot. As always with Mr Wolfs, the party never stops, so as the open mic draws to a close, the DJs begin.

Mr Wolfs open mic night
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Monday-Thursday: Maria, Watershed
The new film from Pablo Larrain (Jackie and Spencer) Maria tells the glamorous, moving story of the iconic opera singer, Maria Callas. Screening until at least Thu 16 Jan.

Maria – photo: Pablo Larrai
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Monday-Thursday: Babygirl, Watershed
Nicole Kidman is the high-powered CEO who puts her career and family on the line when she begins a torrid affair with her much younger intern. Screening until at least Thu 16 Jan.

Babygirl – photo: Watershed
Tuesday: John Craigie, Rough Trade
Known for his captivating live performances, John blends a unique brand of earworm folk music interspersed with humorous stories, daring listeners to reflect on the human condition, often with a smile.
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Tuesday: Discover the Future of Green Mobility with BYD Bristol!
We are thrilled to announce that the BYD Bristol South store is now officially open, bringing cutting-edge electric and hybrid vehicles to local drivers. Explore our range of innovative models, including the fully electric BYD Dolphin, BYD Seal, and BYD Atto 3, as well as the versatile hybrid BYD Seal U DM-i. Take the opportunity to experience the power, efficiency, and design of our next-generation vehicles firsthand. Reserve your test drive today by clicking the link above!
is needed now More than ever
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Wednesday: Bucks Quiz, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Our first quiz back in the new year! Join our hostess with the mostess @bucksquizz this and every Wednesday for saxophone based shenanigans, laughs and a cash money prize! Only £1 to enter. Maximum 6 to a team. No need to book, simply arrive and enjoy.

Bucks Quizz – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres
Wednesday: Desperate Journalist, Exchange
Desperate Journalist formed in 2013 in North London. Over a decade and 4 albums later, the post-punk foursome (Jo, Rob, Simon and Caz) have built a growing loyal fanbase around the UK and across Europe. Following on from the success of ‘Maximum Sorrow!’, 2023 saw the band play their biggest shows to date, supporting Suede on their sell out Autofiction tour. The band’s 5th album ‘No Hero’ arrived last September and promises to be both their most ambitious and accessible material to date so dont miss out the chance to see it !

Desperate Journalist – photo: Headfirst
Thursday: Paint + Unwind, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Get creative, relax and unwind with a new painting workshop in the cosy Snug at Tobacco Factory. Join Bristol’s vibrant community and express your creativity as the friendly workshop leader guides you step-by-step through the creation of a winter meadow painting theme, one brushstroke at a time.

Winter Meadow – photo: Lovely Brushly
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Thursday: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra with Valentina Peleggi, Bristol Beacon
A ‘Strings Showcase’ including Vaughan Williams’ spirited tribute to Thomas Tallis, Tchaikovsky’s demanding concerto for the violin virtuoso and Scheherazade, a suite of pictures from The Arabian Nights bound together by a bewitching melody sung by the solo violin.

Orchestral Season – photo: Bristol Beacon
Thursday: Underdog Battle of the Bands, The Thunderbolt
Hole Tripper has evolved from two cupboard-dwelling brothers into a full-on four‐piece English rock band. They have added the fire power of a top-notch bass player and hardcore drummer to go gig like mad men. This Thursday, Hole Tripper enter an unmissable battle of the bands at The Thunderbolt, so prepare for a spectacular event.
Friday: Pink Pony Rave, The Lanes
If you are #HOT TO GO, then come dance at the Pink Pony Rave! Chappell Roan just got a well deserved number 1 album and The Lanes are celebrating by throwing a party to worship Chappell Roan and countless others! The lineup also includes: Charli xcx, The Last Dinner Party, Mitski, Sabrina Carpenter, Reneé Rapp , Olivia Rodrigo and plenty more.

Pink Pony Rave – photo: The Lanes
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Saturday: Cosmic Cello Power, Trinity Henleaze
Join the 12-piece string orchestra of the Bristol Ensemble, led by cello soloist Harriet Wiltshire, for an evening of exceptional music, featuring Tchaikovsky’s ‘Serenade for Strings’, Tavener’s ‘The Protecting Veil’ for solo cello, and Sally Beamish’s vibrant ‘Opus California’. Pre-concert talk begins at 6.45pm. Free glass of wine included.

Cosmic Cello Power – photo: Bristol Ensemble
Saturday: Bristol Bears Women vs Leicester Tigers
Off-the-back of a defeat to the Gloucester-Hartpury Women, the Bristol Bears Women will be facing off against the Leicester Tigers.
This time, the team’s golden girl Ilona Maher is off the benches and will be starting.
While the Bristol Bears will no doubt be looking to bounce back, I’m sure they will also be wanting to beat their record attendance of 9,240 fans in their second game of the Premiership Women’s Rugby.

