Things To Do / Sponsored
48 things to do in Bristol July 2024
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July 1 – 6: A Child of Science, Bristol Old Vic
The reviews are in! Directed by Matthew Dunster, Gareth Farr’s A Child of Science is an “ingeniously crafted” (★★★★★ The Times), “gripping” (★★★★ The Telegraph), and “powerful” (★★★★ WhatsOnStage) new play with the “urgency of a thriller” (★★★★ The Stage). Tickets are flying. Book today.
A Child of Science – photo: Bristol Old Vic
July 1 – 31: Searching for a Space that Cares, Spike Island
This exhibition featuring a range of commissioned artists explores different locations and objects that have the capacity to care. The commission includes multimedia pieces and performances created as a reflection of what it is to care, and to have that ability.
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July 1 – 7: Queer Vision Festival, Watershed
Queer Vision Film Festival, presented by Bristol Pride is back! Delivering another diverse programme of UK and International LGBT+ films including independently-made feature and short films.
Still from Peafowl, part of Queer Vision 2024
July 2: Queer Pottery Wheel Night, Ridgeway Studios
Are you queer and wanting to meet other queer people in Bristol? This is a welcoming space to be creative, expressive and learn all the foundations you need to make beautiful pottery on the wheel. There will be tea & coffee provided, tunes playing, and plenty good studio vibes. Everything you need to complete the workshop will be provided – all you need to bring is your wonderful-self!
July 3: England vs New Zealand, Seat Unique Stadium
The third Metro Bank one day international sees England’s best female cricketers take on New Zealand in Ashley Down. The Match will be the only opportunity to watch the England women’s side in action in Bristol this year and tickets are already proving popular during the early and a sell-out crowd is expected.
July 3 – 6: Player Kings, Bristol Hippodrome
Player Kings is Robert Icke’s take on Shakespeare’s classic tragedy Henry IV. Already having received praise all over Britain, the play is coming to Bristol in the hands of Ian McKellen, Toheeb Jimoh and Richard Coyle.
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July 4 – 6: Dead On Our Feet, Bristol Old Vic
In our current climate, what does it mean to rest? And how do we connect with each other? And how much will that cost? And how much do you cost? Time is money – want to spend it with us? Presented by Dimba Damba, Made in Bristol’s 14th collective of early career theatre makers.
Dead on our feet – photo: Bristol Old Vic
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July 4 – 7: Bristol Film Festival hosts the Clifton Summer Screenings for a Cinematic outdoor extravaganza
The renowned Clifton Summer Screenings, presented by Bristol Film Festival, makes a triumphant return to the city this year. Taking place from the 4th-7th July 2024 with an expanded event line up and a jam-packed program designed for all ages, this one-of-a-kind event will offer an unforgettable cinematic experience for all. The festival is also offering all B247 readers a discount code. For 10% off all film ticket prices please use B247MEMBER.
Clifton summer screenings – photo: Bristol Film Festival
July 4 – 7: Cheese & Beer Tutored Pairing, The Cheese Connection x Wiper and True
Indulge in a unique sensory experience as an expert guides take you on a journey exploring the fascinating world of cheese and beer. Discover the intricate flavours and aromas that complement each other, enhancing your enjoyment of both. Whether you’re a cheese connoisseur or a beer enthusiast, this event promises to be an unforgettable evening filled with laughter, good company, and delicious pairings. Don’t miss out on this opportunity to expand your palate and deepen your appreciation for these culinary delights.
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July 4: Alogte Oho & his Sounds of Joy, Bristol Beacon
Alogte Oho was close to giving up on his dreams of becoming a successful musician when he was involved in a serious car accident that nearly cost him his life. However, it was during this two-month recovery period that inspiration struck, and the song ‘Mam Yinne Wa’ (God, You Love Me So) was born. Accompanied by his cheerful choir, The Sounds of Joy, Oho takes his listeners on a journey like no other – lilting from low slung reggae based numbers to upbeat songs played in traditional local rhythms.
