Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2024

2024 promises to be a culturally rich year for Bristol.

From theatre and comedy to visual arts, books and spoken word to circus and dance, and the annual festivals we all look forward to, there is bound to be something to suit all tastes.

Bristol24/7 shares a selection of exciting dates from the upcoming calendar.

Next Level, Pirate Studios and Bristol Beacon, early 2024 (dates to be announced)

The exciting artist development programme returns in 2024, with applications opening early in the New Year (follow @bigteamcic for updates). Successful applicants will have the chance to develop their musical talents in the studio under the mentorship of some huge names in the Bristol music scene, culminating in a performance at Bristol Beacon. The project is delivered in partnership with Big Team CIC, Bristol Beacon, Pirate Studios, HeyWhat!, BoomTown and Love Saves the Day Festival.

The People’s Comedy, PRSC Space, January 5

A welcome chance to banish the post-Christmas blues with a night of political, social and cultural comedy in the heart of Stokes Croft. The lineup promises to feature some of the most exciting grassroots comedians of Bristol and beyond.

ONE YEAR! Photographs from the miners’ strike 1984/5, Martin Parr Foundation, January 18-March 31

To coincide with the 40th anniversary of the miners’ strike, this exhibition will look at the vital role photographs played during the year-long struggle against pit closures, including many materials drawn from the Martin Parr Foundation collection. The miners’ strike was one of Britain’s longest and most bitter industrial disputes, the repercussions of which continue to be felt throughout the country today.

Blue Monday Comedy Night, Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, January 15

Comedian, podcaster, mental health and climate change speaker Stuart Goldsmith returns to host a night of stand-up on the third Monday in January, banishing the blues on what is supposedly the most depressing day of the year. A sparkling lineup of comics will join him at Bristol Beacon, with all profits going to local mental health charity, Bristol Mind.

Tobi Lakmaker: The History of My Sexuality, Storysmith Books, January 25

For the first in Storysmith’s event calendar for 2024, Lakmaker will be at the North St store to share “this landmark document of queer abandon” with readers, now available in a UK edition.

Julia Masli: ha ha ha ha ha ha ha, The Wardrobe Theatre, January 25-27

Rightly esteeemed as a hilarious and tender clown performer, Masli turned the comedy scene on its head last summer with an intimate, improvised clown show in which she attempted to fix the audience’s problems. The show was beloved by many comedians, nominated for the prestigious Edinburgh Comedy Award, and is now touring.

Bristol Light Festival, multiple city centre locations, February 2-11

The award-winning free annual festival attracts record visitor numbers for the darkest time of the year, bringing revenue to the city centre and spreading light and cheer through a range of inventive and enchanting installations. Confirmed works for the 2024 event include the world premiere of Studio McGuire’s Ascendance.

The Love Inn 10th Birthday, The Love Inn, February 2-4

Hailed by local music lovers for its music programming and commitment to creating a space for like-minded individuals, The Love Inn in Stokes Croft is best known for its contribution to the underground dance scene in Bristol. The venue celebrates its 10th year over the first weekend in February, joined by some big UK names in underground dance music, along with homegrown Bristol talent.

These Mad Hybrids: John Hoyland and Contemporary Sculpture, RWA, February 3-May 12

In this exhibition, Hoyland’s ceramic sculptures – which he termed his “mad little hybrids” are placed in dialogue with contemporary sculpture pieces by artists including Phyllida Barlow and Hew Locke.

Poetry for the Many, Lantern Hall, Bristol Beacon, February 6

Raise the Bar proudly presents an evening of readings, performances and discussions featuring Jeremy Corbyn, Len McClusky and other guest speakers. In this sparkling anthology they discuss the poems that have moved and enlightened them. Their choices travel over centuries and continents, with poets ranging from Shakespeare and Juana de la Cruz, through William Blake and Emily Dickinson, to Bertolt Brecht, Stevie Smith and Linton Kwesi Johnson. Poems were selected by guest contributors who include Michael Rosen, Gary Younge, Melissa Benn, and many more.

Poor Things, The Cube, February 11-13

Yorgos Lanthimos is the director behind cult cinematic hits including The Lobster and Dogtooth. Emma Stone stars in his adaptation of Alasdair Gray’s 1992 novel, updating the Frankenstein story into a provocative feminist fairy tale that takes place in an alternate 19th century reality.

CIEL, The Louisiana, February 13

CIEL’s music has a nagging yet fresh, dark and sometimes quietly glorious quality to it. Combining their love of fuzzy indie rock, goth and shoegaze, the band’s broody and gritty music is tempered by the soft, icy, but emotive melodies of singer Michelle Hindriks.

