46 things to do in Bristol in July 2022

July 1: The Wasteground Circus, The Invisible Circus, St Philip’s
A dystopian futuristic tale, combining theatre with live circus performance.

July 2: Back a Yard (St Paul’s Carnival Celebrations), St Paul’s
Celebrations at Lost Horizon and the Malcom X Centre, as replacement for this year’s carnival.

July 2: Cider Salon 2022, Trinity Centre
Have a taste of 60 ciders from across the UK speciality sector, poured by the producers themselves.

July 3: Summer Without The City, Ashton Court Mansion
Guided tours of the abandoned, derelict upper floor of the decadent Ashton Court Mansion.

July 4: Pride, Pop & Politics in Conversation, Rough Trade
Part of Bristol Pride, author Darryl W. Bullock will be giving a talk about music, theatre and LGBT activism.

July 5: A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Eastville Park Swimming Pool
Insane Root Theatre bring their production of the classic Shakespeare play to the open air abandoned swimming pool in Eastville Park.

July 6: Cardboard Club w/ Punchcutter & more, Strange Brew
Absurdist comedy meets DIY music at Strange Brew.

July 7: Friends Vol. 1, Exchange
A night of varied, alternative sounds from a group of good mates doing their thing.

SPONSORED
July 8-14: Brian and Charles, Watershed
Completely isolated and with no one to talk to, inventor Brian does what any person would do when faced with such a melancholic situation: he builds a robot.

July 8: Speak Easy 02: Silva Bumpa, Joe Koshin, Longeez, The Island
Promoters to watch Speak Easy put on their second UK Garage/Bass party at The Island

SPONSORED
July 9 – September 11: Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781-2022, RWA
We look forward to welcoming you to our Summer Exhibition ‘Earth: Digging Deep in British Art 1781 – 2022’. #RWAEarth surveys the representation of our environment across four centuries, inviting us to consider our planet in all its abundance, precarity and preciousness. Artists include J. M. W. Turner, John Constable, Thomas Gainsborough, Graham Sutherland and Laura Knight alongside contemporary artists Richard Long, David Nash, Anya Gallaccio, Yinka Shonibare, Mariele Neudeker, Tania Kovats and more.

July 9: Bristol Pride Day, Clifton Downs
The official main party day of Bristol Pride, with a free festival on the Clifton Downs.

July 10: Jamaica Street Open Studios + Art Auction, Jamaica St Studios
The creative space will be open to the public for the day, followed by an auction of some of the artists’ work.

July 11: The Groundhogs & Friends!, Cloak & Dagger (Bristol Fringe Festival)
Part of this year’s Bristol Fringe Festival, expect everything from stand-up to sketch comedy.

SPONSORED
July 12: A Brighter Future: Improving mental health for children and young adults, Watershed
The growing pressures of social media and the impact of the pandemic are taking a toll on the mental health of children and young adults today. Our panel of researchers will explore ground-breaking solutions with the potential to create a brighter, healthier future for a generation of young people facing more challenges than ever before. Wine and nibbles are included with your free ticket.

July 12: Paper Fishes + Windshake + Morello Cherry, The Louisiana
Indie rock with support from a host of rising Bristol Talent at The Louisiana by the river.

SPONSORED
July 13: Reasons to be Hopeful: Working together to tackle the climate crisis, Watershed
The next generation of researchers from the University of Bristol will share their reasons to be hopeful in the face of the climate crisis, from tackling climate injustice to detecting climate-related disasters before they happen. Join us at this interactive event to find out more about the latest developments in tackling climate change and get involved in the discussion. Wine and nibbles are included with your free ticket.

July 13: Treasure Hunt: Clifton Village & Brunel, Senate House
For students who’ve just moved to the city – explore Clifton Village, find treasures, and meet other new students.