Alogte – photo: Bristol Beacon
July 5 – 17: On the Wings Exhibition, Broadmead
Seven Artists, Seven Mediums. A celebration of winged creatures brings together this diverse collective of local wildlife artists, featuring: Liane Stevenson (Charcoal), Jane Booth (Ceramics), Lucy Fraser (Acrylic/Mixed Media), Dave Hall (Printmaking), Matthew Price (Collage), Robyn Coetzee (Fused Glass) and finally Lizzie Tucker (Glass Mosaics). This event will be an expceptional chance to see the creations of your very own local talent.
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July 5: The Big Country Music Show, Redgrave Theatre
Howdy Partners! It’s gonna be a sea of cowboy hats when the BIG country music show rides into town! An amazing band with male and female singers, stunning harmonies and fiddle, it’s two hour extravaganza of classic country music filled with hand-clapping, foot-stomping, boot-scootin’ sing-along classics from the likes of Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Shania Twain, Garth Brooks, Willie Nelson and many more!
Big Country music show – photo: Redgrave theatre
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July 5 – 7: Handa’s Surprise, 1532 Performing Arts Centre
Travel to Kenya and follow in Handa’s footsteps as she journeys to see her best friend Akeyo, in the next village. Handa is taking seven delicious fruits as a surprise – but seven different animals have seven very different ideas… could you resist the sweet-smelling guava? How about a ripe red mango or a tangy purple passion fruit? A blend of physical performance, puppetry, live music and song combine to create an intimate, magical production with audience participation. Come and share in the magical tangerine surprise!
Handas Surprise Flyer without QR – photo: 1532 performing arts centre
July 6: Black Radical History Walk with Jagun Akinshegun, M-Shed
Charting the quest for identity, equality and justice both locally and globally, join Jagun Akinshegun for a walk and talk around the prominent sites connected to Bristol’s Black Radical History. Including the St. Paul’s Apartheid-Free Zone Campaign of 1985, the Rastafari movement and the St Paul’s Uprisings of 1980 and 1986. The walk will start at Glen’s Kitchen on the St Paul’s Learning Centre Green. 94 Grosvenor Rd, St Paul’s, Bristol BS2 8XJ, and end at M Shed for an interactive activity within the Protest gallery.
July 6 – 7: Bristol Tattoo Convention, Ashton Gate Stadium
The artist line up just gets stronger and stronger with this year’s event set to feature over 250 artists including more than 60 new artists making their Bristol debuts. 2024 will also see something new as Bristol Tattoo Convention host a variety of seminars for the first time. Every year the show gets bigger and better, this year will see the introduction of the outdoor stage, with live bands all weekend and the return of the awesome Team Extreme skate and BMX display crew.
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July 6 – 7: An Evening with David Sedaris, Bristol Beacon
David Sedaris is one of America’s pre-eminent humor writers. He is a master of satire and one of today’s most observant writers, in many ways his life has been an open book. Through his essays, diaries and hugely popular BBC Radio series, he has made us consider the absurdities of human nature and modern life: family, travel, relationships, aging, the pandemic, political upheavals and of course roadside trash! By turns misanthropic and poignant, Sedaris deploys his precise prose and keen observational skills to make you laugh, think, and sometimes be deeply moved. David Sedaris returns to read new and unpublished stories, take questions and as is now an integral part of the evening, sign books and meet his audience.
David Sedaris – photo: Bristol Beacon
July 7: Bristol Rock & Roll Walking Tour, Park Row
An event for rock & roll nostalgics and those with a love for the outdoors. Take a walk around the iconic Bristol locations that saw legends of the calibre of Bowie, The Rolling Stones, Sinatra and more. The tours are guided by knowledgeable Bristol locals, who will share stories and fun facts you can’t know of otherwise.
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July 7, 10 & 21: Walking Brunel’s Bristol, SSGB
Join Mr Brunel himself on a walking tour of Bristol. Discover the stories behind some of his greatest works and learn how Brunel’s Bristol projects changed not only the city, but the whole world!