Out of the Wardrobe, The Wardrobe Theatre, February 16

The first in a brand new LGBTQ+ showcase night, presented by Chuckle Busters and Morgan Rees, featuring the best queer comedians on the UK circuit. The confirmed headliner for the inaugural show is Bristol’s own Jayde Adams.

A Very Expensive Poison, Circomedia (Bristol Old Vic Theatre School production), February 17-24

His name was Alexander Litvinenko. A former Russian intelligence officer turned vocal Putin critic, granted asylum in Britain – but his outspoken opposition would prove fatal. Seen profoundly through the eyes of Litvinenko’s grieving wife Marina, award-winning playwright Lucy Prebble untangles the events of a shocking assassination on British soil, based on Luke Harding’s gripping novel.

Gruff Rhys, Strange Brew, February 22-23

Bastion of the ‘cool Cymru’ movement, Gruff Rhys comes to Strange Brew for two nights of alt-rock and chamber pop, with special guests to boot.

Simple Things Festival 2024, multiple venues including Bristol Beacon, Rough Trade, SWX, Lakota, Strange Brew and The Love Inn, February 23-29

Bristol’s beloved multi-venue music festival celebrates its 10th anniversary with events spanning an entire week, and a host of acts including Max Cooper, Jessica Winter and Warmduscher. The primary festival day takes place on Saturday 24, with both day and night tickets on offer. Fever Ray headlines the closing concert at Bristol Beacon on Thursday 29.

The Anti Banquet, Ashton Gate Stadium, February 29

Rewriting the rules of what a banquet should be and turning the concept of a charity dinner on its head, The Anti Banquet is the brainchild of Josh Eggleton (The Pony Chew Valley, Kensington Arms, Salt & Malt). Aimed at Bristol businesses, this charity dinner is for members of staff who wouldn’t usually attend events like this, and the plot twist is that instead of enjoying an evening of merriment, the bosses, CEOs and directors will be helping in the kitchen and serving the tables, under the watchful eye and guidance of some of our city’s biggest names in hospitality. All proceeds will be going to the Bristol Local Food Fund, in order to benefit those who need it the most.

We The Curious reopening, early 2024 (dates to be confirmed)

The science centre is set to reopen after the disastrous fire on its roof in April 2022 led to protracted closure. Since losing its home, the organisation has been operating in locations all over the city, with over 6,000 participants in its summer holiday community programmes.

Fin Taylor: Ask Your Mother, 1532 Performing Arts Theatre, March 2

The star of viral hit web series Fin vs The Internet and regular face on the BBC’s Live at The Apollo, Have I Got News for You and The Mash Report, Taylor has built up a reputation as a sharp-tongued provocateur “making influencers squirm”. He brings a new hour on the road for 2024. Just don’t tell your mother.

The Conqueer Weekend, Loco Klub, March 9-10

And once more from the belly of the beast ψ(｀∇´)ψ Conqueer’s first multi-room event of 2024 births a weekend-long group art exhibition, “crying forth immersive and multimedia work from the fresh lungs of queer artists”. Expect an eclectic mix of performance art, interactive art, painting, photography, moving image, 3D animation, mural, sculpture, installation, fashion and audio work, with free entry to the exhibition on the Sunday.

Acts of Creation: On Art and Motherhood, Arnolfini, March 9-June 2

A major group exhibition from Hayward Gallery Touring, Acts of Creation presents the art of motherhood as a lived experience, placing the artist mother front and centre. Over 100 works have been curated for the collection, together encompassing “the joys and heartaches, mess, myths and mishaps of motherhood”.

An Evening with Armistead Maupin, St George’s Bristol, March 15

Now adapted into an award-winning Netflix series, Maupin’s Tales of the City has been reflecting LGBTQ+ and US popular culture since the 1970s, when it was first published as a column in the San Francisco Chronicle. Joined by a special guest host for this literary tour, Maupin will be discussing his 10th novel in the series – Mona of the Manor.

Romesh Ranganathan: Hustle, Bristol Beacon, March 22-23

Following a sell-out tour in 2022, Romesh is back on the road with a new show exploring humanity. “Are people inherently good?” he asks. “Is hustling the key to success? Or is all this a load of rubbish we’ve made up to keep people working hard for no reason?”

Grace Petrie, Trinity Centre, March 23

Folk hero and activist Grace Petrie has been touring relentlessly since first coming to national attention in during the age of austerity in Britain with her 2012 anthemic album Farewell to Welfare. She has been winning over audiences with her characteristic delivery ever since.

