101 things to do in Bristol in April

ART

April 2-6: Recursive Gardens, Centrespace
Two Bristol artists study our relationship with landscapes, including those in our own minds.
www.centrespacegallery.com/exhibitions/recursive-gardens/

April 2-30: Lady Strong’s Bonfire presents: The Bed, Tobacco Factory
Tomasin Cuthbert presents her solo show about women’s inner experiences and outward disguises.
www.list.co.uk/event/20869074-tomasin-cuthbert-the-bed/

April 5: Colouring Day, Room 212
All ages and abilities can enjoy colouring in these unique colouring books, including Jenny Urquhart’s book of Bristol images.
www.bishopstonmatters.co.uk/whats-on/room-212-free-colouring-day/

April 9-30: PRISM, Grant Bradley Gallery
Familiar objects morph into unusual visions through colour manipulation in photography, screen printing and more.
www.grantbradleygallery.co.uk/forthcoming.html

April 16-June 19: Michael Beutler’s Pump House, Spike Island
The Exhibition is a mixed-media homage to Spike Island itself, calling on the space’s history as a tea factory.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/exhibitions/michael-beutler/

April 19-June 14: Now You Can: Performance Labs, Pickle Factory, Easton
Master performance art through a workshop and recognise your artistic potential.
www.baggator.org.uk/mc-events/now-you-can-performance-lab/

April 22-July 17: Art From Elsewhere, Bristol Museum
The specially curated contemporary exhibition features major international works exploring post-colonial global change.
www.southbankcentre.co.uk/find/hayward-gallery-and-visual-arts/hayward-gallery-exhibitions/future/art-from-elsewhere

April 28-May 26: Light Years, Southmead Hospital: Concourse
Five years of six-month exposures: Justin Quinnell plays the long game with pinhole photography.
www.pinholephotography.org/light%20years%20exhib.htm

April 29-May 2: Spike Island Open Studios, Spike Island
Spike Island’s resident artists welcome visitors into their workspaces.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/activities/spike-island-open-studios-2016/

April 30-June 19: Artspace’s 40th Anniversary, Spike Island
The Victorian warehouse has been a creative space for artists of all types since the 1970s.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/exhibitions/artspaces-40th-anniversary/

BOOKS

April 4-10: Nibbles Book Hunt, Foyles
Follow the clues around Foyles to find out where Nibbles the Book Monster has been.
www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=2782

April 7: Open Reading Group, Arnolfini
Writer and editor Louis Hartnoll leads an exploration of aesthetics and politics within the current exhibition Vertigo Sea.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/open-reading-group-led-by-louis-hartnoll

April 12: Kate Tempest, At-Bristol
As part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas, poet-cum-rapper Kate Tempest talks her debut novel, The Bricks that Built the Houses.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/kate-tempest/

April 14: Ruth Levitas: On Utopias, Wills Memorial Building
Who knew the word “Utopia” could mean so many different things to so many different people?
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/ruth-levitas-2

April 23: Mary Shelley: The Writer, Watershed
A panel of poets and writers discuss Mary Shelley’s impact outside of her masterwork, Frankenstein.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/7215/festival-of-ideas-mary-shelley-the-writer

CLUBS

April 2: Skankers, Lakota
This drum and bass overload includes DJs Majistrate, Logan D, Sub Zero and Nicky Blackmarket with MCs Evil B, Skibadee and Harry Shotta.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/206-skankers

April 2: Boomtown Gatherings, Blue Mountain
Absolute intensity is the name of the game at this hardcore rave event featuring Deadbeat UK, Thorpey, and more.
www.facebook.com/bluemountainclub

April 2: Junior Jungle, Baggator on All Hallows Road in Easton
Raving… for children! Perfect for mini-purists, there will be no pop or Diznee – just premium Ragga-Jungle (without swear words, of course).
www.campbestival.net/line-up/2016-line-up/junior-jungle-rave/

April 2: Don’t Tell Your Mother, The Phoenix
This indie-pop LGBT+FRIENDS club night welcomes everyone to jam out to a myriad of musical styles.
www.facebook.com/events/234548420223731/

April 8: Fat Hat, Crofters Rights
Swing dance is, well, in full swing at the Crofter’s Rights with Bristol’s Immigrant swing. Bring your best Charleston to the dance floor.
www.croftersrights.co.uk/event/fat-hat-immigrant-swing-gin-bowlers-midnight-zu-dr-jivefish/

