153 things to do in Bristol in May 2017

ART

To May 28: Glenn Morris: Anthropocene, Tobacco Factory café/bar and yard
Series of massive sculptural works by the artist and environmentalist.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/sculpture/glenn-morris-anthropocene-bristol

To June 4: Drawn / The Drawing Lab, RWA
Return of the biennial open-submission drawing exhibition.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/drawn-the-drawing-lab-bristol

To June 18: The Stars Were Aligned for a Century of New Beginnings, Arnolfini
First UK solo exhibition by Egyptian artist Basim Magdy.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/the-stars-were-aligned-for-a-century-of-new-beginnings-basim-magdy-bristol-arnolfini

To May 3: Found, Centrespace
Popular Bristol artists explore their shared love of collecting, museums and maps.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/emily-ketteringham/found-ruth-broadway-emily-ketteringham-bristol

To June 18: Andrea Luka Zimmerman: Common Ground, Spike Island
First UK solo show for this artist who explores the impact of globalisation, power structures and militarism.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/andrea-luka-zimmerman-common-ground-bristol

To July 4: Greg Harris, Averys Wine Merchants
Solo exhibition for this painter who strives to make us reconnect with the familiar.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/greg-harris/greg-harris-bristol

May 5-7: EBC13, Trinity
east bristol contemporary’s 13th monthly show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/east-bristol-contemporary/ebc13

May 6-9: It Must Have Been Dark By Then, Bristol Central Library
Audio experience featuring evocative music, narration and field recordings.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/ambient-literature/it-must-have-been-dark-by-then-bristol

May 4-17: Rob Johnsey: Imaginary Forms, Hamilton House
Falmouth artist’s sculptures, largely made in wood.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/exhibition/rob-johnsey-imaginary-forms-hamilton-house-bristol

May 13-14: Southbank Bristol Arts Trail, various venues
Over 150 artists and makers share their work across Southville, Bedminster and Ashton.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/bs3/southbank-bristol-arts-trail-bs3

May 19-June 10: James Reka, THAT Art Gallery
New Christmas Steps gallery hosts this solo show for the Australian artist based in Berlin.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/james-reka/james-reka-bristol

May 19-24: Presence, Centrespace
Four artists examine this enigmatic concept.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/art/theresa-fard/presence-theresa-fard-bristol

May 20-June 3: 20/50 Vision: Tomorrow’s Habitat, It’s All 2 Much
Bristol painter Andrew Burns Colwill presents a series of paintings and small sculptures.
b247.staging.proword.press/ whats-on/art/andrew-burns- colwill/2050-vision-tomorrows- habitat-bristol

BOOKS

May 2: Poetry reading with Mervyn Morris, Waterstones Broadmead
The poet laureate of Jamaica ends his Bristol tenure with a special reading event.
www.waterstones.com/events/poetry-reading-with-mervyn-morris/bristol-galleries

May 6: Book signing with Caroline Newark, Waterstones Broadmead
The local author will be signing copies of her new book.
www.waterstones.com/events/meet-caroline-newark-book-signing/bristol-galleries

May 9: Jeetendr Sehdev, Waterstones Broadmead
As part of the Festival of Ideas, the author examines social media and celebrity.
www.waterstones.com/events/jeetendr-sehdev-festival-of-ideas-at-waterstones/bristol-galleries

May 10: Happiness in Print, Waterstones Broadmead
Bristol Happy City bring you a new kind of book club.
www.waterstones.com/events/happiness-in-print-bristol-happy-city/bristol-galleries

May 11: Local Author Reception, Foyles
Two great local crime writers, C.L. Taylor and Sarah Hilary, will talk about their recent work.
www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=3294

May 16: Millie Johnson in conversation with Lucy Diamond, Waterstones Broadmead
The two bestselling authors will chat about their latest work.
www.waterstones.com/events/millie-johnson-in-conversation-with-lucy-diamond/bristol-galleries

