31 things to do in Bristol this week, December 11-17 2023

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Now-December 23: Chicken Run: Dawn of the nugget, Watershed
From our local very own animation studio Aardman comes the cluck-tastic sequel to the highest-grossing stop-motion animated film of all time.

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Now-January 7: Four Seasons | Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic
From the Olivier Award-winning Little Bulb (CBEEBIES’ The Nutcracker) comes a wonderfully festive family show. Roam through snowy forests and twirling leaves on an enchanting journey into the heart of nature. Expect innovative theatre featuring puppetry, dance and clowning fun!

Four Seasons – photo: Bristol Old Vic

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Monday-Thursday: Anselm, Watershed
Shot especially in 3D, Wenders takes you on an expansive and experiential voyage of discovery of one of the world’s most prominent artists Anselm Kiefer.

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Now-December 30: Christmas at Mum’s, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Returning to Tobacco Factory Theatres, the Sisters invite you for a riotous Christmas at Mum’s. Join them as they crash land home; expect there to be Karaoke (Y Viva España anyone?), a prawn ring and Sister Mary Berry’s festive bangers with all the trimmings. Tickets from £15.

Christmas at Mums – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Monday: ‘The Film that buys the cinema’, The Cube
Celebrating exactly a decade since the success of the community fundraiser that enabled the Dove Street cinema to purchase the building which it resides in, allowing it unfettered freedom to support the arts it’s now known citywide for. In celebration, they will be screening the film that helped raise the money “The film that buys the cinema”, alongside a new short created in retrospect.

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Now-January 6: Arabian Nights | Bristol Old Vic’s Festive Blockbuster, Bristol Old Vic
Schere has the quickest wits, greatest courage and most marvellous stories. Now she plans to liberate every young woman in the Kingdom from the greedy, tyrannical King. All through the power of her storytelling. But can she do this alone? And is the first person she has to turn to really her annoying younger sister?

With enchanting songs, captivating puppetry and a story of two heroic sisters at its core, Bristol Old Vic’s joyful, heartfelt production is the perfect treat for all this festive season. Not to be missed.

Arabian Nights – photo: Bristol Old Vic

Tuesday: Artist support evening – Marketing & social media, Sparks Bristol
One of the hardest parts about being an artist in the modern world for many is marketing yourself. Whether it’s social media tips you’re after, or how to refine your PR strategy, Kellie from Bristol based PR giants Plaster will be on hand to guide you through the basics of levelling up your processes.

Sparks Bristol – photo: Mia Vines-Booth

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Wednesday: Richard Dawson, Lantern Hall (Bristol Beacon)
Following his sold-out show at St George’s Bristol in May this year, Richard Dawson of Newcastle Upon Tyne returns to Bristol with a fresh, stripped-down stage line-up featuring Andrew Cheetham on drums, performing new takes on songs from most recent album ‘The Ruby Cord’, plus a treasure trove of catalogue classics. After bursting out of the Newcastle experimental scene in 2012, Dawson wasted no time in further pushing the boundaries of his already expansive sonic palette – from exploratory art rock to shambolic psychedelia, nothing is off limits. Though intentionally difficult to define, Richard Dawson’s music does consistently revolve around one poignant sentiment – a laser-focused analysis of the everyday struggle to understand life in an increasingly unpredictable world.

Richard Dawson – photo: Bristol Beacon

Wednesday: Edward Scissorhands, Arnos Vale Cemetery (Bristol Film Festival)
Set amongst the already gothic Arnos Vale Cemetery, Bristol Film Festival continues its winter season with a screening of the classic Tim Burton romantic comedy amongst the walls of the almost 200 year old Anglican Chapel.

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Thursday-January 6: The Selfish Giant, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Inspired by the touching children’s story ‘The Selfish Giant’ by Oscar Wilde, Bristol’s two leading family theatre experts are combining forces at Tobacco Factory Theatres to explore an unusual friendship, and how even the grumpiest giant’s heart can melt when Spring finally comes.

The Selfish Giant – photo: Tobacco Factory Theatres

Thursday: Dream yoga workshop: Learn to lucid dream, Gasworks Studio
Combining ancient practices with more modern, scientifically backed studies, this session in St Werburghs aims to teach you how to make it more likely to ‘lucid dream’ whilst sleeping – a hard to reach state where you supposedly have complete agency over your dreams and what happens in them.

Learn to lucid dream – photo: Dream Yoga

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December 15: Worm Disco Club party, The Cider Box
A chinwag & boogie for all Worm Disco Club friends and followers! The worms diggin’ deep going b2b2b all night. PLUS: Mulled Cider, Cheese & Pineapple sticks, Mince Pies, ‘Pass The Parcel’ & 100% Vinyl bangers guaranteed!

Worm Disco Club – photo: The Cider Box

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Friday-December 31: Rapunzel, Redgrave Theatre
Get ready for a hair raising adventure about the girl with the magical golden hair as Polka Dot Pantomimes and the Redgrave Theatre proudly present Rapunzel – A Tangled Tale!

