22 things to do in Bristol this week, December 12-18 2022

Monday: 10th birthday celebrations, Small St Espresso
It’s the tenth anniversary of Bristol’s original speciality coffee shop. Join John, Chris and Tasha for celebratory cake and coffees being served all day at 2012 prices.

Small St Espresso remains at the vanguard of speciality coffee in Bristol – photo: Martin Booth

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Monday-Thursday: The Silent Twins, Watershed
Based on the best-selling book by Marjorie Wallace, this powerful film explores the lives of real-life identical twins June and Jennifer Gibbons, who refused to communicate with anyone but each other, retreating into their own fantasy world.

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Monday-January 15: The Snow Queen, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Join Gerda on her quest to the frozen north as she tries to save her best-friend Kaj from the wicked clutches of The Snow Queen. Bursting at the seams with acoustic music and brought to life by a multi-talented cast, this unforgettable folk tale is full of heart and a lot of laughter.

The Snow Queen is at Tobacco Factory Theatres until January 15 – photo: Mark Dawson

Monday: Bristol Cabot Choir Christmas Concert: Poulenc’s Gloria, Bristol Cathedral
It doesn’t get more festive than this. Set in the already magnificent settings of Bristol Cathedral, you’ll be serenaded by the incredibly talented Bristol Cabot Choir, bringing you beautifully performed carols – some you’ll even be familiar with and encouraged to join in.

Bristol Cathedral – photo: Rachel Sutherland

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Now-January 8: 169 Annual Open, RWA
The RWA’s renowned Annual Open Exhibition runs to the end of December. Visit the #RWA169 @rwabristol for a showcase of some of the most exciting artists from across the country and beyond. Spot something you like? All artwork is for sale and available to purchase through the RWA website and through the Own Art scheme which allows you to purchase work interest-free over a 10 month period.

The annual exhibition is an opportunity to discover a wide array of new artists – photo: Alice Hendy

Monday: Milk x Tonic x Story Slam – Fundraiser for the Pakistan Flood Appeal, The Wardrobe Theatre
Popular Bristol poetry/spoken word nights Milk Poetry, Tonic Poetry & Story Slam come together on Old Market to raise money in aid of the terrible floods in Pakistan. There will be music and poetry from exciting Bristol names you’ll know, and open mic slots to find some names that you will know soon enough.

The evening is the perfect opportunity to hear some fantastic performances, all in aid of a good cause – Photo: The Wardrobe Theatre

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Until January 8: Belle & Sebastien, Bristol Old Vic
This Christmas join Travelling Light Theatre Company and Bristol Old Vic for a classic family tale based on the children’s story by Cécile Aubry. Belle and Sebastien – it follows two kindred spirits as they adventure into the wild to escape and discover themselves. For ages 4+.

Belle and Sebastien is Bristol Old Vic’s Christmas production this year – Photo: Bristol Old Vic

Tuesday: The rise and fall of Edward Colston, Bishopsworth Library
The final event of this year’s South Bristol History Festival will see Roger Ball and Mark Steeds expose Colston’s significant role in the transatlantic slave-trade and his reinvention by a business elite as an icon in the Victorian period; and then outline the successful tactics of the Countering Colston campaigners ahead of the toppling of Colston’s statue in June 2020.

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Tuesday-December 23: BS3 Santa, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Come and see Santa live on stage in this enchanting, interactive show. Fresh off a sell-out run of Ben Elton’s West End comedy The Upstart Crow, established British comic actor Stewart Wright is returning home to Bristol to bring Father Christmas to life.

BS3 Santa – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Tuesday: Queer Life Drawing, Cafe Kino
A queer-led life drawing session in the Stokes Croft community space. Tickets include necessary drawing materials, and there will be activities to prompt/inspire you on the day, or you’re welcome to run away with your imagination.

The December session will act as a tester to see if more regular sessions can be hosted in the new year – Photo: Cafe Kino

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Tuesday: The Oil Machine, Watershed
Oil has been an invisible machine at the core of our economy and society. Now it faces an uncertain future as activists and investors demand change. Could this be the end of oil? This film brings together a wide range of voices from oil company executives, economists, young activists, pension fund managers and considers how this machine can be tamed, dismantled, or repurposed. Followed by a panel discussion with guests from Just Stop Oil, XR Bristol and more.

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Throughout December: Christmas Spiegeltent, Harbourside
Bristol’s most unique pop-up venue, Christmas at the Spiegeltent, returns for its 10th Anniversary! Bringing a smorgasbord of events ranging from family friendly events to cabarets to club nights you can find something for everybody.

The Spiegeltent is celebrating it’s 10th anniversary this year – Photo: Christmas Spiegeltent

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Wednesday – December 31: Aladdin, Redgrave Theatre
Join us on a thrilling magic carpet ride and an adventure of a lifetime as Aladdin flies into The Redgrave Theatre this Christmas. So don’t delay, book your tickets today and enjoy Bristol’s finest festive treat which is suitable for anyone aged 3-103!

