22 things to do in Bristol this week, December 5 – 11 2022

Monday: People’s Art Fair: December, PRSC
While the December edition of People’s Republic of Stokes Croft’s monthly art fair has a festive theme, it’s certainly not the main focus. With work from over 70 artists being shown, all as unique as the next, there will be arty workshops and live poetry performances to keep you entertained whilst you browse.

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Continuous: Free Exhibitions, RWA
Exhibitions held in the Kenny and History Galleries are always free to all. Why not come for a cuppa and cake in our newly refurbished cafe, and take a stroll through our stunning, landmark, grade II listed building? Currently on display are the Academician candidates all hoping to be elected as members and the Heritage display explores the RWA’s long and fascinating history, showcasing significant pieces from the permanent collection as its backdrop.

RWA is continuously running free exhibitions, always open to the public – photo: Alice Hendy

Tuesday: Drink and Draw, Tobacco Factory
Cosy up in the Tobacco Factory snug with other creative folk and draw the night away. Materials and equipment will be provided, but you’re also encouraged to bring your own should you wish. There will be inspiration in the form of cheap charity shop trinkets to get the brain moving and a large ‘communal doodle’ to get involved in too.

Tobacco Factory – photo: Martin Booth

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Monday – 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

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Tuesday: Christmas After Hours, RWA
It’s not too late to book into our Christmas After Hours event on Tuesday, 6 to 9pm. Soak up the atmosphere of the RWA galleries, and join us for creative workshops, drinks, and music at our exclusive After Hours event. Why not take part in our Christmas Card workshop with Sophie Rae, and create your own unique Christmas card? Price of entry includes a welcome drink.

RWA After Hours is a great opportunity to view the gallery in a relaxed evening environment – photo: Lisa Whiting

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Wednesday: Heartless Bastards, Exchange
Helmed by Erika Wennerstrom, Heartless Bastards are a “roots-rock band” (Rolling Stone). At the centre of the Austin-based group’s sound sits Wennerstrom’s distinct voice, “exquisitely engaging in its world-weary twang” (Pitchfork). Following on from their 2015 album ‘Restless Ones’, which established “Heartless Bastards as a straightforward arena-rock band” (Pitchfork), their new record ‘A Beautiful Life’ further expands the band’s sound palette. Encompassing elements of French pop, Celtic folk, post-punk and space rock, ‘A Beautiful Life’ showcases Wennerstrom’s reflective, radiant songwriting. Alongside longtime Heartless Bastards bassist Jesse Ebaugh, the album features members of My Morning Jacket, Okkervil River, and White Denim.

Wednesday: E.T – 40th Anniversary Screening, Arnos Vale Cemetery
A truly unmissable opportunity to witness one of Spielberg’s – and cinema’s – greatest triumphs in a unique Bristol location as part of Bristol Film Festival. Bring your warm clothes, grab a drink from their pop up bar and take your seat in the chapel for the picture.

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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

Thursday: Debauched Tales, Cloak & Dagger
Continuing their monthly evening of open mic-esque readings of erotic/saucy poetry and literature, this months instalment promises to be equally as (if not more) naughty as before – but with a slight festive twist.

The Cloak and Dagger – photo: Miles Arnold

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Friday: Jamz Supernova, Strange Brew
Jamz Supernova is a trailblazing tastemaker. Across the many facets of her work – which takes in being a DJ, broadcaster for Radio 1Xtra and BBC 6music, podcast host and heading up her Future Bounce label – Jamz focuses on platforming global sounds and uplifting emerging talent. As a DJ, Jamz this global outlook is channelled into eclectic selections that span UK funky, underground club cuts, breakbeat and more. A regular on the UK and European festival and club circuit, she’s played at the likes of Glastonbury, The Warehouse Project, We Out Here and Outlook.

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Opens Friday: 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.

Friday: Tales of Adventure: Christmas Special, Bristol Improv Theatre
The ever popular improvised live Dungeons & Dragons session takes on a festive twist this week, as our heroes adventure through audience suggestions, battling (hopefully) festive themed enemies in order to save Christmas, or something like that anyway.

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Opens Friday: Tee off in style with Par 59 – Bristol’s hottest new mini golf venue
BIG PUTTS DON’T LIE! Opening on December 9, Par 59 is Bristol’s hottest new venue to socialise, relax and enjoy the competitive world of mini golf. Based on Millennium Promenade, find 15,000 square feet of stylish bar and restaurant space, a separate darts room and two custom-made, mini golf courses designed to test your competitive edge.

PAR 59 is the latest addition to Bristol’s gaming entertainment scene – photo: Par 59

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Saturday: Home is Where the Horror is All Nighter, Watershed
Five terrifying horror films exploring the darkness of the domestic, the familiar, and the familial. This is horror as the gods of cinema intended: as a multiple bill, in a dark room surrounded by other enthusiastic fans. Join us for ten horrific hours. The question is… can you survive the whole night?

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Saturday: Afriquoi, Trinity Centre
Underground sensation Afriquoi bring an uplifting fusion of African music and live electronics to Trinity. Their masterful six-piece live show combines Gambian kora, Congolese guitar and Mandinka percussion styles with electronic music drawing on house, soca, hip hop, soul, and jungle to create something entirely unique.

Saturday: Xaman X – EP Launch!, Old Market Assembly
One of the most exciting new tropical bass/electronic cumbia acts to come out of Bristol, Xaman X, celebrate the launch of their debut self-titled EP with a launch party at Old Market Assembly. There will be performances from the band themselves, and an opportunity to purchase the EP, released on Friday.

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Saturday & Sunday: Made in Bristol Gift Fair, Bristol Beacon
Shop local this Christmas at the exquisitely curated Made in Bristol Gift Fair at Bristol Beacon. Discover up-to 100 artists, over six floors, at two more colourful weekenders. Grab yourself a coffee, take a friend and pick up unique gifts for someone you love.

The Made in Bristol gift fair is back for 2022 – photo: Made in Bristol

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Saturday & Sunday: Victorian Christmas Weekends, SS Great Britain
Meet a host of Victorian characters including Old Father Christmas and discover falling snow in the dockyard. New for 2022, they are open until 6.30pm to allow you to experience a Victorian Christmas by night with live music.

Experience Christmas of years past at SS Great Britain this weekend – photo: SS Great Britain

Sunday: Gremlins (1984), Four Quarters Cinema
Upstairs is filled with retro arcade games as far as the eye can see. As for downstairs, well, what if we told you there’s a secret basement cinema, where everyone’s favourite Christmas classic Gremlins is being screened? Need more convincing? It’s free. Still need more? You’re allowed to bring/order your own food to the screening. (Not your own drinks, though, sorry.)

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Sunday: Not on Amazon Mid-Winter Market, Trinity Centre
Head to Trinity for a free, winter market, featuring independent sellers from Bristol and beyond, spread across both floors of Trinity with 50 stall holders selling all kinds of artwork, cards, prints, clothing, ceramics, glasswork, jewellery and lots more. At Not on Amazon Mid-Winter Market there is something for everyone to enjoy – the bar will be serving winter warming drinks and vegan/vegetarian food will be available from Gopal’s Curry Shack. Professor Panic with his Coat Of A Hundred Pockets is around to entertain the family alongside a line up of acoustic musicians.

The Not on Amazon market is the perfect place to bag yourself a unique gift for friends and family – photo: Trinity Centre

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.

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Main photo: Duchess Media

Read more: 54 things to do in Bristol in December 2022

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