The Passion of Living Spit, Tobacco Factory Theatres, March 29-April 13

In his final months, the late Howard Coggins expressed his fervent wish that Living Spit should continue their work in his honour, and that is exactly what they are doing. Writer and star Stu Mcloughlin will be joined in this “most divine comedy of all time” by Peta Maurice and Beverly Rudd, who recently starred as Fagin in the excellent Oliver Twist.

Lyra – Bristol Poetry Festival, multiple venues, April 12-21

The city-wide celebration of Bristol’s thriving poetry landscape returns for 10 days, with a yet-to-be-released programme of events, screenings, lectures and performances from poets and speakers based locally, as well as national and international artists. An all-day Lyra takeover at St George’s – featuring a reading from UK Poet Laureate Simon Armitage – will also include the prestigious Bristol Poetry Grand Slam Final, a chance to see 10 of Bristol’s finest wordsmiths battle it out to be crowned the 2023 Lyra Bristol Poetry Slam Champion. The winning poet will need to impress the judging panel as well as the audience, who have the biggest say of all. Raucous, energetic and passionate, this is an audience favourite at Lyra Festival and a landmark event in Bristol’s cultural calendar.

Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, The Marble Factory, April 19

The mash-up you didn’t know you needed, as grunge meets the original rock ‘n’ roll star. Once you see them, it makes perfect sense.

Spike Island Open Studios, Spike Island, May 3-5

An ever-popular weekend in the art calendar, Spike Island will once more open the doors to its 70+ studios. The event gives visitors a chance to find out more about the huge variety of work being made at Spike Island, as well as exploring the labyrinthine corridors of the former tea-packing factory.

Mayfest, multiple venues, May (exact dates to be confirmed)

MAYK’s biennal festival of contemporary theatre, also encompassing dance, live art, film and installation, returns this May. Expect an eclectic, provocative and intoxicating programme from an inspiring array of artists.

Hamilton, Bristol Hippodrome, April 30-June 22

Lin-Manuel Miranda’s multi-award-winning, worldwide sensation comes to Bristol for a six week run. It tells the story of American founding father, Alexander Hamilton, an immigrant from the West Indies who went on to play an integral role during the Revolutionary War and helped to draft the U.S. constitution.

DIASPORA!, multiple venues, May 3-6

A brand new festival for Bristol and the regions in 2024 will seek to showcase BIPOC Global Ethnic Majority artists from the city’s different diasporas. Set to be piloted across the early May bank holiday weekend, DIASPORA! is produced and developed by the Diverse Artists Network (DAN), an organisation that supports and amplifies both creatives and events in Bristol that celebrate diverse communities.

Piaf, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic, May 3-11

Once the highest paid performer in the world, singer Edith Piaf was plagued by personal tragedy and an addiction to morphine, dying at just 47. Featuring some of her greatest songs performed with a live band, this production charts her story. Piaf will be Bristol School of Acting’s first ever show at Bristol Old Vic, performed by graduating Stage & Screen degree students.

Wild Isles Live, Bristol Beacon, May 11

Alastair Fothergill OBE, the acclaimed executive producer and former head of the BBC Natural History Unit presents a spectacular, live, big-screen experience of Sir David Attenborough’s current BBC series, celebrating the UK’s extraordinary natural world.

Jonny & The Baptists: The Happiness Index / Ten Thankless Years, Tobacco Factory Theatres, May 12

The award-winning cult musical comedy duo are bringing Bristol two shows in one night: a retrospective of their first decade making satirical – and often joyfully silly – shows, as well as a personal and political hour about the enduring quest for happiness.

Shindig Festival, Dillington Estate, Somerset, May 23-26

Signalling the start of the summer, Shindig Festival is the May weekender beloved of many Bristolians, and recommended by Glastonbury Festival’s Emily Eavis. In recent years the event has been going from strength to strength and will be celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2024. The chosen dress-up theme for this special edition of the festival is magical creatures, leaving revellers plenty of time to perfect their outfits. The lineup is expected to be released in January.

Dot to Dot, multiple venues, May 25

The two city multi-venue, metropolitan musical weekender is back, with acts appearing in Bristol on May 25 and Nottingham the following day. This year’s lineup includes Jockstrap, Aziya, Florry, Jianbo, Mary in the Junkyard and Nate Brazier.

Love Saves the Day 2024, Ashton Court, May 25-26

Marking the start of summer and end of exams for many, Love Saves is a firm favourite for Bristolian music lovers. With a licensed capacity of 30,000 attendees per day, 2024 will see the event is set across eight high production stages, bringing together a lineup from across a wide spectrum of UK music. The programmes is expected to be announced early in the new year.