SPONSORED
July 13 & 14: Nile Rogers & CHIC, Lloyds Amphitheatre
We present one of music’s greatest living legends, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, on two consecutive nights at The Amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside. Since co-founding CHIC in 1976, Rodgers has built an unrivalled back catalogue of hits, collaborating widely and demonstrating a musical prowess which knows no bounds. Renowned the world over for their electric outdoor performances at festivals like Glastonbury and Coachella, Nile Rodgers and CHIC are quite simply the ultimate party band.

July 14: Julius Caesar: The Musical, Loco Klub
A comical take on the classic Shakespeare political thriller, combined with music from The Beatles, The Bee Gees and more.

SPONSORED
July 15: Belle & Sebastian, Lloyds Amphitheatre
Led by Stuart Murdoch, Glasgow’s Belle and Sebastian have provided the soundtrack for love-struck teens and yearning adults for over 25 years. The band’s back catalogue harnesses the power of 60s-nodding pop melodies and a whimsical charm, and this Harbourside gig marks Belle and Sebastian’s triumphant return to Bristol and their biggest show in the city to date. Support comes from Mercury Music Prize nominated “indie alchemists” Django Django.

July 15-17: Bristol Harbour Festival, Harbourside
Stretched across the harbourside area, there’s multiple stages of music, dance and art taking place over the festival weekend.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CfTgYjpAGx-/

July 16: Cider Vs Cheese: The Festival, Cider Box
Which is better? You decide. Or don’t decide, and just enjoy both.

July 17: Wild Foods & Practical Plants Course, Stoke Park
Learn about all of the useful and edible plants that lay right on your doorstep at Stoke Park Estate.

July 18: Aftermirth Daytime Comedy Club for Parents, Cloak & Dagger
A baby-friendly comedy show, where parents are encouraged to bring the little ones, and not worry about being looked at funny for it.

SPONSORED
July 19: Make your own Basque pintxos and tapas evening
Ready to impress at your next dinner party? Gather your friends during a balmy summer evening and serve up a selection of Basque-style tapas dishes. Learn how to make seasonal recipes with your chef host Monica during a fun and relaxed BYOB cooking evening. Perfect for date night or brushing up on your culinary skills.

July 19: Bristol Writing Collective: Reading Night, Clifton Community Bookshop
Writing something? This is the perfect chance to test it out on a willing, accepting crowd.

SPONSORED
July 20-24: Cinema Rediscovered Festival, Watershed
Cinema Rediscovered returns for its sixth edition in and around Bristol UNESCO City of Film (20 Jul  – 24 Jul) celebrating the return of the big screen experience with a line-up of movie magic, from brand new restorations and rediscoveries to film curiosities, from the UK premiere of the new 4k restoration of David Lynch’s Lost Highway (Wed 20 Jul), to our Pre-code Hollywood strand and much more. Book now!

July 21: Scarecrow (USA) & Litige (France), The Crown
Punk and hardcore from the West and the East, bringing the crunchy, up close and personal vibes at The Crown.

July 22: CWU Ukraine Benefit Gig, with Talisman/Itinerants, Crofters Rights
Bristol reggae stalwarts Talisman come to Crofters to raise money for Ukrainian refugees.

July 23: The Bristol All-Star Armando, Bristol Improv Theatre
A selection of players from some of Bristol’s top improv crews come together for a one-off show. Part of this year’s Bristol Fringe Festival.

July 24: Work In Progress Stand-Up comedy, Smoke & Mirrors
At the intimate Smoke & Mirrors bar, join comics as they test out their new material, before taking it out onto the national circuit over the summer.

SPONSORED
July 24: Drag eyelash workshop, drag show, and cocktails, Cloak & Dagger
Join Remy Melee: DJ, drag artist, and eyelash maker to the stars of RuPaul’s Drag Race. This quirky afternoon on Gloucester Road will have you making your own jewel-encrusted false eyelashes (perfect for festival season) whilst sipping on drag-inspired cocktails! Remy will also entertain guests with sensational live performances so they leave feeling more fabulous than ever!

