Things To Do / Sponsored
33 things to do in Bristol this week, November 25 – December 1 2024
Monday: Utopian Futures, Watershed
The book club are hosting a climate fiction style workshop in hopes to develop a greener version of Hotwell Road, Cliftonwood and the surrounding area. The event is free, includes refreshments and will also host special screenings of films by local climate activists.
The event is dedicated towards creating sustainable solutions for the areas – photo: Watershed
Monday: Samm Henshaw, Exchange
Samm Henshaw is performing live at the Exchange in a show titled ‘A show for someone, somewhere’. Gates open at 8pm with the entertainment scheduled to start at 9pm.
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Monday-Thursday: Soundtrack to a Coup D’Etat, Watershed
Jazz and decolonisation fuse in this upbeat historical rollercoaster. From the producers of I Am Not Your Negro and starring Louis Armstrong, Dizzy Gillespie, Abbey Lincoln, Max Roach and Nina Simone.
Coup D’Etat – photo: Terrence Spencer
Monday-Thursday: Luxmuralis, Bristol Cathedral
The award-winning illumination display will be back in Bristol before the holiday season. Bristol Cathedral will be transformed with sound and light artwork put up by the talented artists. This year’s collaboration will reimagine the nativity story and make it a stunning experience for the entire family.
The show has been coming to Bristol for a few years now – photo: Rob Browne
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Monday–December weekends: Winter Wonderland, Wookey Hole
Experience the best Winter Wonderland in the South West at Wookey Hole! Weekends from 23rd November and daily 21st–24th December, enjoy enchanting cave lights, Santa’s Grotto, and a magical show. Every child receives a gift! Advanced booking is essential to meet Santa.
Winter Wonderland – photo: Wookey Hole
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Monday-January 5: Christmas through the ages at Dyrham Park
Go on a festive journey back in time. Rooms will be decorated from six different eras from Tudor to 1980s. Giant wreath and family reindeer trail around the parkland. Choirs in the church on selected weekends.
Christmas through the ages – photo: NTI/Steve Haywood
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Monday-January 5: Spectacular Twilight Tobogganing, Mendip Activity Centre
The Mendip elves are excited to welcome families from Bristol for an unforgettable festive adventure. Slide into the festive spirit with Twilight Tobogganing at Mendip Activity Centre – an award-winning family festive experience! Get exclusive use of 8 toboggans, plus an enchanted woodland walk to a magical grotto where participants toast marshmallows and warm up with hot chocolate. Finish the session with a blaze of sparklers for a fantastic festive photo.
Twilight Tobogganing – photo: Mendip Activity Centre
Tuesday: Royel Otis, The Marble Factory
The Australian indie duo are coming to Bristol to celebrate their “unapologetic playfulness” that is at heart of their new record. The duo – Royel Maddell and Otis Pavlovic – have released three EPs as of now and a debut music album that came out in February.
Tuesday: Tarot Night, Bristol Fringe
For those inclined for some insight into their future, Tarot Night at Bristol Fringe could be particularly fun. In-house magician Marco will be there to reveal everyone’s deepest desires and darkest secrets. The free event starts at 7.30pm and has no age restrictions.
Tarot Night at the Bristol Fringe includes things like helping people remember where they lost their keys – photo: The Bristol Fringe
Wednesday: Origami workshop to make Christmas Baubles, The Barrel Store
At this unique workshop you’ll have the chance to make Christmas baubles for your tree by simply folding paper. At the end of the two hour workshop you will have atleast one (or more) baubles to take home and hang on your tree.
The baubles can be excellent additions for your Christmas decor – photo: The Barrel Store
Wednesday: Northern soul dance workshop, Crown Tavern
Ahead of the Big All nighter in December, Bristol Nothern Soul are putting up several workshops for people to come in and polish their dancing skills. Anyone who has already purchased a ticket for the December event, can attend these workshops for free.
Northern Soul Dance – photo: The Crown Tavern
Thursday: Design the night safety summit, PRYZM
Bringing together night time businesses and workers to talk about everything from harm reduction to inclusive nightlife – this event has a range of elite speakers and will surely be a memorable afternoon. Bristol24/7’s Editor Martin Booth, will also be speaking at the event.
A diverse range of voices will be speaking at the event – photo: Bristol Nights
Thursday: Stirling Prize Lecture, Arnolfini
Come along to learn the story of the award-winning Elizabeth Line that runs across London with 62 miles of track and over 20 stations. Described by the Financial Times as as “smooth” the train line’s story is a sweeping triumph of form and function. Standard tickets start from £14.
