18 things to look forward to in Bristol during 2018

1. Being Brunel
Step into the mind of Isambard Kingdom Brunel as he is brought to life with never-before-seen personal possessions, documents and artefacts when SS Great Britain‘s new museum opens.

2. Jonathan Pie
Frustrated news reporter (and revered cult comic) Jonathan Pie is back at Colston Hall on March 30, with more of his take-downs of British politics and an evening of searing satire.

3. Gromit Unleashed 2
A trio of familiar faces will return to Bristol’s streets this summer, with a new art trail featuring Wallace, Gromit and nemesis Feathers McGraw. In other Aardman news, their latest film Early Man gets a cinema release this month.

4. Pasta Ripiena
The second restaurant from the team at Pasta Loco will open later this year on St Stephen’s Street, in the Old City. Cousins Ben Harvey and Dominic Borel say it will be the UK’s first dedicated ravioli bar.

5. Bristol Old Vic
When the Old Vic’s new foyer opens in summer 2018, the theatre’s facade will be able to be seen from King Street for the very first time in its proud history. Among other changes, there will also be a new studio theatre, improved Coopers’ Hall and celebration of the theatre’s archives.

6. Yxng Bane
Signed to Tinie Tempah’s Disturbing London label and on the BBC Sound of 2018 longlist, Yxng Bane shot to attention last year with a dancehall remix of Ed Sheeran’s Shape Of You. Catch a live PA at SWX on February 2.

7. MetroBus
The £230m transport system was due to begin operating in the city by the end of last year. But work on the ticketing and information system is “taking time to get right,” according to Metrobus.

8. Circus 250
Bristol is world renowned as a centre of circus, with companies such as Circomedia, Cirque Bijou and The Invisible Circus. Circus 250 is set to be a UK-wide celebration of 250 years of circus in 2018, with plenty of events expected to be happening in Bristol.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DvxddI-OyiM

9. Wild & Well
Taking place over the weekend of October 20 and 21, Wild & Well promises to be a new style of wellbeing event, with events in city centre venues such as M Shed, We The Curious and Watershed, and outdoor activities taking place at Ashton Court Estate.

10. England v India T20
Gloucestershire’s Brightside Ground will host England and India in an international T20 on the afternoon of July 8, with a record-breaking sell-out crowd expected in Ashley Down for the match.

11. Mayfest
Bristol’s unique international festival of contemporary theatre returns this year after its first sabbatical in 2017, promising more unusual, playful and ambitious work from leading theatre makers from Bristol, the UK and beyond.

12. St George’s
The newly transformed St George’s is due to be unveiled in February 2018, with a new foyer and box office, new gallery space, improved backstage facilities, and the restoration and opening up of the 19th century gardens.

13. Burger Bear
A burger restaurant that has built up a cult following in London is due to open on the site on Gloucester Road that was most recently Bagel Boy. Founder Tom Reaney told Bristol24/7: “Bristol can look forward to The Grizzly Bear with our signature bacon jam, and me and my hospitality!”

14. Sigrid
Norway’s Sigrid Solbakk Raabe found her voice on a series of stunning Scandipop bangers that triggered a record label bidding war. Her stage presence shows a confidence and charisma that belies her 21 years. She plays at Motion on March 17.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NgNq1wgaNYo

15. Love Saves The Day
Fatboy Slim will be playing his first ever Bristol festival in 2018 when he headlines the Saturday night of Love Saves The Day in Eastville Park. 2017 Mercury Prize winner Sampha tops the bill on Sunday, with this year’s festival taking place on May 26 and 27.

16. St Paul’s Carnival 
It’s still far from a certainty, but all the signs look good for the carnival returning to the streets of St Paul’s for the first time since 2014. It’s set to be a big year regardless, as the carnival celebrates its 50th birthday – no doubt in truly colourful style.

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17. Bristol Balloon Fiesta
The event’s 40th anniversary will take place at Ashton Court from August 9 to 12, once again featuring more than 100 hot air balloons taking off at dawn and dusk as well as the famous night glows, and special anniversary events yet to be announced.

18.  Joanna Lumley
Joanna Lumley’s first ever live tour comes to Bristol on October 18. She promises to take audiences through a showbusiness career spanning more than four decades, recounting some never-before-heard stories.