July 25-29: Youth Summer Theatre School, Old Vic Theatre School
A week long theatre school for the kids, where the focus is “what will the future look like?”

July 26: The Kundalini Genie + The Cat Magic, The Lanes
A free show from Glasgow based psychedelic rock band, supported by soft and dreamy group The Cat Magic.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tll17WiKWk

July 27: Freshening up the St Werburgh’s Community Farm Gardens, St Werburgh’s
Spend an hour on a Wednesday evening cleaning up the famed St Werburghs Community Gardens, around others with a passion for the area.

July 28: Immersive Summer Woodland Family Experience, Leigh Woods
Naturalist Ed Drewitt takes you and your family on a journey through Leigh Woods, learning more about the local wildlife.

SPONSORED
July 29: Sarah & Duck’s Big Top Birthday, Redgrave Theatre
Join Sarah and her best friend Duck as they plan the ultimate circus soiree to help Scarf Lady celebrate her birthday. With entertainment lined up from a whole host of your favourite friends, including The Ribbon Sisters, The Shallots, Flamingo & John and Umbrella, the party is ready to go! Let’s just hope the weather holds out…

July 29-30: Siren Bristol, Lloyds Amphitheatre
Hosting a series of performances at the amphitheatre, the main of which being Groove Armada on the 29th, Siren aims to bring the party to Lloyds.

SPONSORED
July 30: Milkshake Live!, Redgrave Theatre
Join Paddington, Daisy & Ollie, Milo, Noddy, Pip and Posy, Blue’s Clues & You! and of course Milkshake! Monkey for an unforgettable family time at Milkshake Monkey’s Musical! This brand-new show has plenty of laughter, audience interaction and great fun to get everyone up on their feet! It’s a family show not to be missed!

July 30-31: Attitude Festival 2022, Exchange
A two day festival celebrating all things attitude music, with punk and rock being the main themes at the Exchange.

July 31: Vintage Trouble, Marble Factory
The four piece from California bring their unique blend of Rhythm & Blues and Rock & Roll to the Marble Factory.

And coming soon…

August 4-7: Valley Fest, Chew Valley
Valley Fest, (4-7th Aug) the best-tasting music festival in the South West is taking place alongside Chew Valley Lake, 9 miles from Bristol. With a huge music line up, Josh Eggleton at the helm of the food programme and a brand new area – the Alchemist’s Playground, there’s plenty of wholesome fun to be had by everyone.

The festival combines the best food and music against the backdrop of the gorgeous Chew Valley Lake – Photo: Valley Fest

SPONSORED
August 11: MC Yallah & Debmaster, Trinity Centre
MC Yallah is a Kenyan artist based in Uganda, and an affiliate of the big Nyege Nyege crew. Her fierce and intense lyrics are drawn from real-life experiences and often address women’s issues, spreading a powerful message of integrity and self-determination. Plus support from Grove.

SPONSORED
Open until August 14: 169 Annual Open Exhibition – Submissions Open, RWA
Submissions for the RWA 169 Annual Open Exhibition are now open! We are delighted to announce that the south west’s original open exhibition will be returning this year in our newly transformed Gallery Spaces between Saturday 8 October 2022 – Sunday 8 January 2023. Now is your chance to be a part of it, exhibiting in our beautiful building!

The exhibition is an annual occasion at RWA – Photo: RWA

SPONSORED
September 11: Les Filles de Illighadad, Trinity Centre
Les Filles de Illighadad are revolutionaries reclaiming Tende music and bringing their ancient village folk music into the modern era with mesmerising guitar patterns, and rhythmic percussion. They draw from two distinct styles, ancient village choral chants and desert guitar, the result is a hypnotic and soul-stirring sound that resonates far outside of their village into the hearts of others.

Main photo: Paul Box

Read more: The Wire magazine celebrates 40 years of sound and music with a mini festival at The Cube

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