Festival of Nature, multiple venues, June 1-9

Billed as “the UK’s biggest free celebration of the natural world”, the Natural History Consortium-led festival is back for early summer, with a raft of events to suit all ages.

AfroFest Bristol Music & Dance Festival 2024, Trinity Arts, June 15

One day outdoor summer festival showcasing the best of African culture through fashion, dance, art and music. Also featuring activities for children with under-5s going free.

Bristol Sounds, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, June 22, 23, 30

With plenty more to be announced, confirmed acts so far for the popular summer series include welsh metal and reggae fusion band Skindred, dub-royalty – Gentleman’s Dub Club, 90s grunge legends The Breeders, Ty Segall and Squid.

Trusty Hogs Live!, Hen & Chicken Studio, July 10

Stand-ups Catherine Bohart and Helen Bauer take their smash-hit podcast on the road, with support from Andrew White. They promise an evening of “unmissable chaos”.

Bristol Pride Day, The Downs, July 13

Following the Pride Parade, the vibrant outdoor multi-stage festival in celebration of the LGBT+ community will once more take place on The Downs, with music, performances, community and family areas alongside food and drink, markets and more. If previous years are anything to go by, tens of thousands will be expected to attend, and there will be many exceptional outfits on show.

Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside, July 19-21

The annual free celebration of all things nautical returns for one of the biggest weekends in the Bristol cultural calendar. Expect circus, music and a vibrant range of stalls and food vendors alongside all the water-based marvels.

Sirens, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, summer (dates to be confirmed)

Bristol’s leading drum and bass festival will once again have crowds heading to the Harbourside for three nights of non-stop DJ sets and dance music this summer. Last year’s festival saw the godfathers of drum and bass, Fabio & Grooverider with The Outlook Orchestra, dancehall and reggae royalty Sean Paul and chart-topping DJ and record producer Wilkinson take to the stage. The hugely anticipated lineup for 2024 is soon to be announced.

Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake, August 1-4

The self-proclaimed “best-tasting music festival in the South West”, has announced Sister Sledge, Sophie Ellis Bextor, Tinie Tempah, The Feeling and The Skids will be amongst the acts playing in 2024. Just nine miles from Bristol, the family-friendly event is set in the beautiful surroundings of Chew Valley Lake, which is a backdrop that takes some beating.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court, August 8-11

Europe’s largest ballooning event will take over Ashton Court for four days of family fun, with activities including displays, balloon tethering, musical performances and the legendary Night Glow. Assuming the weather is kind, hot air balloon fans will also be treated to daily mass assents, which are a spectacle from wherever in the city that you can see them.

Massive Attack: Act 1.5, The Downs, August 25

Massive Attack are landing on home turf for the first time in five years to put on a hugely anticipated performance that also aims to be the lowest carbon show of its scale ever staged. The Bristol trip-hop legends have been engaged in climate activism for 25 years. They are now working with climate scientists and analysts at the Tyndall Centre for Climate Change Research to help spearhead the significant change that is required to reduce emissions across the live touring industry.

FORWARDS 2024, The Downs, August 31-September 1

Returning after a triumphant second instalment led by Aphex Twin and Erykah Badu, FORWARDS will be back for its third year in 2024. Establishing itself as more than just a metropolitan music festival, the event holds the space for debate and understanding of political and cultural issues at its heart, through talks and discussions to accompany the undeniably strong musical talent on offer. All this, enhanced by some of the best food traders in the region.

The Noise Next Door: Freewheeling, Bristol Improv Theatre, September 6-7

12-time Edinburgh Fringe veterans The Noise Next Door are back for a tour with a difference: this one’s improvised. Join them for a show that’s brand new every day, all based on audience suggestions.

Encounters Film Festival, Watershed, September 27-30

First launched in 1995, the annual film festival has been helping to foster connections in the filmmaker community, building audiences and amplifying its art form ever since. Alongside multiple screenings, the programme will include workshops, masterclasses, and industry networking opportunities.

Attitude Festival, The Exchange, October 19

A one day feast for alt-rock, post-rock and punk fans, with all bands “crammed into one venue across two stages with no clashes”. Previous lineups have been curated on the basis of bringing together acts “on the brink of greatness” for a huge, and inevitably sweaty, party.

Bristol Palestine Film Festival, multiple venues including Watershed and The Cube, November 30-December 8

The annual BPFF showcases the best in contemporary Palestinian cinema, arts and culture.

Main photo: Nathan Roach (Shindig Festival)

Read more: Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2023

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