30 things to do in Bristol this week, September 11-17 2023

Monday-Wednesday: Hybrid 2023: colour, Centrespace Gallery
The latest exhibition from Centrespace sees six female trained psychotherapists, exploring the theme of colour through various mediums, and after working together with various artists to learn more about the topic, with the aim to start new discussions and gain fresh perspectives.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Centrespace Gallery (@centrespacegallery)

SPONSORED
Monday-Thursday: Past Lives, Watershed
Nora and Hae Sung, two deeply connected childhood friends, are torn apart when Nora’s family emigrates from South Korea to Canada. Twenty years later, they are reunited for one fateful week as they confront notions of love and destiny.

SPONSORED
Monday: Tango Movement, The Mount Without
Bringing the community together with dance, food & music. A friendly inclusive Tango practice. An ‘Olla popular’ (Pot of the people) which is a tradition where a dinner is prepared in community: everyone brings a veg to chop & pop into the pot. Gluten free & vegan.

Live music, tango and other beautiful sounds you can listen to or be moved to move.

Tango Movement at The Mount Without – photo: The Mount Without

Tuesday: JumpStart’s Lunchtime Bootcamp, Temple Church Park
A fresh way to beat the pesky lunchtime slump, whether you’re working from home or in the office. Temple Park in the city centre is nestled away between Temple Meads and Castle Park, and is the perfect hideaway for a midday workout that changes every week and is accessible to all abilities.

A JumpStart fitness class – photo: JumpStart Fitness

SPONSORED
Previews Tuesday, Opens Friday: Fremont, Watershed
Join us for a special preview screening of Fremont, a thoughtful and wryly funny look at the immigrant experience, further distinguished by striking black-and-white cinematography.

SPONSORED
Tuesday-November 5: From Our Perspective, RWA
Presenting From Our Perspective, a brand-new exhibition showcasing paintings, drawings, prints and collages made by the incredible children and young people attending the RWA Happy Mondays programme for disabled children and neurodivergent young people. The artwork on display came out of partner school groups enjoying artist-led workshops. These were often reactive and co-designed with the young people, responding to the gallery exhibitions at RWA. Some sculpture and paintings were also taken offsite to schools for special sensory workshops.

From our perspective – photo: RWA

SPONSORED
Wednesday: Strictly stand up on Wednesdays with Michael Fabbri and guests, Hen & Chicken
Compere JEREMY FLYNN introduces headliner MICHAEL FABBRI who celebrates 20 years in the business this year. He headlines comedy gigs all over the UK and has made a big impression overseas too with his affable and electric style of comedy, with material that ranges from the cerebral to the smutty. Michael has produced multiple shows for the Edinburgh Festival and has been praised for his distinctively off-kilter views, easily shifting gears between bewilderment and acute perception. The material is tight and consistently funny, a perfect way to round off a top evening of live comedy.

“Exceptionally funny, extremely sharp, hugely enjoyable” The Scotsman
“He is an amiable and engaging storyteller and his tales from various points in his life are liberally peppered with excellent punchlines.” The List

Joining Michael in all the fun will be Drew Taylor, Abi Carter-Simpson and Millie Malone.

Strictly stand up at Hen & Chicken – photo: The Comedy Box

Wednesday: Comedy on tap, New Bristol Brewery Taproom
The brewery, based in St Pauls, aims to fill your belly with equal parts good beer and great laughs with their popular recurring comedy night. Featuring three exciting comics, from both Bristol and further afield, and hosted by their regular host Jack Campbell.

Comedy on Tap at New Bristol Brewery – photo: New Bristol Brewery

SPONSORED
Thursday: Baby Tour, RWA
Join us for this month’s Baby Tour. These are relaxed and informal sessions in a safe and comfortable space for parents with babies (12 months and under). This is an opportunity to explore artworks with the reassuring knowledge that it’s ok for your baby to make baby noises! In this session, you and your baby can play with our toys on blankets laid out in the gallery, while you enjoy the art in our current exhibition, 170 Annual Open Exhibition, in the RWA main gallery.

Baby Tour at RWA – photo: RWA

SPONSORED
Thursday: SMT Solo Artist Show, The Mount Without
‘9’ is an installation of 81 individual goldfish painted on panels, completed by artist Sophie Mills-Thomas across a 9 day period.

Inspired by the feng shui power of 9 theory; where the number of goldfish indicates different qualities- 9 being the most auspicious, each individual goldfish represents new starts and manifests positivity.

SMT solo artist show – photo: The Mount Without

SPONSORED
Thursday: Paul Zerdin – Puppetman, Redgrave Theatre
The America’s Got Talent winner is back with a brand-new comedy show for 2023. Join Paul and an array of funny and sharp-tongued creations including Sam, Albert, Baby, Roger the bodyguard and an urban fox, as he takes to the road with a show which promises that ‘when you are not laughing, you will simply be left in awe’.

