Family / Activities
Family fun this summer
Our editors have combined their diaries to make this family guide to the season
ATTRACTIONS
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Zoo
Giggle for Gorillas
Take your seat under the zoo’s undercover marquee and watch star comedians in aid of gorilla conservation, August 2.
Mr Stinkm
David Walliams’ characters come to life in ‘Heartbreak Productions’ heart-warming adaption of Mr Stink for the outdoor stage. Bring your own rugs or low-backed seating, July 11.
Avon Wildlife Trust
Plenty of activities on offer, including Bioblitz at Feed Bristol on July 11, with some of Bristol’s top ecologists.
Also on July 11, Dundry Organic Dairy Farm Hedgerow Safari will be looking for small mammals, minibeasts and plants, with the opportunity to also get crafty.
There’s Wildplay at Portbury Wharf – Bees and Butterflies on July 28, August 4 and 11, discovering the secret wildlife of the nature reserve.
Brunel’s SS Great Britain
From July 20, shake the hand and have a photograph taken with Mr. Brunel, the ‘original iron man’. While for pre-schoolers, Sea Hear Storytelling takes place on the first Tuesday of every month, with tales both old and new, 11am at the Brunel Institute. New additions to the great ship this year include crew outfits to dress up in and pose for a portrait in the Melbourne photographic studio – creating those Victorian-inspired pictures.
Also new this year, the First Class Dining Saloon, which has recreated life aboard Brunel’s SS Great Britain. All scenes have been inspired from passengers’ accounts. Ahoy!
At-Bristol
At-Bristol Science Centre – fun whatever the weather!
This summer you can find it all in At-Bristol from solar-inspired experiments in their new Sun Lab to stargazing in the UK’s only 3D Planetarium. Their seasonal science kitchen always offers up some hands-on fun and tasty treats.
From July onwards you can enjoy deconstructing delicious summer dishes with interactive activities including strawberry dissection and Make Your Own Ice Cream sessions. With over 250 other exhibits the fun doesn’t stop there though as you can explore everything from giant hamster wheels to dancing bees!
Tyntesfield – National Trust
Just seven miles from Bristol, Tyntesfield is home to a Victorian Gothic mansion, flower-filled gardens, woodland trails, wildflower meadows, a working kitchen garden, three outdoor play areas, two cafes, and a shop. To top this all off, the National Trust estate has a summer filled with a wide variety of events and activities.
There will be regular outdoor food and craft markets, bat walks, den building, tree climbing, as well as an outdoor theatre program including Twelfth Night and The Secret Garden.
In August, Tyntesfield will be hosting its ‘Live from the Lawn’ music event featuring performances by The Stranglers, Seth Lakeman, as well as local up and coming talent.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/tyntesfield
Insight
What will you discover? Hop on one of Insight’s bright red open top buses as their friendly, entertaining guides take you on a journey through this beautiful, vibrant city.
Great family-friendly adventures await with our “hop-on, hop-off” ticket and amazing discounts to the best attractions in Bristol. PLUS go ‘Shaun the Sheep’ hunting with our special route map and itineraries.
Insight are proud holders of Trip Advisers Certificate of Excellence, with their latest review stating: “I have been on a quite a few city sightseeing tours in the UK, and around the world, but I am confident in saying this one was the best.”
Tickets are valid for two days to allow in-depth exploring. Tickets start from £7, and under 5’s go free.
www.bristolinsight.co.uk, or phone our helpline on 0117 403 1994
Avon Valley Railway
The famous steam and diesel hauled trains will be hosting a Teddy Bears Picnic, which apparently permits responsible teddy bears to travel for free on the trains.
There will also be a number of other activities onboard for plenty of fun and adventure, July 12 and September 20. When the teddies aren’t hosting the special picnics, families can hop onboard one of the trains throughout the summer holidays for a scenic ride to the edge of the Avon Valley, ensuring stunning views.
Also, another date for your diary is the Vintage Bus Rally on Sunday 9th August, giving enthusiasts the opportunity to travel on both vintage busses and trains. Organised jointly by the Avon Valley Railway and the Bristol Vintage Bus Group, the focus of the event will be a large display of vintage buses at the Brislington Park and Ride site, just off the A4 between Bristol and Bath.
www.avonvalleyrailway.org/events
Dyrham Park – National Trust
Family Nature Trails
In term time, Dyrham Park near Bristol offers Tuesday toddler trails with these being replaced with family nature trails during the school holidays.
They’re similar in that they’re free (normal admission applies) and help young ones get in touch with nature – educational and fun. Expect to go deer spotting, bug-hunting or pond-dipping.
The National Trust park is also home to a family sculpture trail and two natural play areas and a scaffold walkway which is pushchair and wheelchair accessible. Various Tuesdays & Thursdays.
50 Things Evening
The National Trust’s 50 Things challenge has been keeping kids busy for several years now.