The speakers will share their knowledge about this design marvel and more – photo: Design West
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Thursday: WINTER SHOWCASE, Rainmaker Gallery
Rainmaker Gallery’s Winter Showcase brings together the work of several Indigenous North American artists, including canvases inspired by traditional pottery design from Laguna Pueblo painter Marla Allison, bold Pacific Northwest Coast ‘formline’ serigraphs by Tlingit artist Preston Singletary and modernist monochrome masterworks by Mvskoke painter Rick Grimster.
Winter Showcase – photo: Rainmaker Gallery
Thursday: Big Nath’s Thanksgiving, Glassboat
Relish some delicious BBQ picks at Glassboat, as Big Nath’s arrives for their Thanksgiving special dinner. Pair this with gin from 6’OClock Gin and you’ve got your night fixed.
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Thursday: Wapping Wharf Christmas lights switch on
This Thursday, Wapping Wharf will transform into a beautiful Christmas scene with bright, warm lights. If you fancy a good picture for your holiday album, head to Wapping Wharf and pose by the lights.
Christmas decorations will visible in Wapping Wharf from Thursday – photo: Jon Craig
Thursday to December 1: AbCo presents LTD Press, Tobacco Factory loft space
AbCo and Limited Press are hosting 12 artist at Tobacco Factory’s loft space for an exhibition that will also mark the launch of their new art led agency. Monetary and food donations collected at the exhibition will go towards St Paul’s, BS3 Foodbank and Suicide Prevention.
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Friday: Katy J Pearson, SWX
Fresh off the back of supporting The Last Dinner Party on their EU tour, releasing her third studio album, and being nominated for album of the year by Rough Trade, Katy J Pearson is coming to SWX Friday November 29th. Come along for a night of enchanting lyricism and captivating melodies. There are a handful of tickets left, book while you still can!
Katy J Pearson will be at SWX for a night of memorable music – photo: Crosstown Concerts
Friday: Cary Comes Home, Bristol Aquarium and Spiegeltent
Coming to the city, are screenings, talks, Q&A’s and more all delving deep into the stunt work and circus element to celebrate Cary Grant’s life. It will all culminate into a special screening of ‘To Catch A Thief’ with a live cabaret show.
Cary Comes Home celebrates the Hollywood star’s early training as an acrobat among other things – photo: Cary Comes Home
Friday and Saturday: Decadent Rabbit Cabaret, Circomedia
After previous sell-out shows, the Decadent Rabbits are back to show audience what they’re most passionate about: world-class cabaret. With a blend of humour, aerial acrobatics, burlesque and juggling all with live music in the background, audiences are sure to have a memorable evening.
The Decadent Rabbit artistic directors are Alexandra Hofgartner and Rod Laver – photo: The Decadent Rabbit
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Friday: Erland Cooper, Sam Lee & Alice Boyd, Bristol Beacon
Join us in Beacon Hall this autumn for a special performance where the wonders of nature meet the magic of music. Joining acclaimed composer Erland Cooper for the evening are two very special guests, Mercury Prize-nominated folk singer, song collector and activist Sam Lee (fresh from his own sold out show in Lantern Hall earlier this year) and composer & sound artist Alice Boyd, who will both offer their own reflections on the natural world, with sound & landscapes intertwining and music becoming a celebration of the Earth we share.
Erland Cooper – photo: Bristol Beacon
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Friday-Saturday: Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, Watershed
Set against 19th-century China’s breathtaking landscape, Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon is the action-packed, Oscar®-winning masterpiece from acclaimed director Ang Lee featuring stunning martial arts choreography by Yuen Wo Ping.
Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon – photo: Watershed
Saturday: Celebrating 10 Years of Bristol24/7
Bristol24/7 turns 10 this year and to celebrate we’re throwing a party in the Spiegeltent featuring an all-Bristol lineup including some of the city’s biggest names.
B10 event
Saturday: Lucky Dip makers market, Left Handed Giant Taproom, Old Market
More than 15 independent sellers will be at the Lucky Dip makers market – so get ready indulge in some real retail therapy. From clothing and jewellery to artwork – there’s something everyone can take home from this market. Of course the taproom will be open to quench your thirst after your shopping spree.
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Saturday: Tom VR, Bristol Beacon
Known for his unique blend of atmospheric house, euphoric techno, and experimental soundscapes, Tom VR has garnered attention from major figures in electronic music. His latest EP, ‘Heart Can Still Somersault‘, bridges the worlds of club music and intimate listening. The release was supported by a string of DJ sets in major cities including Berlin, Madrid, and Shanghai, as well as a sold-out live debut at London’s Fabric. Don’t miss this opportunity to catch Tom VR’s genre-defying music live in Bristol.
Tom VR- photo: Bristol Beacon
Saturday: The Beatles Dub Club, The Canteen
The Canteen will be transformed with hints of reggae, ska, hip hop and more as DJ Chris Arnold plays covers, remixes and tracks sampled from the legendary band The Beatles. Come prepared for a night of fun with some cool, funky tracks.