April 16: El Dorado – the Lost City, the Old Fire Station
They’re calling it a “live paint jam,”with a diverse musical selection of hip-hop, funk and drum & bass.
www.thestationbristol.org.uk

April 23: ANTS, Motion
The Ibiza-based techno brand descends upon Bristol to join resident Motion DJ Andrea Olivia.
www.motionbristol.com/event/ants/

April 29: Hide ‘N’ Seek, Motion
This one night festival features live music from the Asian Dub Foundation, DJ Yoda, DJ Food, Ragga Twins and Wrongtom.
www.motionbristol.com/event/hide-n-seek/

COMEDY

April 6: Spencer Jones as ‘The Herbert’, Greenbank
Joyful and innocent, Spencer Jones pulls comedy from sounds, props, situations, costumes and more.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/character-comedy/spencer-jones-as-the-herbert-bristol?time=1459897200

April 7: Mitch Benn: Don’t Believe a Word, Comedy Box at Hen & Chicken
The musical satirist is at it again and exposing the truth about knowledge itself. Deep.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/mitch-benn-dont-believe-a-word-bristol?time=1459983600

April 9: Instant Wit, Alma Tavern Theatre
Breaking out everything from songs to games, the silly local sketch troupe performs entirely based off audience suggestions.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk/theatre/what-s-on.html

April 15: Stephen Grant/Michael Fabbri, Lantern
One is logical and fast-talking, the other is dry and articulate. A double-bill from UK comedy circuit heaven.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup/stephen-grant-michael-fabbri-lantern-bristol?time=1460674800

April 17: Richard Herring: Happy Now?, Bristol Old Vic
Finally, Richard has a wife and a baby. Does this mean he’s happy? Or does this new life have its own complications?
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/richardherring.html

April 20: Bubble at the Barge, Grain Barge
Bubble Comedy, fronted by local stand-up comic Jo Duncan, blasts onto the comedy scene with razor-sharp wit.
www.grainbarge.co.uk/

April 21: Shazia Mirza: The Kardashians Made Me Do It, Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken
Inspired by the three girls who left Bethnal Green to join ISIS, this biting comedy packs a punch.
www.thecomedybox.co.uk/site/301.asp?catID=1397

April 23: Max and Ivan, Lantern
The award-winning duo’s first UK tour tells an epic narrative through sketch comedy.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/comedy-01/standup-storytelling/max-and-ivan-the-end-lantern-bristol

April 26-27: Wake up & Diedrealize, Wardrobe Theatre
Cheerful clowning and outlandish improv characterise Diedre Me’s first silly show.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/wake-up-and-deirdrealize/

EVENTS

April 3: Avon Gorge trip on the Matthew
Join the Matthew, a full-size replica of a sailing ship from 1497, as it makes a journey to Pill and back.
www.visitbristol.co.uk/whats-on/avon-gorge-trip-on-the-matthew-p2014273

April 5 & 19: Bristol Solidarity Network, Kebele Social Centre
Share your work struggles with like-minded individuals. Don’t let the man get you down – there’s another way.
www.network23.org/bristolsolnet/

April 6-10: Bristol Fashion Week, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway
The biggest fashion event of the South West rolls out 17 Spring/Summer catwalk shows of high street style.
www.mallcribbs.com/events-and-activities/bristol-fashion-week-ss16

April 6-7, 9-10: My Wild Child – Easter Activities, Avon Wildlife Trust
Kids and their parents participate in wildlife themed activities and find out how they can get involved with the world around them.
www.avonwildlifetrust.org.uk/whats-on

April 10: Bristol Harbourside Walk
Starting at At-Bristol, this five-mile walk winds along Avon Gorge and ends at the Slug and Lettuce in Millennium Square. 
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/bmi-bristol-harbourside-walk-tickets-20729569701

April 25: The Life Project, Wills Memorial Building
Participants in the Children of the 90s project, a study that followed children from infancy onwards, will speak at this event as part of the Bristol Festival of Ideas.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/life-project/

FESTIVALS

April 15-17: Bespoked: The UK Handmade Bicycle Show 2016, the Passenger Shed
Find the perfect craftsperson to build your dream bike at Europe’s premier handmade bicycle show.
www.bespoked.cc

April 22-23: Frankenstein in Bristol, Watershed
Scholars, biographers, poets and more debate and lecture on the classic horror novel and the intriguing woman behind it all.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/seasons/bristol-800/bristol800-weekender-frankenstein/