May 17: Bristol Fiction Writers’ Group, Waterstones Bristol
An evening of spoken word as writers read excerpts of their crime novels.
www.waterstones.com/events/bristol-fiction-writers-group/bristol-galleries

May 20: Carib-Asian cook book tour, Foyles Cabot Circus
TV chefs Patrick Hart and Sherrie-Eugine Hart talk about their new cook book and demo some recipes.
www.foyles.co.uk/Public/Events/Detail.aspx?eventId=3311

May 30: Joanna Moorhead on Leonora Carrington, Waterstones Broadmead
As part of the Festival of Ideas, the journalist speaks about her new biography.
www.waterstones.com/events/joanna-moorhead-festival-of-ideas-at-waterstones/bristol-galleries

May 31: Michele Roberts, Waterstones Broadmead
The author and poet discusses her new novel, The Walworth Beauty.
www.waterstones.com/events/michele-roberts-festival-of-ideas-at-waterstones/bristol-galleries

CLUBS

May 5: Invisible Circus May Day Worker’s Ball, The Loco Club
Expect cabaret, walkabout, photobooth malarky and music.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-05-05&event_id=38036

May 5: Principle Records label launch, Motion
Principle Records showcase a new roster of artists for the launch of their Drum & Bass imprint.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-05-05&event_id=37538

May 6: The Avenue, Blue Mountain
Back for a second instalment, the music will be accompanied by sound reactive visuals.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-05-06&event_id=38280

May 12: Minotaur Sound, Techno Towers
The beast presents Denis Horvat for a fabled night of madness and music.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-05-13&event_id=36511

May 13: Nu:Motive, Black Swan
A highly anticipated debut takeover from the mixed-genre DJ collective.
www.headfirstbristol.co.uk/#date=2017-05-19&event_id=35200

May 13: Free rave, Motion
A free night of drum & bass and bassline sounds.
www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Motion/Free-Rave—Drum–Bass-VS-Bassline/12961988

May 14: drum & birds x m#b, Basement 45
Two rooms playing the best of d’n’b, grime, jungle, reggae and UK garage.
www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Basement-45/DRUM–BIRDS-X-MB–1–Sunday-14th-MAY/12960896

May 20: Rave on Avon, Stokes Croft
A day ’til dawn showcase of Bristol’s best music across multiple venues.
www.facebook.com/events/201154467034785

May 27: Love Saves the Night, Motion
The party doesn’t have to end when the festival gates close.
www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Motion/Love-Saves-The-Night-/12961476

May 28: Banjax x No24 Bank Holiday Special, Blue Mountain
Spend your Bank Holiday at this extra-special house and techno night.
www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/Blue-Mountain/Banjax-X-No24—Bank-Holiday-Special/12967068

COMEDY

May 3: All Killa No Filla, The Room Above
Join comedians Rachel Fairburn and Kiri Pritchard-McLean for a live version of the AKNF podcast.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/kiri-pritchard-mclean/all-killa-no-filla-live-kiri-pritchard-mclean-rachel-fairburn-bristol

May 4: Katy Brand: I Was a Teenage Christian, The Lantern
The Now Show regular overshared about her religious past.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/katy-brand-i-was-a-teenage-christian-bristol

May 4-10: Edinburgh preview double bills, The Room Above (The White Bear)
A procession of top-notch comics including Sean McLoughlin, Evelyn Mok and Harriet Dyer.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/edinburgh-preview-double-bills-chuckle-busters-bristol

May 5: Improv Double Bill: The Reason, Bristol Improv Theatre
Character-driven improvised work from award-winning actors and writers Kaci Beeler and Curtis Luciani.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/bristol-improv-theatre/improv-double-bill-reason

May 6: Stand Up for the Weekend: Alun Cochrane & co., Comedy Box at the Hen & Chicken
Return of this articulate comic with a gently befuddled view towards life.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/stand-up-for-the-weekend-alun-cochrane-co-bristol

May 8: John Hastings/Jenny Collier, Smoke and Mirrors
Fine-looking double bill for the new material session.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol

May 8-10: Bridget Christie: Because You Demanded It, Tobacco Factory Theatres
The brilliant Bridget Christie takes an exasperated look at UK politics.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/political-comedy/bridget-christie-because-you-demanded-it-bristol

May 9: Phil Jerrod/Tom Little, Smoke and Mirrors
The relentlessly surreal and oddball Phil Jerrod is worth your £5 entry alone.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol

May 11: Scott Gibson: Life After Death, The Room Above (The White Bear)
The award-winning Scottish comic presents his sold-out Edinburgh Fringe show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/scott-gibson-life-after-death-bristol

May 12: Improv double bill, Bristol Improv Theatre
See two of the nation’s favourite improv acts for the price of one.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/improvised/improv-double-bill-nothingism

May 13: Burlesque Wonderland, The Fleece

A Grease-themed night of burlesque performance.

www.ents24.com/bristol-events/the-fleece/burlesque-wonderland-grease-burlesque-is-the-word/4914604

May 14: Russell Kane: Right Man, Wrong Age, Colston Hall
New tour show from the hyperactive, hyper-articulate and rightly acclaimed comic.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/russell-kane/russell-kane-right-man-wrong-age-bristol

May 16: Jonny Pelham/Josh Pugh, Smoke and Mirrors
Double-header of rising comics, both well worth watching and saying you saw them here first.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol

May 17: Catherine Bohart/Desiree Burch, Café Kino
Bubble Comedy moves to Cafe Kino for a one-off spectacular featuring two rising stars.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/desiree-burch/bubble-comedy-desiree-burch-catherine-bohart-bristol

May 18: Comedians on the Run, Bedminster
Twenty local (ish) comedians play 15-20 Bedminster venues in one night.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/bedminster/comedians-on-the-run-bristol-bedminster

May 21: Penny Brohn’s Comedy Night, Penny Brohn UK, Pill
Mark Olver, Sally-Anne Hayward and others TBA will perform at this fundraiser.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/mark-olver/penny-brohn-comedy-night-bristol

May 26-28: Wells Comedy Festival
Biggest lineup yet for this fast-growing comedy festival.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/angelos-epithemiou/wells-comedy-festival-bristol

May 27: Instant Wit, Alma Tavern Theatre
Bristol’s acclaimed comedy improvisation company returns to the Alma.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/improvised/instant-wit-bristol

The strongest pairing of this month’s Bunch of Japes lineups.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/comedy/stand-up/a-bunch-of-japes-smoke-and-mirrors-bristol

EVENTS

May 1: North Somerset Show, Wraxall
The 138th instalment of this traditional agricultural show.
www.nsas.org.uk/north-somerset-show

May 1: Bloodhound family fun day, Bloodhound technical centre
Find out more about this extraordinary project to build the world’s fastest car.
www.bloodhoundssc.com/news/may-day-family-extravaganza

May 2: How animals respond to sound, Wills Memorial Building
Prof. Andy Radford presents this inaugural lecture about animal behaviour.
www.bristol.ac.uk/events/#May-2017

May 5-7: Resident’s Weekend, various venues
A chance to explore the place you live, through the eyes of a visitor.
www.bbresweekend.co.uk

May 6: Early morning bird song, University of Bristol
Join ornithologists on this morning walk to distinguish the different birds.
www.bristol.ac.uk/events/#May-2017

May 7: Circus to Borders Serbian fundraiser, The Loco Klub
Family-friendly fundraising event to create a community centre in Belgrade.
www.locobristol.com

May 14: Jumble Sale, The Loco Klub
An old-fashioned chance to have a rummage through the bargains.
www.locobristol.com

May 17: Young People’s Festival of Ideas: Activism, Arnolfini
An exploration of how young people are engaging in activism.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/ypfoi-activism

May 20: Kerry Egan, Watershed
The hospice chaplain talks about life and death.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/kerry-egan

May 21: Open day, Clifton Rocks Railway
A chance to explore the historic railway from the top station in Clifton.
www.cliftonrocksrailway.org.uk