A list of 50 low-cost things for children to tick off before they’re 11 3/4, from pond-dipping to rolling down a hill and flying a kite to jumping in a puddle but there’s also a wave of things it’s best to do on an evening, hence this special one off event at Dyrham Park.
Expect to tick off things such as cooking on a campfire and going on a nature walk at night. August 15.
www.nationaltrust.org.uk/dyrhampark
FESTIVALS
Grillstock
A meaty music and mayhem festival which is suitably family friendly (though you may want to veto the performance by the sometimes potty-mouthed Goldie Lookin Chain, Grillstock has a dedicated children’s area with under 12s going free. It’s a nice safe environment to enjoy some good music, good tunes and good times.
July 11 – 12
Bristol Harbour Festival
Music, markets, the Dance Village, plenty of family activities, circus and street theatre, the ‘legendary’ Bristol boat races and plenty of green activity will all be at Brunel Square for Bristol Harbour Festival weekend, this July. This free event is full of great acts, groups and organisations, including Cirque Bijou, No Go Stop and The Manatees.
July 17 – 19
www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
Chagstock Festival
Chagstock Festival, set on the edge of Darmoor in 70 acres of Devon farmland, is renowned for having a diverse line-up of artists, beautiful location and family friendly atmosphere. The line-up includes The Levellers, Seth Lakeman, Neville Staple Band, Martha Tilston, Dojo and Electric Swing Circus – plus a long list of many more. The festival has a true commitment to their intimate, non-corporate event (capping tickets at 5,000). The third year of the festival looks set to be a super success. Chagstock is a not for profit organisation, supporting Devon Air Ambulance and Water Aid.
July 17 – 18
South Gloucestershire Show
The first weekend in August marks the second South Glos Show. Last year saw over 18,000 people enjoy an action packed event with activities to entertain the whole family.
On the weekend itself you can expect to see lots of entertainment in the Main Arena which last year saw flying motorcycles and birds of prey along with demonstrations from local groups and clubs.
There will be over 300 classic cars and interactive motorsport attractions including a have a go 4×4 Area or you can even try your luck against Bristol Motor Club’s motor sprint challenge, the Autosolo.
For those that prefer a slower pace there is a Health and Wellbeing area and Craft Stalls and don’t forget the Food Marquee for those who need sustenance. Other activities include; Music Festival, Golf, Shooting, Archery, Beer Festival, Cycling Show, Fishing, Fairground and a big Kids Zone and don’t forget plenty of retail therapy.
If you are a local trader wishing to exhibit or trade at the event or a local club group or society looking for new members or a stall or simply a space to demonstrate your craft, please contact the organisers on hello@southglosshow.co.uk or call 01454 222959.
August 1 – 2
Redfest
This community festival in the green beating heart of Redfield is a family friendly treat, certainly until the sun goes down.
With live music on two stages – including the brilliant Laid Blak who went down a storm with adults and kids alike at Nibley festival last year – and a wave of children’s activities, you could spend a good few hours here without spending a single penny.
Pack a picnic and head on down and enjoy games, circus skills and arts and crafts.
August 1
Bristol Festival of Puppetry
Puppet Place is based on Spike Island and will be hosting a wonderful puppetry festival in the city. At the time of going to press, more details were to be announced.
Meanwhile, Kids Puppet Club for children aged 7 – 11 will be running on Wednesday July 1 and 8, which involves Liz Hart helping children bring their own stories to life with shadow puppets, finger and rod puppets, as well as learning puppetry skills.
August 27 – September 6
Wachet Festival
Family-friendly festival set in Somerset, Watchet has three live stages with over 50 live acts including headliners Seth Lakeman and The Boomtown Rats.
Also on stage will be 80s New Wave’s The Blow Monkeys, two-tone Ska band The Selecter, and Big Country.
Watchet is a not-for-profit festival that last year made donations to several causes, including The Children’s Hospice South West. 2015 will include double the camping to previous years and increased focus on youth-orientated daytime and evening entertainment and workshops.
Also expect excellent food and an extensive in-house cider and real ale bar.
August 28 – 30
ART AND LITERATURE
Arnolfini
Young Arnolfini, Black Kettle Collective and Ikon Youth Programme present a collaborative exhibition, And then we pulled the words apart, that explores language.
The three organisations have been granted free reign of the space, with each piece of artwork conceived and delivered collectively. Expect installation, film works, live performances, textiles and culture.
July 2 – 5
Summer Reading Challenge
Every year, during the summer holidays, Bristol’s Libraries host a rather special event. The Summer Reading Challenge is all about encouraging children to read during the holidays and develop a real love of reading.
Senior Librarian, Julia Ball, explains; “6,093 children took part last year, which was called “Mythical Maze”, with 57% going on to complete the challenge by reading at least six books.We hope that this year’s challenge, “Record Breakers”, will encourage more children than ever to get involved and gain their medal and certificate.”
The Summer Reading Challenge is being supported by Team Bristol and Bristol City Youth Council and is encouraging secondary school students to volunteer to support children by reading with them in the libraries and at home.