April 29-May 7: Food Connections, Various locations
This food festival celebrates local producers, informing the public about the importance of consuming local food.
www.bristolfoodconnections.com/

April 30-May 1: Bristol Folk Festival, Various Locations
Bouncing between St George’s and the Folk House, this year’s lineup features Lukas Drinkwater and Tobias Ben Jacobs.
www.bristolfolkfestival.co.uk

April 29-May 2: Bristol Improv Theatre Festival, Bristol Improv Theatre
Use the bank holiday to view improvised comedy, drama, music and poetry at the UK’s only dedicated improvised theatrical space.
www.facebook.com/brimprovnet

April 30-May 2: The Noise 2016, Various Locations
Volunteers renovate, build and beautify local Bristol communities while socialising with other like-minded good Samaritans.
www.thenoise.org.uk

FILM

April 1-7: Chicken Run, Watershed
Perfect for the kids, this tale of Chickens escaping their farm was Aardman’s first feature-length film.
www.watershed.co.uk/whatson/7197/chicken-run

April 2: Metorpolitan Opera – Madama Butterfly, Various Venues
Geisha Cio-Cio-san’s doomed romance with American naval officer Pinkerton comes to life again in this 2006 production.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/metropolitan-opera-madama-butterfly?time=1459551600

April 3: Bride of Frankenstein, Watershed
Dr Frankenstein is at it again in this 1953 horror classic – this time, he wants to make a lovely companion for his original monster.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/horror/bride-of-frankenstein?time=1459638000

April 4: BRFF: Identification Photos + Q&A, Cube
Brazilian director Anita Leandro documents the treatment of four guerilla fighters tortured during the military dictatorship in Brazil.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/brff-identification-photos-qa?time=1459724400

April 5: KLIK! presents Dutch Delights,The Lanes
Fifteen Dutch animated shorts, run the gamut from 2D to 3D and stop-motion. The filmmakers will answer questions at the end. In English.
https://b247-test.webringly.com/channel/whats-on/film-01/animation/klik-presents-dutch-delights?time=1459810800

April 6: Royal Ballet: Giselle, Various Venues
The Romantic ballet, which follows the deceased Giselle as she joins a troupe of vengeful spirits, is broadcast live to cinemas.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/event-cinema/royal-ballet-giselle?time=1459897200

April 7: The Adventures of Priscilla, Salt Cafe
The perennial Australian camp classic, two drag queens and a transsexual woman take a journey across the outback.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/the-adventures-of-priscilla?time=1459983600

April 8: Quadrophenia + northern soul night, Cube
Mods’n’Rockers feature strongly in the Who’s rock opera. Keep an eye out for Sting’s acting debut.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/quadrophenia-northern-soul-night?time=1460070000

April 13: Zoltan, Hound of Dracula, Bristol Bad Film Club
Dracula’s Dog, Zoltan, rises from the dead to fight off possessed enemy canines in this awful-but-fun 70s flick.
www.bristolbadfilmclub.co.uk/2016/02/17/zoltan-hound-of-dracula-1978-13th-april-arnos-vale-cemetery/

April 18: The Godfather, Rosemarino
The Cannoli & Gun film club pairs the classic mobster film with an authentic three-course Italian meal.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/cannoli-gun-the-godfather

April 30: She Must Be Seeing Things, The Cube
Lawyer Agatha becomes convinced her girlfriend is cheating on her in this classic feminist lesbian film.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/she-must-be-seeing-things

FOOD & DRINK

April 1: Rummageddon, the Rummer
Love rum? You’re in luck. The Rummer is holding its third rum taster (also called Rum Hard with a Vengeance). 
www.foozie.co.uk/whats-on-in-bristol/2016/4/1/rumageddon-3-the-rummer

April 1: Bristol Night Market, St Nicks Market
Another St Nick’s Night Market brings local music, producers and traders into the streets for a night of great tastes and sounds.
www.lovefoodfestival.com/nightmarket-event.html

April 9-10: Everything but the Oink, Hart’s Bakery
An in-depth lesson on all things pork, participants will learn how to utilise every part of a pig’s carcass and learn about pork history.
www.saltboxworkshop.com/events/2016/4/9/everything-but-the-oink-9th-10th-april

April 10 & April 24: Beese’s Riverside Sunday Roast, Beeses Bar & Tea Garden
Sail up the River Avon and nosh on a carvery roast. Keep an eye out for otters, ducks, swans, kingfishers, deer and foxes.
www.bristolferry.com/public-trips/sunday-riverside-roast