May 21: Garden history tour, Goldney Hall
Explore the renowned grotto and follies at this rarely-open Bristol spot.
www.bristol.ac.uk/events/#May-2017

May 21: Vintage Lecture – Nicholas Hytner, Bristol Old Vic
Hytner discusses his 12 years at the helm of the National Theatre.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/vintage-lecture-2017-nicholas-hytner

May 26: The power of Buddhism
A rare public talk by His Holiness Ratna Vajra Rinpoche.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/the-power-of-buddhism-a-public-talk-by-his-holiness-ratna-vajra-rinpoche-tickets-31825793806

May 26: Why I’m no longer talking to white people about race, Watershed
Reni Eddo-Lodge discusses her viral blog post and the thoughts behind it.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/reni-eddo-lodge

May 27: The Women of Ambridge, At-Bristol
Actors and writers from The Archers discuss the female characters that shape the show.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk/events/the-archers-2

FASHION

May 5: The Fashion Front Bzzaar, SPACE Old Market
A pop-up shop full of catwalk fashions to be taken home.
www.facebook.com/events/1321681451219690

May 6: Fashion salvage kilo sale, Bristol Textile Recyclers
Salvage quirky, vintage, retro and high street fashion finds, for just £6 per kilo.
www.facebook.com/events/1889496471269462

FESTIVALS

May 1-31: Bristol Walk Fest, citywide
Rambler routes, expert-led health walks and history-centric events all month.
www.bristolwalkingfestival.co.uk

May 11-13: Bristol Gin Festival, The Station
More than 100 varieties to sample, alongside masterclasses and live music.
www.ginfestival.com/events/gin-festival-bristol-2017

May 12-14: Bristol Foodies Festival, The Downs
Michelin stars, TV chefs and lots of delicious things to eat.
www.foodiesfestival.com/Bristol

May 15-17: Pint of Science Festival, various venues
Ingest some knowledge with your usual pint.
www.pintofscience.co.uk/events/bristol

May 20-21: Vegfest, Harbourside
15th outing for Europe’s biggest vegan festival.
www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk

May 27: Dot to Dot, various venues
Strap on a wristband and gain entry to a plethora of venues.
www.dottodotfestival.co.uk

May 27-28: Love Saves The Day, Eastville 
Headlining this year are Swedish aces Little Dragon and New Zealanders Fat Freddy’s Drop.
www.lovesavestheday.org

FILM

May 3: XX, Cube
The world’s first all-female horror anthology arrives at Cube.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/horror/xx

May 3: Time to Choose + live panel Q&A, Curzon
New climate change documentary by Oscar-winning director Charles Ferguson.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/time-to-choose-live-panel-qa

May 4: Star Wars: The force Awakens, Arnos Vale Cemetery
A chance to watch this classic on Star Wars day. May the fourth be with you!
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/science-fiction/star-wars-the-force-awakens

May 5: The Goonies, Arnos Vale Cemetery
Mysteriously popular ’80s kids’ adventure flick, based on a story by Steven Spielberg.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/family/the-goonies

May 5: All’Opera: Don Carlo, Showcase Cinema De Lux
Broadcast live in HD from Italy, Verdi‘s grand opera is conducted by Zubin Mehta.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/allopera-don-carlo

May 5: The Levelling + director Q&A, Watershed
Set against the stunning backdrop of the Somerset Levels.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/drama/the-levelling

May 5: Mad to be Normal + director Q&A, Watershed
A maverick ‘anti-psychiatrist’ feeds his patients acid.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/drama/mad-to-be-normal

May 8: Demain, Watershed
This eco documentary was partly filmed in Bristol.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/demain

May 11: National Theatre Live: Obsession, various cinemas
Jude Law stars in this live-screened theatre adaptation.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/national-theatre-live-obsession

May 13: Metropolitan Opera Live: Der Rosenkavalier, various cinemas
A new production of  Richard’s Strauss‘s hugely popular bittersweet romantic farce.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/metropolitan-opera-live-der-rosenkavalier