Walking Brunel’s Bristol – photo: SSGB
July 8: Climbing Days Book Launch, Bookhaus
When Dorothy Pilley first began climbing in the 1910s, female mountaineers were seen as a dangerous liability, their achievements ignored, unrecorded or disbelieved. Undeterred, Dorothy proved herself on the vertiginous slopes of Wales, Scotland and the Lake District before tackling rock faces in the Alps, the Pyrenees, the Rockies, Mount Fuji and the Himalayas. We’ll be joined by Dorothy’s great-great nephew Dan Richards and celebrated author Samantha Harvey to discuss this forgotten classic of 1920s mountaineering literature, which broke new ground for women in a sport dominated by men.
July 9: Hundreds of Beavers, Cube
In this 19th century, supernatural winter epic, a drunken applejack salesman must go from zero to hero and become North America’s greatest fur trapper by defeating hundreds of beavers.JEAN KAYAK finds himself stranded in a surreal winter landscape with nothing but his dim wits to guide him. Against a backdrop of ruthless elements and sinister creatures – all played by actors in full-sized mascot costumes – KAYAK develops increasingly complex traps in order to win the hand of a mischievous lover.
July 9: Gabe Lee, The Louisiana
Acclaimed Nashville musician, Gabe Lee, brings his incredible songwriting skills to the UK. Having been name-checked by everyone from Rolling Stone to Barack Obama, it’s no wonder Gabe is one of the top country, folk, and rock artists to watch. In this intimate gig, intimate gig, Gabe will also be joined by special guest Cody Pennington.
July 10: Trusty Hogs: Live, The Hen & Chicken Studio
Hosted by Catherine Bohart & Helen Bauer with trusty hoglet Andrew White in the producer’s chair, Trusty Hogs is one of the UK’s fastest rising comedy podcasts! The show is a weekly dose of chaos and hilarity as Catherine & Helen share stories from their “perfect” lives; welcome brilliant guests, and “solve” listener problems from the Hogs mailbag.
July 10 – August 11: Aladdin the Musical, Bristol Hippodrome
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”.
July 11: Faster, Pussycat! Kill! Kill! (1965) Screening, The III Repute
Get ready for an electrifying screening of Russ Meyer’s iconic cult classic, Faster Pussycat! Kill! Kill! on Thursday 11th July at the Ill Repute. This high-octane film features the unforgettable trio of badass go-go dancers with a lust for adventure, vengeance, and high-speed action. Prepare yourself for an adrenaline-fueled experience as Varla, Rosie, and Billie take you on a journey filled with fast cars, intense standoffs, and plenty of sharp dialogue. This film is a timeless homage to the strong, fearless women of the 1960s and remains a defining moment in cinematic history.
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July 12: Watch This Space with Will Gater, Redgrave Theatre
Watch This Space sees astronomer Will Gater bring to the stage the story of the extraordinary things humans see when we look to the stars. Blending spectacular visuals, live demos and inspiring storytelling, Watch This Space will take you on a journey like no other, jumping from our small corner of the Milky Way to some of the most distant objects in the known Universe.
Watch This Space – photo: Redgrave Theatre
July 12: Bristol Comedy Cave, Basement 45
Bristol’s freshest comedy night brings the best acts in the country right into the beating heart of Bristol. Expect TV names, local legends, club classics, but above all – expect it to be bloody funny. This is a top level comedy night featuring everything from big names to exciting new talent. This award winning night is from the team behind The Room Above and White Bear Comedy Club. Having been named the best places from comedy in Bristol from Culture Calling, 365Bristol.com and winning the Chortle Award for Best Pro Comedy Night, you can trust that Bristol Comedy Cave is producing the best live comedy in Bristol!
July 12: Shameless Y2K Presents: Skins Party, Thekla
Dedicated to celebrate the wild and iconic world of Bristol’s unforgettable series, Skins. Get ready for a night that promises to be as epic and unpredictable as the series itself, step into the world of Effy, Cook, Cassie, and the whole gang as Thekla is transformed into the ultimate Skins experience. From the iconic soundtrack to the eclectic decor and giveaways, we’re bringing the essence of the show to life for one night only.
July 13: Bristol Pride Day, Castle Park – The Downs
Previously amassing over 40,000 attendees, Bristol Pride Day returns for a day of live music and queerness all over the City. The day begins in Castle Park, marking the start of the parade. This will end in the Amphitheatre, where shuttle buses will take individuals over to the Downs, ready for a music festival including headliners such as The Human League.