April 20: Plymouth Gin Club, Milk Thistle
Plymouth Gin, one of the most versatile gins in the world, gets is rightful due in this celebratory night.
www.milkthistlebristol.com/

April 21: Wild Food Night with John Wright, River Cottage
Foraging celebrity John Wright will take guests through seasonal and local found foodstuffs.
www.rivercottage.net/canteens/bristol/whats-on

April 27: Italian Showcase Wine Tasting, Averys Cellar
Sample Averys Cellar’s popular Italian wines, all eight of which hail from various regions around the Mediterranean country.
www.averys.com/product/Italy-Showcase-Tasting-2016/02556TK?itemCode=02556TK

April 27: Wine Club, Goldbrick House
Sommeliers from Boutinot select wines to perfectly pair with the cheese selection in the Goldbrick house’s stylish Orangery.
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk/events-and-offers

April 29-May 7: Food Connections Festival, Various Locations
This food festival celebrates local producers, informing the public about the importance of consuming local food.
www.bristolfoodconnections.com/

Flexitarian Bristol, Arnos Vale Cemetary
The date is yet to be announced, but Flexitarian Bristol plans to take over the cemetery with innovative meat-free ideas.
www.flexibristol.org/campaigns/good-food-tour/

MUSIC

April 3: Chasing the Whale, Arnolfini
Early whalers from the days of Moby Dick tell their harrowing tales through music as well as narration and film.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/chasing-the-whale-kings-of-the-south-seas-with-tim-eriksen-philip-hoare

April 6: Gregory Porter, Colston Hall
With a subtly sweet voice and a penchant to perform jazz and soul, Gregory Porter once again dons his “Jazz Hat” in Bristol.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/gregory-porter/

April 9: Sing Out Bristol, St George’s
The celebrated LGBT choir travels through the golden age of cinema to modern day movies in this ensemble performance.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/sing-out-bristol-presents-lets-go-to-the-movies/

April 11: Lucius, Thekla
The Indie pop band’s new songs, inspired by two years on the road, lurch from vibrant elation to coursing sadness.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/592/lucius

April 13-16: Bellowhead, Colston Hall
As part of their farewell tour, the 11-piece big band terminates their 12-year run with a bang and a trumpet blast.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/bellowhead-2/

April 14: Clare Hammond, St George’s
In this lunchtime piano recital, the pianist plays Beethoven’s hits as well as the ‘Pathetique Sonata and more.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/classical/clare-hammond

April 15: Future of the Left, Thekla
Crossing the bridge from their native Cardiff, the quartet perform their popular songs with panache and a pinch of dry humour.
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/261/future-of-the-left

April 15: Mikhail Kazakevich, St George’s
The Russian pianist plays an ode to the greatest fugal keyboard writing of the 20th century while giving the songs a personal touch.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/mikhail-kazakevich-piano/

April 15: The Queen Shilling, Hush
This night aimed at LBTQ ladies and their friends features all-girl Bristol/London DJ collective Frau.
www.indigonetwork.co.uk/hush/

April 16: Nerina Pallot, the Lantern
The alternative singer-songwriter caters to her extensive Bristol fanbase at this intimate show.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/nerina-pallot

April 16: Bristol Phoenix Choir and Orchestra, St George’s
The choir returns to St George’s with contrasting choral works from the Classical period.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/bristol-phoenix-choir-orchestra-mozart-requiem/

April 21: Lydia Kavina’s Theremin!, St George’s
Meet the world’s number one thereminist – player of the theremin, a Soviet-produced instrument invented by her relative.
www.stgeorgesbristol.co.uk/event/theremin-lydia-kavina-the-lochrian-ensemble/

April 24: Bristol Ensemble – A Night At The Musicals, Colston Hall
The Bristol Ensemble joins London’s the WestEnders to perform hit songs from Phantom of the Opera, the Lion King, and more.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/bristol-ensemble-a-night-at-the-musicals/

April 28: Rautio Piano Trio, St George’s
The award-winning group contrasts Bach and Mendelssohn in this two-concert series.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/music-01/classical/rautio-piano-trio

April 29: Gnod / Housewives / Warren Schoenbright, Old Malt House
Energy-driven, highly innovative sounds prevail in throughout these bands’ performances.
www.cacosarco.bigcartel.com/product/gnod-housewives-warren-schoenbright-old-malt-house

April 29: Melt Yourself Down / Run Logan Run, Exchange
African-influenced jazz punk, anyone? Melt Yourself Down perform their notoriously well-crafted songs.