Paul Zerdin Puppetman – photo: Redgrave Theatre

Thursday: CROTCH, Strange Brew
The incredibly popular queer night returns after a break over festival season, taking over Strange Brew for a night of resident DJs, and a special performance from queer rage punk group The Menstrual Cramps.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by CROTCH (@crotchbristol)

Friday: Colourful macrame plant hanger workshop, Ashwell and Co.
Whilst Ashwell and Co are usually representing the triple threat of vintage clothing, bridal wares and a tearoom, this Friday sees them add macrame making workshop to that list, as host Emma takes you through the entire process, using colourful cotton and wooden beads to create your own unique design.

Macrame colourful plant hanger workshop – photo: Lotus PR

SPONSORED
Friday: In:Motion opening party, Document
Motion’s flagship event series, In:Motion, returns this autumn after a 3 year hiatus. On Friday 15th September, the 2023 season kicks off with a Launch Party at the new 3000 capacity central Bristol warehouse venue, DOCUMENT. Bristol’s very own Clipz brings his new event concept Shoulder II Shoulder to DOCUMENT with a stacked line up featuring Special Request, P-Rallel, Om-Unit and more.

The party will be the opening of Motion’s new venue Document – photo: Chris Cooper

SPONSORED
Saturday: Stand up for the weekend with Matt Richardson and guests, Hen & Chicken
Brash, slick and full of mildly laddish but self-deprecating stories, all delivered with an irresistible twinkle, Matt Richardson is a multi-award winning stand-up comedian and one of the most exciting names on the circuit currently rising through the ranks. Having started stand-up in 2009 at 18 years old, Matt became one of the youngest comedians on the circuit and soon made it through to the finals of two national stand-up competitions – the prestigious So You Think You’re Funny and the Chortle Student Comedy Award – He quickly established himself in all of the major comedy club chains in the UK and has gigged overseas on countless occasions.

Since then Matt has firmly established himself as one of the UK’s most exciting young performers and presenters – hosting the drive-time show on Virgin Radio.
“High wattage charisma from a talented young comic whose star is on the rise” The Guardian
“A whirling ball of talent, energy and intelligent observational comedy…. a man who could read the phonebook and make it funny… sharp, strong and very impressive.” THE STAGE

Matt Richardson at Hen & Chicken – photo: The Comedy Box

Saturday: Bristol Distilling Co summer wrap party, Bristol Distilling Co
Held at the distillery’s taproom in South Bristol, their summer wrap party celebrates the sad end to summertime, and will be catered by the incredibly popular Bocca Di Bianchi food truck, serving up a flurry of freshly made italian subs, arancinis and carbonara frittis. What’s more, your £5 ticket gets you a single G&T and one item from the food truck.

A draft Bristol Distilling Co. G&T – photo: Martin Booth

SPONSORED
Saturday: Walk Like a Man, Redgrave Theatre
Walk Like A Man, is the ultimate multi-award winning tribute show to The Four Seasons and Tony Award winning true-life musical phenomenon, Jersey Boys! With incredible vocals, slick moves, infectious charm and timeless music, Walk Like A Man will have you hooked from the very beginning.

Walk like a man – photo: Redgrave Theatre

SPONSORED
Saturday: Trick Bristol, Document
Patrick Topping brings TRICK back to Bristol for their only South-West show of 2023! After selling out Motion in record time last November, this year’s TRICK show will be part of the opening weekend of events at our new 3000 capacity warehouse venue, DOCUMENT. Topping will be joined by TRICK favourites, Hannah Laing, Morgan Seatree and Hykken.

The event takes place on the opening weekend of Motion’s new Document venue – photo: Alastair Brookes

Sunday: Reggae-Oke Summer Roast Off! Summer Finale, Star and Garter
Bristol’s only reggae karaoke night closes off its summer season this weekend, and it plans on closing out an incredibly successful season in style – expect some of the best (and not so best) voices in Bristol on display, along with the chance to stuff your face with free roasties.

Reggaeoke at Star and Garter – photo: Star and Garter/Headfirst

And coming soon…

SPONSORED
September 19: Erland Cooper, Redgrave Theatre
Hailed as ‘nature’s songwriter’ for his work celebrating themes of the natural world, place, people and time – radical Scottish composer Erland Cooper pushes his connection to the environment even further into unchartered new realms with his latest album, ‘Folded Landscapes’. Cooper, who has always been comfortable merging music with evocative storytelling and conceptual art, now sets his sights on working through a lens of urgent observations surrounding climate change as the focal point for his latest album. Notably, his belief in finding solutions to complex problems between despair and the spirit of hope. Using drastic temperature changes – from sub-zero to hottest on record – he developed this piece for chamber string ensemble, piano, voice, harpsichord, electronics & field recordings.

Erland Cooper – photo: Bristol Beacon

SPONSORED
September 23: Classics by Candlelight, 1904 Arts Club
Be bathed in the warming glow of a candlelight concert! Step into the hidden gem of the 1904 Arts Club, Clifton, and experience a beautiful evening of classical music surrounded by stunning candlelight in one of the most unique, quirky spaces in Bristol.