May 14: Losing Sight of Shore + director Q&A, Cube
Documentary following four-woman rowing 8,000 miles unsupported.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/documentary/losing-sight-of-shore-director-qa

May 16: Bristol Film Festival: Big Night, Averys
A pair of Italian immigrants struggle to make a go of their New Jersey restaurant business.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/drama/bristol-film-festival-big-night

May 18: Bristol Film Festival: Goldfinger, Aston Martin Showroom
Your admission price includes a glass of champagne or vodka martini on arrival.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/thriller/bristol-film-festival-goldfinger

May 18: National Theatre Live: Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, various cinemas
Imelda Staunton stars in this acclaimed new production.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/national-theatre-live-whos-afraid-of-virginia-woolf

May 21: Don’t Think Twice + live improv comedy, Cube
Probably your only chance to catch this, as it isn’t getting a UK-wide release.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/comedy/dont-think-twice-live-improv-comedy

May 24: Royal Shakespeare Company Live: Antony and Cleopatra, various cinemas
The second in the RSC’s season of the Bard’s four great political thrillers.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/event-cinema/royal-shakespeare-company-live-antony-and-cleopatra

May 25: Bristol Bad Film Club: Space Mutiny, Bristol Improv Theatre
This 1988 South African stinker inspired the best-ever episode of Mystery Science Theater 3000.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/science-fiction/bristol-bad-film-club-space-mutiny

May 26: Bristol Film Festival: Casablanca, Averys
A digitally restored print of this classic romantic wartime thriller.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/drama/bristol-film-festival-casablanca

May 28: The Hippopotamus + Stephen Fry satellite Q&A, various cinemas
An adaptation of Stephen Fry‘s semi-epistolary 1994 novel.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/film/comedy/the-hippopotamus-stephen-fry-satellite-qa

FOOD & DRINK

May 4: Nutmeg Nights, Nutmeg
A four-course menu inspired by New Delhi accompanied by four Moor beers.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/nutmeg-night-four-course-indian-tasting-menu-moor-beer-pairing/

May 4: May the Fourth Be With You, Bristol Spirit
A screening of Rogue One, with a Star Wars-themed cocktail for each guest.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/may-fourth-star-wars-evening/

May 5: Tap room launch, Bristol Beer Factory
Have a chat with the brewery staff, and enjoy the full range of BBF beer in cask, keg and bottle.
www.facebook.com/events/1597253126970913/

May 5: Plumed Serpent pop-up, Aron’s
A four-course feast featuring a mix of established dishes and new creations.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/plumed-serpent-cantina-pop-arons-jewish-deli/

May 5: Finzels Reach market, Finzels Reach
The first of a new weekly street food market.
@FinzelsReachMkt

May 6: Sushi Bus
Tuck into a five-course sushi menu created by Ivo Suchett-Kaye while touring Bristol by bus.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/bristol-sushi-bus-2/

May 7: BS5 Market, St George’s Park
This monthly market features food, drink and homemade produce from all over Bristol.
www.facebook.com/BS5Market

May 9: Space Jam, Small Bar
A supper club at Small Bar means you are guaranteed brilliant beer with your food.
www.smallbar.co.uk/bristol

May 10: Paris Beer Week tap takeover, Small Bar
A showcase of six French craft breweries.
www.smallbar.co.uk/bristol

May 11-13: Gin Festival, The Station
The UK’s biggest gin festival will be serving up more than 100 different gins.
www.ginfestival.com/events/gin-festival-bristol-2017

May 11-14: Brandon Hill Beer Festival, various venues
The Bag of Nails, Lime Kiln, Three Tuns and Hope & Anchor join forces.
www.facebook.com/events/390463294648594/

May 12: Good Chemistry tap takeover, Tobacco Factory
The Bristol brewery supply the beer and Bristol Eats street food traders provide the food.
www.facebook.com/events/213145455842490/

May 12-14: Foodies Festival, Downs
This year’s festival features Great British Bake Off winner Candice Brown and much more.
www.foodiesfestival.com/bristol-food-festival/