SPORT

April 2: Tour de Bristol, Clifton College Sports Ground, Abbots Leigh
Benefit St Peter’s Hospice while taking a 35km, 50km or 75km bicycle route around Bristol. 
www.tourdebristol.stpetershospice.org.uk/

April 15: Bristol Rugby v Mosely, Ashton Gate
Bristol’s bruisers take on the Mosely Rugby Club from Birmingham in this head-to-head game.
www.bristolrugby.co.uk/fixtures/first-team-fixtures/2015-2016/

April 15-17: Bespoked: the UK Handmade Bicycle Show 2016, Brunel’s Old Station
Find the perfect craftsperson to build your dream bike at Europe’s premier handmade bicycle show.
www.bespoked.cc

April 16: Bristol Flyers v London Lions, London
Basketball teams representing the two cities will clash in London to test their mettle.
www.londonlionsbasketball.co.uk/fixtures-results

April 17-20: Gloucestershire v Derbyshire, County Ground
Bristol’s Gloucestershire Cricket Club faces off against their midland rivals from Derbyshire for four action-packed days.
www.espncricinfo.com/england/content/match/fixtures.html?team_country=1;future=1

April 24-27: Gloucestershire v Worcestershire, County Ground
The Division Two County Championship promises to be another breathtaking Cricket match.
www.bbc.co.uk/sport/cricket/teams/gloucestershire/fixtures

THEATRE

March 21-April 30: All’s Well That Ends Well, Tobacco Factory Theatre
Shakespeare’s romantic comedy reveals some of his most intriguing female characters – Helena and the Countess of Rossillion.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/alls-well-that-ends-well-bristol

April 4-10: The Owl & The Pussycat’s Treasury of Nonsense, Wardrobe Theatre
Edward Lear’s most beloved poems transform into a feast for the eyes and ears with clowning, puppetry and music.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/family/the-owl-and-pussycats-treasury-of-nonsense

April 7: The Smoking Puppet Cabaret, Wardrobe Theatre
Don’t expect Sherri Lewis – this puppet show for adults is delightfully seedy and tongue-and-cheek.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/the-smoking-puppet-cabaret/

April 6-17: Trainspotting, Loco Klub
This wacked out, immersive version of the cult classic examines addiction and recovery.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/promenadewalkabout-theatre/trainspotting-bristol

April 9: HELP!, Wardrobe Theatre
Anxiety and depression set to a crazy Euro-pop soundtrack – could it be a cry for HELP?
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/comedy/help-viki-browne-bristol

April 13-16: The Bride to Be/You Were After Poetry, Alma Tavern Theatre
Two comedic 30-minute shorts focus on romantic relationships and their everlasting potential to implode.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/the-bride-to-be-you-were-after-poetry-bristol

April 14: Yerma, Circomedia
Kathak, a North Indian classical dance, fuses with art, theatre and technology to depict the story of a childless woman.
www.circomedia.com/whats-on.html

April 19-23: Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons Lemons, Greenbank pub Easton
A couple lives in a world with a word limit in this examination of how we express ourselves. 
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/theatre-01/new-writing/lemons-lemons-lemons-lemons-lemons-greenbank-walrus-bristol

April 20-30: Dark Land Light House
A haunting sci-fi horror production about a lighthouse circling the dangerous Dark Land in space.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/darkland.html

April 25-26: Henry V, Bristol Cathedral
Set in a French military hospital during the First World War, this production commemorates the centenary of the Battle of the Somme.
www.bristol-cathedral.co.uk/whats-on/henry-v

April 26-27: Wake Up & Dierdrealize, Wardrobe Theatre
Bristol comedy fixture Deirdre Me showcases her signature character-driven clown improv in her first ever show.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/livetheatre/wake-up-and-deirdrealize/

April 26-May 7: The Massive Tragedy of Madame Bovary!, Old Vic
A ‘bijoux’ cast brings the 19th century novel to life as the production veers from comedy to tragedy in this tale of a woman who chooses the wrong husband.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/madamebovary.html

April 28-30: The Beanfield, Wardrobe Theatre
The Battle of the Beanfield, a violent crackdown at Stonehenge in 1985, is recreated in this multimedia production about state violence and national heritage.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com/shows/the-beanfield/