Rapunzel – photo: Redgrave Theatre

Friday: Break The Night w/ Faster Horses, Exchange
An evening of the finest trance music from rising trance/techno promoters Break The Night, at their favourite haunt the Exchange. The Manchester based thump powerhouse Faster Horses takes the trip down South for their Bristol debut, and will be bringing the hands in the air, speedy rhythms that Bristol has been sorely lacking.

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Saturday: Bristol Choral Society: Messiah, Beacon Hall (Bristol Beacon)
Christmas starts here!  The newly refurbished Bristol Beacon has just re-opened, and one of the first classical concerts you can enjoy there is Bristol Choral Society’s Messiah.  This is a historic event –  since 1892 the Messiah has been performed by the same choir some 160 times, and most of those performances were in that same hall, now known as the Bristol Beacon.

From the first thrilling chord, just soak up the music most of us know and love – or come to listen for the first time!

Bristol Choral Society: Messiah – photo: BCS

Saturday: DJ Flight presents: Black Herstory, Lost Horizon
When talking old school D&B, you’d be foolish to not mention the contributions of DJ Flight. She’s remained one of the leading names of the rave genre for the best part of the past two decades, and now she’s launched her ‘Black Herstory’ initiative – a series of nights across the UK shining a light on black women leading the charge across the breaks/jungle/hardcore/D&B spectrum.

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Sunday: Children’s Christmas Carnival: Gaspard The Fox & Peter & The Wolf, St George’s
Alongside the classic Peter and the Wolf, join Gaspard the friendly fox and his furry chums in a warm-hearted adventure on the No.38 bus, past the sights, sounds and smells of the big city. Performed by their creator Zeb Soanes, accompanied by the Bristol Ensemble, this is the perfect way to introduce children to a live orchestra through storytelling.

Zeb Soanes is the presenter of Smooth Classics at Seven on Classic FM, the UK’s most popular classical music station. For over 20 years he was a newsreader and reassuring voice of the Shipping Forecast to millions of listeners on BBC Radio 4. He announced some of the biggest events in recent years from the final result of the Brexit referendum and the election of Donald Trump to the unfolding of the Coronavirus pandemic. He was a regular fixture on The News Quiz, reported for From Our Own Correspondent and presented Saturday Classics on BBC Radio 3. Sunday Times readers voted him their favourite male voice on UK radio. On leaving The BBC, the Director General Tim Davie wrote, ‘I, like millions of the audience will miss you! Your voice has been a lyrical, clear and reassuring presence — the very heart of Radio 4.’

Gaspard’s Foxtrot – photo: Bristol Ensemble

Sunday: Questionable Quizzes, Cloak
A new pub quiz comes to Bristol, as the recently renovated and reopened Cloak kicks off its “Questionable Quizzes.” There’s rumour of a mysterious box to jam your hand in, a creative round, and of course the usual pub quiz pleasantries.

Questionable Quizzes – photo: Cloak

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Sunday: Kate Rusby, Beacon Hall (Bristol Beacon)
Hailed as ‘The Start of Christmas’ for many, Kate Rusby’s Christmas Concerts perpetuate the tradition of Yorkshire carols – specific carols still sung in the pubs of South Yorkshire. Her happiness, humour and storytelling are a feature of Kate’s live shows, often branding herself as a ‘Holly Head’ in reference to her deep-seated love of Christmas. Joining her on stage for this unmissable evening of Christmas cheer is the hugely talented and intuitive band of musicians including producer and husband Damien O’Kane as well as a top-flight brass quintet affectionately known as The Brass Boys. A folk singer at heart, Kate strives to elevate the genre to new heights, appealing way beyond the folk scene and her Yorkshire roots – headlining across the UK, internationally, and performing with other big names across multiple genres.

Kate Rusby – photo: Bristol Beacon

And coming soon…

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December 16: Christmas Macramé Wreath Workshop, Prior Shop
Ho ho ho, how about a boho Christmas this year? This macramé Christmas wreath-making workshop will teach you the art of macramé and how to make your very own Christmas macramé wreath accompanied by a hot winter tea and mince pies to snack on.

Christmas macrame wreath workshop – photo: Knots and Stalks

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December 16: Macramé Christmas Tree Decorations Workshop, Prior Shop
Looking for a unique set of decorations to hang on your tree? This Christmas decoration-making workshop will teach you the art of macramé and how to make your very own handmade rustic Christmas tree decorations accompanied by a hot winter tea and mince pies to snack on.

Macrame Christmas tree workshop – photo: Knots & Stalks

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December 21: Shaun The Sheep: The Flight Before Christmas, St George’s
In this 30-minute festive special from Aardman, Shaun – the world’s favourite sheep – stars in his very own winter’s tale, accompanied by Bristol Ensemble. Shaun’s Christmas excitement turns to dismay when a plan to get bigger stockings for the Flock leads to Timmy going missing. Can Shaun get Timmy back before he becomes someone else’s present?