The team lost 17-40 in their first match of the Premiership
Saturday: Guns 2 Roses, The Fleece
Guns 2 Roses have existed since late 2002 and have become biggest GNR tribute in history with the credentials to prove it! Their ability to emulate classic GNR has even been approved by members of the actual Guns N Roses and is also why G2R are the most famous GNR tribute band in the world having played live with actual members of GNR on multiple occasions.

Guns 2 Roses flyer
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Saturday: Jazz Police Improv Presents: Name Our Show
Jazz Police Improv presents Name Our Show, a fully improvised comedy night inspired entirely by your suggested title. With quick wit and bold creativity, Jazz Police will FINALLY give you something to write home about. Guaranteed to entertain—or your money back!
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Sunday: 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
Sunday: The Weather Station, Rough Trade
Rough Trade Bristol is very excited to present an in-store Q&A and signing from The Weather Station. This unique event celebrates the release of their album ‘Humanhood’ released via Fat Possum.
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Sunday: Sunday Market, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Tobacco Factory’s famously fun and bustling Sunday market is the perfect spot to meet with friends, relax in family, and discover exceptional food, crafts and produce, made and grown in the local area. Dogs welcome, family friendly. After enjoying a wander around the market, why not pop in to enjoy a delicious brunch in Tobacco Factory’s cafe bar, open from 10am. No need to book a space, simply arrive and enjoy.

Tobacco Factory Market
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Sunday: ARQ: Alison Rayner Quintet, Bristol Beacon
Led by bassist and composer Alison Rayner, the multi award-winning quintet are lauded for their love of improvisation and vibrant, communicative performances. Combining richly nuanced compositions, rhythmic interplay and folk-infused melodies, The Alison Rayner Quintent create a strong sense of narrative and a cinematic quality.

Alison Rayner Quintet – photo: Bristol Beacon
Sunday: Northern Soul Sundays, The Crown Tavern
Sunday Soul Sessions run by Bristol Northern Soul Club. Expect lots of fun, dancing, all types of northern soul to dance out the weekend. We play mostly midtempo Soul on Sundays for more chilled vibes, but always classy high quality music at this event. All vinyl DJs, usually guests who are in town for the weekend. This neat little pub as a beautiful wooden floor and a stones throw from the centre of Bristol in BS2.
And coming soon…
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January 27: Soul Asylum, The Fleece
Looking for last minute Christmas present ideas? Soul Asylum are an American alternative rock band, known for their heartfelt lyrics and energetic performances. The band blends rock, punk, and folk influences, and they are coming to Bristol this January. Book tickets now!

Soul Asylum – photo: Crosstown Concerts
January 27: LICE, The Louisiana
Formed in Bristol, LICE are one of experimental rock’s most inventive, ambitious outliers. Newly signed to AD93, their acclaimed second album Third Time At The Beach was released in September. LICE shows are always an event, and this one features support from Blood Wizard, Leeches, The New Cut and Eva Penney Band.

LICE – photo: Dani Bolton
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January 29: Young Knives, Strange Brew
Indie rock band, Young Knives, known for their quirky lyrics and sharp, angular sound, are coming to Bristol, Strange Brew for an evening of post-punk energy and art-rock experimentation. Tickets are on sale now!

Young Knives – photo: Crosstown Concerts
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February 1: Do Not Sleep Bristol w/ Sidney Charles, Mason Collective & More
After an unforgettable season in Ibiza, Do Not Sleep makes its debut at Motion on the 1st of February 2025. They’re bringing a stacked line up featuring Sidney Charles, Mason Collective, Robbie Doherty B2B DXNBY, BLONDi & James Nash, bringing the sound of the White Isle to Bristol.

Motion – photo: Alastair Brookes
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February 7: Microhertz Bristol w/ Archie Hamilton, ALISHA & More
MicroHertz was founded by Archie Hamilton as a platform for pushing alternative and deeper sounds, the imprint provides a platform for the best-sourced international talent to flourish. They’re bringing their first-ever Bristol showcase to Motion on Friday 7th February, joined by ALISHA, Ozzie Guven & James Nash.

Microhertz Bristol – photo: Motion
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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: Comedy & Reggae Valentines Special, Redgrave Theatre
After the sold out success of the 2024 Valentines event, we are back due to popular demand. We fuse together hilarious comedy with live reggae music, performing classic hits from Bob Marley, Freddie Mcgreggor, John Holt, Beres Hammond plus more.

Comedy & Reggae Valentines Special – 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
Main photo: Morning Class with Ania Varez
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