July 13: B!tch Pride, Bristol Beacon
Bitch, Please! is making space in Bristol for queer people to express themselves and celebrate all things queer with Pride! Bitch, Please! are heading into a new direction for their pride celebration and want you to be a part of this journey. Experience local collectives, DJs, performers and some of the fiercest intentional artists that grace the electronic and live queer music scene. First wave of A-Z artists have been announced including, Princess Superstar, Cakes Da Killa, Tama Sumo & Lakuti, BADSISTA, Bruce, Massimiliano Pagliara, Nyra, DJ Luv You – full line-up TBA.
July 14: Roots Reggae Meets the Dublate Sound Clash, Lost Horizon
Ranging from male and female, stretching from the UK, Jamaica and Austria, with the concept of Roots Rock Reggae to the traditional sound of a reggae sound clash in a typical Jamaican style added with the fusion of a live performing artist, this event brings you the flavour of what Bristol is all about in a carnival style, under one roof. With a live performance from Blackout JA, roots providers Sis Nam and Ites Vibration, Snoopy (Unique Star), Mikey Notch (3rd Dimension) and with a UK debut Treasure Isle Ft. Mogli.
July 14: Make a Silver Stacking Ring, Tobacco Factory
Have you ever wanted to try making silver jewellery? This beginners workshop is a brilliant introduction to the craft of jewellery making. Beth will guide participants through the stages of making a slim stackable silver ring using both modern and traditional hand tools. Not only will you learn something new in a fun, supportive and warm environment but you’ll come away with a beautiful piece of jewellery to treasure for a lifetime!
July 15: Melissa Hemsley, Boston Tea Party
Gloucester Road Books team up with BTP to host bestselling food writer, former chef to the stars and food charity campaigner, Melissa Hemsley, who will be introducing her latest book, Real Health, in conversation with renowned nutritionist, author and entrepreneur, Pauline Cox.
July 16: Short films by Justine Triet (+ Bristol Filmmakers), The Cube
Most of us became familiar with the name Justine Triet with the release of ‘Anatomy of a Fall’ last year. With its twisty, Oscar-winning script and magnetic performances, the film announced Triet as a filmmaker of formidable talent, capable of marshalling realist dramatic beats into a juicy true crime narrative. Alongside Triet’s ‘Two Ships’ and ‘Shadows in the House’, The Cube will be screening short films by two female Bristol filmmakers at the start of their own careers – Toni Lotta Groner’s ‘Wicked and Bad’ and Corinna Brooke Elleschild’s ‘Skive’.
July 18: BEEF presents… Lis Rhodes, Arnolfini
BEEF presents: Conspirators of Perception III; Lis Rhodes’ films. Join Bristol Experimental and Expanded Film for the screening of Lis Rhodes’ films, spanning four decades of her practice and encapsulates her concerns with patriarchy, power, surveillance, military control and the language of cinema and media through which this is represented. The films will be introduced by Ben Cook, director of LUX.
July 19: Lunchtime Talk: Can We Measure Presence?, Pervasive Media Studio
Interdisciplinary immersive maker Harry Wilmott is heading to Watershed to discuss his experiences during his Fellowship in Residence with Zero Point Motion, where he focused on “designing and conducting Playtests using VR enriched with finger tracking and physiological monitoring, to understand how these features impact the user’s presence and immersion in the experience”.
July 19-21: Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside
With new organisers who are attempting to take the event back to its nautical routes, this year’s Harbour Festival will showcase emerging artists as well as established and international performers across all genres, with three days of back-to-back entertainment and maritime magic.
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July 20: Supersonic Brick Day, Aerospace Bristol
The huge LEGO® brick event is back at Aerospace Bristol on Saturday 20th July 2024.As well as stepping aboard Concorde and enjoying everything else the museum has to offer, Supersonic Brick Day is your chance to get hands-on with interactive activities – from LEGO® underwater gardens and remote control car racing, to robot wars and great ball contraptions.