Prepare for an explosive, high-wire ending as everyone learns the true value of Christmas! The performance also includes a montage looking back at Shaun the Sheep’s origins in ‘Wallace & Gromit: A Close Shave’ up to his present day antics. Kat Kleve joins the Bristol Ensemble to present this Christmas special which will include Christmas favourites such as Jingle Bells, Sleigh Ride and Dreaming of a White Christmas.

The Flight Before Christmas – photo: Bristol Ensemble

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December 21-23: Rumdoo presents: Once Upon a Time in Bristol, Christmas Spiegeltent
An exhilarating show fusing high energy circus acts, comedy and live music.
Whether you’re a fan of heart-stopping tricks, laugh-out-loud comedy, or simply crave a night of unforgettable entertainment, this show promises to deliver an experience like no other.
Get ready to be amazed, delighted, and thoroughly entertained!

Once upon a time in Bristol – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent

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December 22: Marcel Lucont: Les Enfants Terribles – A Gameshow For Awful Children, Christmas Spiegeltent
Acclaimed Gallic comedian Marcel Lucont presents a wild game show in which kids get to be pests, politicians and Pétomane’s to be crowned the Most Awful Child.

“A real highlight of Edinburgh Fringe for the entire Horne family. Très funny” – Alex Horne, Taskmaster
“Fresh, accessible and hilarious” – The Guardian

A Gameshow for Awful Children – photo: Christmas Spiegeltent

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December 31: In:Motion NYE: Groove Armada (DJ Set)
One of the planet’s best loved dance acts, Groove Armada, will see in the year with a massive New Year’s Eve party, alongside a stellar lineup of special guests! With legendary hits like ‘Superstylin’’, ‘I See You Baby’ and ‘At the River’, the renowned duo have secured their place in the hallowed halls of dance music history, delivering timeless classics time and time again. They will be joined by global dance music star Hannah Wants, Lulah Francs & more.

Groove Armada NYE – photo: Motion

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December 31: Hospitality Bristol x [THE BLAST] NYE, Motion
Global Drum & Bass trail blazers Hospitality join forces with Bristol’s favourite party starters The Blast for this year’s hottest NYE DNB celebration. Taking over the legendary Motion Bristol to transport you into 2024 in style with an incredible lineup of big name Drum & Bass favourites.

Hospitality NYE – photo: Kolab Studios

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December 31: Document NYE: Crazy P & more, Document
Join us this New Years Eve at Document for an evening of disco delights and mesmerising mirror balls to welcome in 2024! We’ll be joined by the legendary Crazy P Soundsystem, who have made their mark as one of the world’s best loved dance music acts with a career spanning over 20 years.

Document NYE – photo: Chris Cooper/ ShotAway

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January 20: Henleaze Concert Society: Mozart and Mendelssohn, Trinity Henleaze URC
Come and enjoy with us two great works performed by the Bristol Ensemble:

• Mozart Clarinet Quintet in A K.581
• Mendelssohn Octet in E flat major Op.20

Mendelssohn’s piece is beautifully uplifting, and Mozart’s is one of the most sublime and well-loved works in the chamber music repertoire for its exquisitely crafted melodic lines.

Mozart and Mendelssohn – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

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Jan 23-Feb 25: Wicked, The Bristol Hippodrome
Wicked the smash hit West End musical flies back to Bristol this January complete with all the spectacle and magic that make “this extraordinary show” (Bristol Post) an unforgettable and unmissable experience. Tickets available from £25.00.

Wicked – photo: Bristol Hippodrome/The Ambassadors

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January 24: Steve Bates MBE – Wild Tracks, Redgrave Theatre
Paralympic gold medal-winning cyclist Steve Bate MBE shares the incredible journey of riding to ascend the iconic mountain of Kilimanjaro, with fellow Paralympic gold medalist Karen Darke MBE. With a diverse team, Wild Tracks explores themes of challenge, diversity and human potential. A rare opportunity to hear, first-hand, a story of resilience, transformation and human connection.

Steve Bates – Wild Tracks – photo: Redgrave Theatre

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March 9: Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight, Trinity Henleaze URC
This will be a hypnotic evening of music performed by the Bristol Ensemble, featuring mesmerising works by Ludovico Einaudi, and Max Richter’s engagingly refreshing reimagining of Vivaldi’s ever-popular Four Seasons:

• Einaudi Divenire; Primavera; Petricor; I Giorni; Full Moon
• Max Richter: Vivaldi’s Four Seasons Reimagined

Einaudi meets Richter by candlelight – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

Main photo: Ellie Kurttz

Read next:

• St Mary Redcliffe transformed for Treefest 2023
• Bristol’s best Christmas shows 2023
• ‘Noel West’: Shining a light on Bristol’s brightest corner at Christmas

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