To find out more about the challenge, go to: www.bristol.gov.uk/page/leisure-and-culture/record-breakers-summer-reading-challenge-2015
To volunteer (regardless of age) to support the challenge, or to read with children in school: volunteerteam.bristol.gov.uk/opportunities/3672
Shaun in the City
A flock of 70 Shaun the Sheep sculptures will be in Bristol, each with its own unique design. Follow the Shaun in the City trail by downloading the official Sheep Spotter App.
All proceeds go to Wallace & Gromit’s Children’s Charity and The Grand Appeal. The exhibition will unite London and Bristol’s sculptures to form a Shaun extravaganza of 120 special sheep.
Trail: July 6 – August 31, exhibition: September 12 – 20
Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
From portraiture to satire to history painting, William Hogarth: Painter & Printmaker gives visitors of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery an opportunity to witness the most comprehensive collection of Hogarth’s work ever seen in the South West.
Hogarth’s uncompromising and bitterly satirical depiction of contemporary life, both rich and poor, indubitably earned the artist his iconic reputation.
Thanks to a unique collaboration with Tate Britain, this exhibition provides an extensive overview of the revolutionary and influential works produced by one of the leading figures in British art.
From renowned paintings to his works on paper, an 18th century punchbowl and his Analysis of Beauty; take a journey through the diverse range of subjects that were tackled by this ground-breaking painter and discover the little-known connection between the city of Bristol and the artist himself. Until August 31.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery
THEATRE
Medusa
Athens is cursed. King Theseus has only one desire – a son to inherit the throne. But every child born to him perishes after only a few hours.
Despair leads Theseus to seek terrifying answers, and a truth which will bring him eye-to-eye with the most hideous creature in the ancient world. Inspired by the heroism and derring-do of the Greek myths, this brand new legend devised by Bristol writer Adam Peck and director Toby Hulse is aimed at ages 7 years and older.
July 7-11, Bristol Old Vic Studio
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/medusa.html
Hetty Feather
From best-selling author Jacqueline Wilson, the tale of plucky Hetty Feather is brought to life on stage by award-winning script writer Emma Reeves and feted director Sally Cookson.
Join Hetty on her escape from the Foundling Hospital. Tremble as she faces Matron Stinking Bottomly, and thrill as she discovers the squirrel house and Tanglefields Travelling Circus. Gasp as she endures a night locked in the attic, quake as she braves the scary streets of Victorian London – and cheer as she overcomes all in the search to find her real mother and a true family of her own.
Featuring live circus action and an original musical score by the brilliant Benji Bower. Ages 7+.
July 17-19, Bristol Old Vic Theatre
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/hettyfeather.html
Around the World in 80 Days
Audiences at Tobacco Factory Theatres this July can prepare to be whisked around the world on a high-octane mix of clowning, live music and storytelling. New International Encounter’s adaptation of Jules Verne’s great globe-trotting epic Around the World in 80 Days promises a high-speed, madcap, transcontinental, race against the clock.
An international ensemble of six swap roles and instruments, with a piano becoming an elephant and suitcases making a steam ship, as Phileas Fogg and his faithful servant Passepartout aim to circumnavigate the globe in just 80 days. 1 hour 45 minutes, recommended for ages 6+.
July 1-18, Tobacco Factory Theatres
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/around_the_world_in_80_days
The Snot Rocket
After a sell-out opening run for their debut show The Pants of Power, Bristol’s Monkey Trousers Theatre return this summer for more high-octane antics for ages three to nine.
Aided by his ever-eager shop boy Sidney, there is nothing the puppet shopkeeper Mr Gotalot cannot find. But the conniving landlady Ms Barnet is determined to shut them down.
So when Captain Andromeda, professional space explorer, crash-lands her shuttle in the shop, the race is on. Can they help the space adventurer back on her way? 45 minutes.
July 5, Kelvin Studios, Bishopston
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/detail/mr_gotalots_gotalot_shop_the_snot_rocket1
Frozen
Bristol Hippodrome hosts this full screening of Disney’s family megahit, with lyrics on screen to help you sing along.
The show’s introduced by a live host who will show you how to use your free prop bag, warm up your singing lungs and teach you some dance moves with the help of the Singalonga Princesses. Come on an epic journey to find Anna’s sister Elsa, the Snow Queen and put an end to her icy spell. Ages 5+.
July 12, Hippodrome
www.atgtickets.com/shows/sing-a-long-a-frozen/bristol-hippodrome/#overview_tab
According to Arthur
Meet Arthur – an old man who lives alone in his attic unleashing his imagination through pen and paper. He never ventures outside: instead, he spends his time writing stories for the moon. But Arthur needs your help! The clouds have covered the sky and the moon is nowhere to be seen – and without it Arthur can’t finish his stories.
July 17-20, Alma Tavern Theatre
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatre/what-s-on
FILMS
Films on show include Pixar animation Inside Out, Song of the Sea and the first Asterix movie in eight years; Mansion of the Gods.