May 13: Durty Gurties, Invisible Circus training workshop
Promising a pop-up cèilidh within an enchanted forest.
www.durtygurtiesdiningroom.co.uk

May 14: Bristol Pudding Club, Bristol Spirit
This debut event starts with something savoury, followed by four individual puddings.
www.facebook.com/BristolPuddingClub

May 16: Moor Meats Heat, Meatliquor
Meatliquor, Moor Beer and The Chilli Alchemist team up for beer, chicken wings and chilli.
www.facebook.com/events/413752422319176/

May 17: Eat Your Words, Birch
Celebrate Food in England by Dorothy Hartley with five courses inspired by the famous cookbook.
www.eatyourwords.uk

May 17: Gin and vodka tasting, Bristol Spirit
Showcasing the gins and vodkas from Espensen Spirit, made in St George.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/bristol-spirit-gin-vodka-tasting/

May 18: Great Bristol Menu, Oatley House
Bristol chefs come together with St Monica Trust for this charity dinner.
@gr8bristolmenu

May 18: BrewDog dinner, White Lion
Six courses each paired with a BrewDog beer.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/theavongorgehotel-brewdogdinner/

May 18: Britpop in a Chip Shop, Soul Fish
Enjoy fish and chips or po-boy and chips, accompanied by the best of Britpop.
www.foozie.co.uk/event/britpop-chip-shop-2/

May 19&20 and 26&27: Pop-up suppers, Aron’s
Sam Bowser showcases the skills acquired working with Raymond Blanc, Michel Roux Jr.
www.event.bookitbee.com/verbena?utm_content=buffer48d75

May 19 & 26: Introduction to cider, Bristol Cider Shop
Learn about how cider is made and try some staff favourites from the shelves.
www.bristolcidershop.co.uk/events.php

May 20: South West England Aeropress Championships, Clifton Coffee
Watch some of the South West’s finest baristas at work, as well as enjoying a roastery open day.
www.cliftoncoffee.co.uk/shop/south-west-england-aeropress-championship/

May 20 & 21: Vegfest, Lloyds Amphitheatre
The UK’s biggest vegan festival returns to Bristol.
www.bristol.vegfest.co.uk

May 26: Bristol Eats, Steam
The monthly street food party features six traders alongside DJs, live music and more.
www.facebook.com/bristolstreetfood

May 27: Summer gin launch, Psychopomp
A party at the distillery to celebrate the start of summer and the launch of Charun.
www.microdistillery.co.uk/events

May 28: Everyday Baking with George and Fiona, Hart’s Bakery
A one-off workshop to help baker George raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support.
macmillansbaking@gmail.com

MUSIC

May 2: The Kooks, Colston Hall
Over a decade after the indie band formed, they are back on the road.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/the-kooks

May 3: Michael Kiwanuka, Colston Hall
The smooth-voiced soul artist visits Bristol.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/michael-kiwanuka-2

May 3: Future Islands, O2 Academy
The Baltimore trio bring their soulful synth-pop sounds to the Academy.
www.academymusicgroup.com/o2academybristol/events/929592/future-islands-tickets

May 6: Thatcher’s Haze sessions, Passenger Shed
Live performances from up-and-coming artists, including Bristol’s Eva Lazarus.
www.thatcherscider.co.uk/hazesessions

May 10: Immigrant Swing, Louisiana
The festival veterans are joined by others for a night of jail house rock.
www.thelouisiana.net/events/10-may-17-immigrant-swing-the-louisiana

May 13: DJ Yoda, Colston Hall
A rare visit from the legendary hip-hop DJ and producer with an inimitable sound.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/dj-yoda

May 14: Trinity garden party, Trinity
A daytime programme of musicians from Bristol and beyond
www.skiddle.com/whats-on/Bristol/The-Trinity-Centre/Trinity-Garden-Party/12949664

May 14: Wheatus, Thekla
What would 2001 have been without ‘Teenage Dirtbag’?
www.theklabristol.co.uk/live/792/wheatus