The Beatles Dub Club drew in huge crowds during its earlier appearances in 2022 – photo: The Beatles Dub Club
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Saturday: Jack Frost & The Winter Freeze, Redgrave Theatre
The snow in Leigh Woods is deep and the animals are hibernating – or at least they should be! Jack’s frost is building and if we’re not careful, winter will take over forever. Can you help us to save the magical forest? Expect music, mischief, puppetry and song in this festive family tale. Performed by Bristol Old Vic Theatre School.
Jack Frost & The Winter Freeze – photo: Redgrave Theatre
Saturday: Bella Hardy, Bristol Folk House
BBC Folk Singer of the Year 2014 will be at Bristol Folk House, bringing a taste of her folk music that she first fell in love with through ballad books. Her new album – Hey Sammy – is due to release soon, a decade after her debut album.
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Saturday: Sustainable Christmas Market – Support local indie makers!
Future Leap’s Sustainable Christmas Market is back, giving you the opportunity to shop from an array of indie sellers while supporting local artists and making your Christmas more sustainable. Every Saturday hosts a different selection of stallholders, and you can expect to find photography and art prints, eco-friendly beauty and hygiene products, greener household alternatives, ceramics, handsewn homewares and much, much more. Restore café will also be serving fresh coffee, food and treats to keep up your festive fuel.
Sustainable Christmas Market – photo: Future Leap
Sunday: Wear It Again Vintage Market, Docklands Community Centre
Returning for the last time before the end of 2024, this vintage market promises a range of independent sellers that are motivated at providing quality fashion across styles and sizes. Their last pop up even had a changing room, to make sure everyone could love what they were buying.
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Sunday: SUZY, The Prospect Building
On 30 November 2024, SUZY is throwing the most raucous party at The Prospect Building in Bristol, and you’re invited to step into their world. Featuring top-knotch selectors like Dimitri From Paris, Gerd Janson, CC:DISCO!, Horse Meat Disco and many more, it’s set to be a full-throttle party with unmatched energy.
Dimitri – photo: The Prospect Building
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Sunday-December 8: Bristol Palestine Film Festival 2024
Bristol Palestine Film Festival is back in 2024 with a diverse lineup of the very best in contemporary Palestinian cinema, arts and culture. This year’s festival takes place across the city with a huge lineup of 15 events, including music, feature-films and documentaries, director Q&As, discussions and a club night.
Bristol Palestine Film Festival
And coming soon…
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December 2: An Evening with Shaun Edwards, Redgrave Theatre
This is a must for any rugby fan of either code as we give you the opportunity to spend an evening in the company of the most decorated coach in Six Nations history, Shaun Edwards OBE. We will chat to Shaun about his career and then follow with a Q&A session.
Shaun Edwards – photo: Antony Thompson
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December 4: Famous, Rough Trade
Catch Famous live at Rough Trade on the 4th of December, a night of raw, powerful post-punk and grunge that cuts straight to the core. Don’t miss their intense energy and sharp sound in one of the most exciting gigs this winter, get your tickets now before they’re gone.
Famous – photo: Jack Lovekin
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December 8: HERE Christmas Market
Visit the HERE Christmas market on Sunday, December 8, 10am-3pm at 470 Bath Rd, Bristol, BS4 3AP. Enjoy Bristol’s finest independent goods, Sri Lankan street food, treats from The Deli, and a fun crafts table with take-home gifts. Get your festive shopping done early! See you HERE!
HERE Christmas Market
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December 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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December 15: Bristol Ensemble Contemporary – Terry Riley ‘In C’
Bristol Ensemble performs an intriguing programme of contemporary works in the unique setting of Bristol 1904 Arts Club. In C is a musical piece composed by Terry Riley in 1964 and is often cited as the first minimalist composition to make a significant impact on the public consciousness. The programme also includes works by Ruth Gipps for solo oboe, Peter McGarr and Anna Meredith.
BE Contemporary – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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December 22: Christmas Special by Candlelight, Bristol Ensemble
The Military Wives Choir join the Bristol Ensemble for an uplifting programme of Christmas classics that will get you singing and clapping along. A perfect way to get into the Christmas mood!
Christmas Special – photo: Bristol Ensemble
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December 31: NYE with Joy Orbison and more, The Prospect Building
We’re celebrating the first-ever NYE at The Prospect Building in style this year, with a huge lineup of DJs joining us for an extended event, including Joy Orbison, Special Request, Octo Octa and more. It’s set to be the perfect way to welcome 2025 in.
NYE with Joy Orbison – photo: The Prospect Building
Main photo: Rob Browne
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