Aladdin comes to Redgrave Theatre this December – Photo: Redgrave Theatre

Wednesday: Brakery, Cosies
Bringing the perfect combination of jazz, soul and world music, Bakery cartel have become the one stop shop for serious grooves since moving to Bristol this year. They will be hosting some of their nearest and dearest at Cosies this week for a funky knees-up.

Thursday: Christmas street party, Lower Redland Road
It’s the first ever Lower Redland Road street party, with the road closed to traffic and The Bristol Artisan, Burra and Wild Oats celebrating their community from 6pm to 9pm. Take advantage of late store opening and enjoy a range of family friendly treats including wreath making classes at The Bristol Artisan, festive-themed takeaway food and drink at Burra, and carol singing at Wild Oats.

Burra manager Adèle Thomasset alongside Burra co-owners Jake Heenan (left) and Luke Morahan (right) – photo: Rogan Thomson

Thursday: The Flag Fen Project, Exchange
Uncanny vibrations for the winter solstice, as techno-dub-folk-rockers Flag Fen launch new single ANGELUS. Support comes from noise-pop quartet Shoun Shoun and industrial techno improv duo Harpoon.

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Friday: Bristol Beacon Presents: Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon, SWX
Charlotte Church’s Late Night Pop Dungeon’s genre-fluid set has become the stuff of festival legend, and – deep breath – this will be their final ever tour. CCLNPD levels up a sparkly jukebox of anthems spanning from En Vogue to Bowie and Kate Bush to Nine Inch Nails – often appearing in the same mashed up medley. Fronted by Charlotte Church (yeah, that one!) backed by post-punk-disco-R’n’R’n’B band, this nine-piece are ready to deliver-deliver-deliver pop bangers and forgotten classics. Tickets are running low so don’t miss out on this final chance to experience the show!

Friday: Comedy on the Clock, Clock Factory
One of Bristol’s newest nighttime venues tries its hand in the comedy game – opening its doors a little earlier than usual to bring you a lineup of surprisingly well-established comedians, for only £4.

Saturday: Idle Hands Xmas Party 2022, Strange Brew
The record store that has been at the centre of the Bristol music scene for the past decade hosts its annual festive throwdown at the Brew. Expect an eclectic collection of  Bristol’s finest DJs, and festive vibes-a-many.

https://www.instagram.com/p/ClWYEBgOq94/

Sunday: Die Hard (1988), Four Quarters
It’s almost an indisputable fact that Die Hard is one of the greatest Christmas movies of all time. Watch the epic Bruce Willis flick in the basement cinema settings of Four Quarters on Park Street.

And coming soon…

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December 31: Alfresco Disco: Light Box NYE, Secret Location
Alfresco Disco is the collective responsible for some of Bristol’s most audacious events. For this NYE they’ve secured the keys to an amazing disused factory in central Bristol – expect multiple soundsystems across a stunning industrial playground. As always, the line-up will remain under wraps until the day – previous guests have included Axel Boman, Shanti Celeste, Eats Everything, Marshall Jefferson and DJ Die.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CkN1AEujYSC/

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December 31: Obsidian NYE with Booty Bass and Shade Cartel, Trinity Centre
Booty Bass join forces with Shade Cartel to celebrate the end of the year in the best way possible, providing a space dominated by diverse divas. Get ready for an immersive experience, your senses will be set alight from the moment you walk in. Leave your inhibitions at the door, this is where energy comes to ignite. Proud of our similarities and differences; This is where you can be your most authentic self.

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January 1: Space Jungle New Year’s Day Rave, Trinity Centre
Head to Trinity on New Year’s Day for a family friendly day rave with the whole family, dressed as your favourite Space Animal! Featuring music from Junior Jungle, Simon Panrucker, DJ Cheeba and more, alongside crafts from Let’s Make Art.

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January 22: Bristol Beacon Presents: Kayhan Kalhor & Erdal Erzincan, St George’s Bristol
The ongoing collaborations between Iranian artist Kayhan Kalhor and Erdal Erzincan fuse the respective traditions of Persia and Ottoman Turkey. Each draws on the folk and classical heritage of their homeland, with Grammy Award winner Kalhor being an acclaimed player of the kamancheh, a Persian spiked fiddle, whilst Erzincan is renowned for his mastery of the Turkish baglama, a long-necked lute. Ever since the pair released their album The Wind in 2006 they have continued to collaborate, their vibrant virtuosic explorations of Middle Eastern classical instrumentation creating striking and trance-like arrangements.

Read next:

• 54 things to do in Bristol in December 2022
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• Mayk’s demostage is back to help early ideas take shape

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