The 1904 arts club is a unique ‘tithe barn’ styled performance hall hidden away behind the Red Lodge Museum

just off Park Street. This space is full of quirky artefacts and is the perfect backdrop for a relaxing evening of stunning music to candlelight.

Arranged for string quartet, flute and piano, the programme includes compositions from Mozart, Bach, Handel, Gambarini & Haydn. Be delighted by new arrangements of well-known pieces in a huge range of musical styles! Baroque and classical era works have been honed in arrangements that give familiar music a new lease of life.

Enjoy a glass or two of your favourite drink accompanied by a light snack from the bar before the concert and during the interval.

Classics by candlelight – photo: Bristol Ensemble

SPONSORED
September 27: Gitkin live, Art Club
Velvet echoes and extra terrestrial promotions present rhythmic world music artist Gitkin with support from Brighton based surf rockers Hutch.

This world renowned psychedelic Groover hailing from Brooklyn is ready to entice Bristol with his blend of enchantingly rhythmic psychedelic music.

Gitkin at Art Club – photo: Velvet Echoes Records

SPONSORED
September 29: Up Late @ SS Great Britain
A family-friendly late opening on the grounds of Isambard Kingdom Brunel’s historic ship. Explore a huge range of fascinating, interactive and hands-on exhibits and exhibitions showcasing cutting-edge research. Perfect for ages 8-12, but all family members are welcome.  This event includes free entry to areas of the S.S. Great Britain.

Up Late at SS Great Britain – photo: Futures Festival

SPONSORED
September 29: Alexander O’Neal (full live band) + Support from Laid Blak (full live band), Central Warehouse
After nearly five decades in the business it is with great excitement that legendary singer Alexander O’Neal heads out on his Time to Say Goodbye: Farewell World Tour. The beloved soul star is hitting the road one final time with this show being his final Bristol appearance, with a full live band.

Alexander O’Neal at Central Warehouse – photo: Central Warehouse

SPONSORED
September 29: Science Showoff, The Wardrobe Theatre
The UK’s most ridiculous science comedy night is coming to Bristol! Join your MC Steve Cross and an incredible line-up of scientists, engineers, and comedians for silliness, facts, nonsense, and EXTREME LEARNING. For one night only, meet some of Bristol and Bath’s funniest researchers and enjoy an evening of chaotic and clever comedy.

Science showoff – photo: Futures Festival

SPONSORED
October 1: LYR, Redgrave Theatre
LYR – the musical collaboration between poet laureate Simon Armitage and artist/producers Richard Walters and Patrick Pearson – present their powerful second album ‘The Ultraviolet Age’. More accessible, more poignant, more widescreen than their debut, the album is pitched somewhere between the enigmatic brood of late period Talk Talk, the lo-fi expanse of Low and their British sprechgesang contemporaries including Dry Cleaning, Yard Act and Black Country, New Road. It is an album of deft character sketches, dictatorships, the climate crisis and its centrepiece a gorgeous and moving reflection on the COVID-19 pandemic.

SPONSORED
October 7: Henleaze Concert Society: Glories of the Baroque, Trinity Henleaze URC
For this first concert of our season, come and join the Bristol Ensemble for a programme of Baroque favourites:

• Handel- Arrival of the Queen of Sheba
• Vivaldi- Trio Sonata in D minor ‘La Follia’
• Bach- Brandenburg Concerto No.1 in F major, BWV 1046
• Handel- Water Music

Glories of the baroque – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

SPONSORED
October 18: Children of Zeus  + Support from Eva Lazarus, King Original and Hold Tight Records, Central Warehouse
Manchester’s kings of neo-soul Children of Zeus return to Bristol for a headline midweek concert, alongside Bristol’s stage queen Eva Lazarus, East London’s King Original (Footsie, Sir Spyro & Jah Model), Hold Tight Records and upcoming afrobeats selectress Leiko, in Bristol’s newly licensed ‘Central Warehouse’ event space.

Children of Zeus – photo: Central Warehouse

SPONSORED
October 21: Down Stokes Music Festival, Crofters Rights
Velvet Echoes and Conscious sounds present Down Stokes. A festival celebrating independent music venues in Stokes Croft. Live visuals, Psych rock, Fuzz, Shoegaze, synth wave and more.

Down Stokes Festival – photo: Velvet Echoes Records

SPONSORED
November 25: Henleaze Concert Society: Romantic Nights, Trinity Henleaze URC
For this second concert of our season, come and enjoy two of Rachmaninov’s cherished works performed by the Bristol Ensemble and soloist Paul Israel:

• Rachmaninov- Piano Concerto No.2 (arr. Iain Farrington)
• Rachmaninov- Symphonic Dances (arr. Iain Farrington)

Romantic nights – photo: Henleaze Concert Society

Main photo: Lotus PR

Read next:

• Hotwells festival of words and music returns
• Bristol Improv Theatre announce bumper autumn season
• 300 golden nipples feature in new exhibition

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast: