44 things to do in Bristol in January 2024

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January 1-6: Arabian Nights | Bristol Old Vic’s Festive Blockbuster, Bristol Old Vic
Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister?

With enchanting songs, captivating puppetry and a story of two heroic sisters at its core, Bristol Old Vic’s joyful, heartfelt production is the perfect treat for all this festive season. Not to be missed.

Arabian Nights – photo: Bristol Old Vic

January 1: Hot Club Jam, the Bristol Fringe
Join some of Bristol’s best musicians at this monthly Jazz jam session hosted by Denny Ilett.

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Now-January 7: Four Seasons | Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic
From the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker) comes a wonderfully festive family show. Roam through snowy forests and twirling leaves on an enchanting journey into the heart of nature. Expect innovative theatre featuring puppetry, dance and clowning fun!

Four Seasons – photo: Bristol Old Vic

January 2: Dream Big! Whats your vision for 2024? The Clifton Practice
A guided workshop to explore aspirations for the coming year with personal performance coaching and solution focused hypnotherapy with a specialist life coach.

January 3: Spanish/English Language Exchange at The Canteen
Come and practice your Spanish or English, whatever your level of either language, in the friendly atmosphere of The Canteen on Stokes Croft over some fantastic food and drink.

January 4: Rhythm & Blues Night, The Old Stillage
Authentic Blues and R’n’B tunes from two members of The Terraplanes, Bristol’s own blues band, playing classics from John Lee Hooker to Johnny Cash, every first Thursday of the month.

January 5: Ofelia Rodríguez, Talking in Dreams, Spike Island
In her first major survey exhibition, collating five decades of work, Rodríguez work explores the influences of her native Barranquilla together and her London-based adult life on cultural and gender identity.

January 6: Lampshade Making Workshop, Flo-Jo Fabrics
An afternoon of hand-making a beautiful lampshade of your own, with gorgeous fabrics provided by Flo-Jo Fabrics and a complimentary cup of tea for a peaceful Saturday activity.

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Across January: Get Involved at Tobacco Factory Theatres this January
Get Involved invites you to dive deeper, to ask questions, to take some time for yourself, be curious, imaginative and creative. Take part in dynamic sessions, learn a new skill or even make a show. There are workshops, discussions, acting classes, writing courses, a choir and events for all ages available. Take a look and join in!

Get Involved – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

January 7: Bowie Experience, Bristol Hippodrome
For David Bowie fanatics, this amazing concert exploring the star’s discography from across his career is a can’t-miss.

January 8: Board Games Night, The Greenbank
Easton’s Greenbank pub is hosting a board games night with some delicious Vegetarian and Vegan food and plenty of games to play.

January 9: Reverse Book Club, Folk House
Find the time to read the book that’s been on your list for months, or come and share your thoughts about one you’re unable to put down – this sociable reverse book club is welcome to all to read, discuss and ask questions about your own book and others’.

January 10: Somali Cookery Class with Obah, Coexist Community Kitchen
Bring a taste of Somalia to your own table in this cookery workshop with Obah, learning how to create wonderful dishes with aromatic spices integral to Somali cooking.

January 11: Sunset Boulevard (1950), The Ill Repute
Enjoy this free showing of this dark silent film starring Norma Desmond, transporting you back to 1950s Hollywood for a night.

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January 12 onwards: Poor Things, Watershed
Filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos and star and producer Emma Stone invite you to take part in the fantastical evolution of Bella Baxter (Emma Stone), a young woman brought back to life from the brink of death by the brilliant, daring scientist Dr. Godwin Baxter (Willem Dafoe).

January 12: James Dowdeswell: Beers of a Clown, Alma Tavern and Theatre
Bristol comedian James Dowdeswell entertains every crowd with his fantastic, imaginative storytelling about British pub culture, his return to Bristol a guaranteed night of beer-related laughs.

January 13: Bristol Wine Tasting Experience Day – World of Wine, The Square Club
Leave an expert in wine tasting after tasting 15 wines from around the world, learning about their key characteristics and how to recognise them.

January 14: Intro to Vinyl DJing/Expansion Workshop, Strange Brew
Women, trans and non-binary people in Bristol’s community are invited to learn together how to DJ using vinyl records in a hands-on skills workshop.

January 15: Kundalini Yoga with Kirsty, Sensate Spa and Studios
In a yoga practice including breathwork, movement, meditation and chanting, find a long-lasting change and a deep connection with your true nature. All levels are welcome.

January 16: Des Rocs, Thekla
New Yorker Des Rocs comes to one of Bristol’s most renowned music institutions, Thekla, as one of the most energetic rock artists on the scene.

January 17: Metamorphosis, Bristol Old Vic
This adaptation of Kafka’s best-known work, Metamorphosis, into a play promises to be a shocking retelling.

January 18: Buena Bristol Social Club, The Jam Jar
Sway to Bristol’s tribute to the Buena Vista Social Club, with the 10 piece Bristol Salsa Orchestra bringing authentic Cuban music to the city.

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January 18: Kronos Quartet, Bristol Beacon
For 50 years, San Francisco’s GRAMMY-winning Kronos Quartet – David Harrington, John Sherba, Hank Dutt and Paul Wiancko – has challenged and reimagined what a string quartet can be, revolutionizing it into a living art form. This special evening will highlight the legacy of innovation of Kronos Quartet with new commissions, signature works from its vast repertoire, and pieces from Kronos’ Fifty for the Future project. Honing in on five decades of material, the programme includes performances of Steve Reich’s Triple Quartet, the UK premiere of new works by Angélique Kidjo and Sun Ra/Terry Riley, as well as music by Sigur Rós, Jlin and Laurie Anderson.

Kronos Quartet – photo: Bristol Beacon

January 19: Shanti Celeste (All night long), Strange Brew
If you’re into your house and techno, you’ll already know the name – Shanti Celeste brings her stripped back 4 to the floor masterclass to Strange Brew.

January 20: Pocket Workshop, Sparks Bristol
Now’s your chance to add that pocket you’ve been wanting for years to that pocketless item of clothing at Sparks on Broadmead.

January 20: Henleaze Concert Society: Mozart and Mendelssohn, Trinity Henleaze URC
Come and enjoy with us two great works performed by the Bristol Ensemble:

• Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A K.581
• Mendelssohn Octet in E flat major Op.20

Mendelssohn’s piece is beautifully uplifting, and Mozart’s is one of the most sublime and well-loved works in the chamber music repertoire for its exquisitely crafted melodic lines.

Mozart and Mendelssohn – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

January 21: The Bristol Vintage Furniture Flea, Paintworks
A chance to get your hands on some fantastic, unique pieces of vintage furniture at the Arnos Vale creative quarter.

January 22: Chilli Jam Session, The Canteen
A jam night at the Stokes Croft bar, ran by the International Student Society.

January 23: Community Orchard Workday, Eastville Park
Fancy helping out in a community Orchard whilst learning a few skills to take away to your own gardens? Eastville Park’s the place to be.

January 24: A history in drum & bass with Borai, Crofters Rights
An exploration of the genre that Bristol has become so synonymous for, with the equally Bristolian Borai behind the decks.

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January 24: Steve Bates MBE – Wild Tracks, Redgrave Theatre
Paralympic gold medal-winning cyclist Steve Bate MBE shares the incredible journey of riding to ascend the iconic mountain of Kilimanjaro, with fellow Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke MBE. With a diverse team, Wild Tracks explores themes of challenge, diversity and human potential. A rare opportunity to hear, first-hand, a story of resilience, transformation and human connection.

Steve Bates – Wild Tracks – photo: Redgrave Theatre

January 25: Double feature: Fantastic Planet (1973), The Ill Repute
A screening of the classic strange, dream-like cult classic animation, paired against a more modern film with similar qualities.

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January 25: Pete Firman – TrikTok, Redgrave Theatre
Pete is an award-winning performer who is not to be missed live. Expect an evening of jaw-dropping magic and laugh-out-loud comedy. TrikTok takes Pete’s magic from the small screen to the stage and gives audiences a chance to see his critically acclaimed magical skills in the flesh.

Pete Firman – photo: Redgrave Theatre

January 26: Wicked, Bristol Hippodrome
Catch the hit West End musical in Bristol’s famous theatre on the show’s second stop of its UK tour for an unforgettable night of magic.

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January 26 onwards: All of Us Strangers, Watershed
One night in his near-empty tower block in contemporary London, Adam (Andrew Scott) has a chance encounter with a mysterious neighbour Harry (Paul Mescal), which punctures the rhythm of his everyday life.

January 27: Generation Electric Exhibition, The Island
An exhibition celebrating and positioning the youth of today as “cultural catalysts” through the lens of rave, gender and more.

January 28: Arm’s Length & Beauty School (co-headline), Exchange
Pop punk/emo fans will rejoice at this double headliner at the Old Market music venue.

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January 28: Odyssey by Jonathan Dove, Bristol Beacon
Drawing on first-hand accounts, this dramatically engaging story in song from composer Jonathan Dove allows the audience to see through the eyes of one refugee on a perilous journey to seek safety in another country. As vivid snapshots of a peaceful home life turn to visceral images of unrest, together we travel through strange landscapes and across borders, and discover the courage it takes to leave loved ones and take desperate risks in order to survive. This powerful new music-drama will be performed by Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, City of Bristol Choir, Bristol Youth Choir + Bristol Windrush Reggae Choir, and is part of a day of creativity co-curated with members of the refugee community in Bristol.

Odyssey by Jonathan Dove – photo: Bristol Beacon

January 29: Gather Up: Morning class with Tara Silverthorne, Bristol Old Vic
A morning class in movement for those in the theatre/dance space, to get the blood pumping.

January 30: The Neuroscience of Attraction with Dr Anna Machin, Hen & Chicken
Learn the science of why we are attracted (and unattracted) to certain looks, traits and more.

January 31: Forgotten Songs & Stories, Bristol Beacon
An amalgamation of poets, singers and other storytellers, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble Strings and Jazz Quintet.

And coming soon…

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February 14: The Beatles: Love Songs, St George’s
The Bristol Ensemble celebrate Valentine’s Day with the ultimate Beatles special, featuring their best love songs in an hour-long concert that will give you a Valentines Night to remember! Immerse yourself in the magical atmosphere of St. George’s Bristol, bathed in the romantic glow of candlelight. It doesn’t get more romantic than this!

The Beatles Love Songs – photo: Bristol Ensemble

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February 27: The Hunchback of Notre Dame: Film and Live Orchestra, St. George’s
An epic experience that combines live orchestra with film! Watch the original Hunchback of Notre Dame film with live symphonic score from the Bristol Ensemble at St George’s Bristol. Celebrating 100 years since the film was first released in September 1923. Flicker Alley restored and mastered this edition from a multi-tinted 16mm print struck in 1926 from the original camera negative.

The Hunchback of Notre Dame – photo: Bristol Ensemble

March 9: Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight, Trinity Henleaze URC
This will be a hypnotic evening of music performed by the Bristol Ensemble, featuring mesmerising works by Ludovico Einaudi, and Max Richter’s engagingly refreshing reimagining of Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons:

• Einaudi Divenire; Primavera; Petricor; I Giorni; Full Moon
• Max Richter: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Reimagined

Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

Main photo: Matt Crockett

Read next:

• Review: The Stolen Winter Light, The Rondo, Bath – ‘A great achievement’
• The best of Bristol’s culture in 2023
• The Jam Jar boosted by Arts Council England grant

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