Supersonic Brick Day – photo: Aerospace Bristol
July 21: BUMP Rollerdisco All Ages Session, St Jude’s
Whether you own your own kit or not, and whether you are an experienced skater or your skills need a bit of honing, BUMP Rollerdisco is set to be one of the most entertaining day events of the month – with a varied mix of DJs providing music throughout the day, and a physical skate shop at the site to fulfil any of your needs.
July 23-27: Is Dat U Yh?, Bristol Old Vic
“A time where laughter was free and nonsense was all we knew” It’s when you couldn’t be on the phone and the internet at the same time, it’s where you learned insults were a love language and it’s when spittin battles at lunchtime could get you happy-slapped. Tolu and the ‘back of the bus queens’ relive and rediscover their love of home in this joyous and whacky adventure down memory lane full of surreal memories, short stories, and nonsense within theatre, dance, lyricism and school daze nostalgia.
July 24 – 28: Cinema Rediscovered, various venues
Watershed’s annual festival dedicated to the rediscovery and revival of great films offers a mix of screenings, expert-led talks, Q&As, workshops, cinema walks, a quiz and a multitude of starting points for lively conversation, featuring more than 50 events and screenings. “The UK’s leading festival dedicated to classic cinema.” – Sight & Sound
July 26 – 28: Feast On, The Downs
Get your bibs on and knives and forks out because an unforgettable experience for all the food lovers is here. Created by founder, James Haggart, Feast On is an expression of James’ passion for food and drink; in particular to celebrate the beauty of culinary food in his native; Bristol. Feast On will take place on The Downs, from Friday 28th to Sunday 28th of July, where you’ll be able to explore all the best independent restaurants, chefs, producers and street food traders across Bristol and the South West.
July 26: QUEER AS F*CK: Big Summer Party, Old Market Assembly
Queer as F*ck are going all out for their last party of the summer, it’s going to be one BIG final hurrah before they go on a little break so you do not want to miss this one! Bristol’s legendary queer cabaret club-night is back with its sensational mix of circus, drag, and DJs. Bringing you the best in queer excellence – the city’s best talent alongside internationally renowned cabaret stars.
July 27: Dubtendo, The Boxing Gym
Everyone’s favourite Boomtown street party is back to Bristol with all profits going to Broad Plain & Riverside Youth Project. This time bringing the full Dubtendo daytime experience to the Boxing Club car park for a whole day of raving and gaming with a brand new Dubtendo stage. With a huge multi genre lineup, expect everything you could want and then some for a summer daytime festival experience including food, stalls and loads of multiplayer retro fun and games for those mid rave breaks.
July 27: Summer Outdoors 90s & 00s R&B Festival, Motion
Back by popular demand, Motion are hosting an all-day 90s and 00s R&B event beginning at 1pm until 10pm. R&B music from the likes of Destiny’s Child, Ashanti and Usher can be expected and is the perfect day out for any R&B music lover.
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July 27 – August 31: Tartan Titans at Avon Valley
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
July 28: Jessica Jungle Presents: 1GBAS All Stars, Strange Brew
The drag night Bristol’s queens and queers have been waiting for. Hosted by Jessica Jungle, 4 more invitees will attend and dazzle the audience amidst intense lip-sync battles, choreographies and dazzling tunes. “Sell out warning! Pop starlet Jessica Jungle instigates some IRL Drag Race vibes with a lipsync to the death for the coveted crown and a BBC-worthy £200 cash prize. Expect death drops and mucho shade from Bristol’s fiery drag hopefuls.”
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July 28: Kinds of Kindness, Watershed
Kinds of Kindness is a triptych fable from director Yorgos Lanthimos with an all-star cast including Cannes Best Actor winner Jesse Plemons and Oscar® winner Emma Stone. Plus, exclusive to Watershed and the South West – selected screenings will be presented in 35mm.
Kinds of Kindness – photo: Watershed
July 30: Fundraiser Bristol Community Big Band & Vic Klewin, The Mount Without
Join Johnny Bruce and his group, the Bristol Community Big Band, in a night of “swinging classics and some lesser known surprises”. The BCBB will also be joined by Victoria Klewin, praised for having “a voice like the softest velvet.
Main photo: Still from Peafowl, part of Queer Vision 2024
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