May 20: Rave on Avon, various venues
Stokes Croft plays host to this day of music from the South West’s best emerging DJs.
www.bristolfestivals.org/events/event/rave-on-avon-2017

May 26-28: Dot to Dot, various venues
Sundara Karma headline this weekend fest, with venues all over the city.
www.dottodotfestival.co.uk

May 28: Love Saves the Day, Eastville Park
Little Dragon and Fat Freddy’s Drop headline this weekend bash in Eastville.
www.lovesavestheday.org

SPORT

May 5: England vs Ireland, Brightside Ground
This one-day international is England’s opening home game of the 2017 summer.
www.gloscricket.co.uk/cricket/england-v-ireland-odi/

May 7: Great Bristol 10k
Over 12,000 runners will take on the challenge of the 10km course.
www.greatrun.org/great-bristol-10k

May 9, 20 & 31: Bristol City WFC home games, Stoke Gifford Stadium
The Vixens host Manchester City, Liverpool and Chelsea in the Spring Series.
www.bristolcitywfc.co.uk/matches.html

THEATRE

May 1: Closer Each Day: Mayday! Mayday! special, ss Great Britain
Special edition of The Wardrobe Theatre’s unscripted cult comedy show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/closer-each-day-improvised-soap-opera/closer-each-day-mayday-mayday-special-bristol

To May 4: Tortoise v Hare, Spike Island Café
The brilliant Living Spit return with more superb comedy for ages 10+.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/comedy/tortoise-v-hare-living-spit-bristol

May 2-6: Sex With a Stranger, Wardrobe Theatre
Stefan Golaszewski’s biting modern drama opens this year’s Directors’ Cuts season.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/bristol-old-vic-theatre-school/sex-with-a-stranger-directors-cuts-bristol

May 3-5: Constellations, Alma Tavern Theatre
Roland is a bee-keeper; Marianne, a theoretical physicist. Theirs is a love story like no other.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/nick-payne/constellations-bristol

May 4: Mockingbird, Bristol Improv Theatre
A brand new night of storytelling improvisation.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/improvised/mockingbird-bristol-neil-haigh

May 5-6: Best of BE Festival, Circomedia
Performers from across Europe visit as part of Birmingham’s European arts festival.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/be-festival/best-of-be-festival-bristol

May 5-27: Medea, Bristol Old Vic
This modern take on Euripides’ tragedy reclaims Medea as a powerful female character.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/euripides/medea-bristol-old-vic-george-mann

May 6-7: Bristol: The Movie, starts M Shed
Award-winning street theatre company Natural Theatre Company present this new walking tour.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/walkabout-theatre/bristol-the-movie

May 8-13: Wonderland, Hippodrome
Musical adaption of Lewis Carroll’s tales.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/musical/wonderland-bristol

May 9-13: What If The Plane Falls Out Of The Sky?, The Loco Klub
A playful and unusual tale of fear and anxiety.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/idiot-child/what-if-the-plane-falls-out-of-the-sky-idiot-child-bristol-old-vic

May 9-13: Iceland, Wardrobe Theatre
The Directors’ Cuts season continues with Nicolas Billon’s timely play.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/bristol-old-vic-theatre-school/iceland-directors-cuts-bristol

May 11-13: The Marked, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Mixing together mask, puppetry and physical theatre.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/theatre-temoin/the-marked-theatre-temoin-homelessness-bristol

May 11-13: A Spark and a Beating Heart, Trinity
Firebird Theatre celebrate 25 years of making theatre together with this new show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/firebird-theatre/a-spark-and-a-beating-heart-bristol

May 16-19: True Brits, Hamilton House
Vinay Patel’s play captures the heartache caused by the actions of a handful of people.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/blue-brook-productions/true-brits-bristol

May 16-20: A Brimful of Asha, Tobacco Factory Theatres
A heart-warming tale of a family caught between two cultures. b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/why-not-theatre/a-brimful-of-asha-why-not-theatre-bristol

May 16-20: I Am The Wind, Wardrobe Theatre
Directors’ Cuts #3 is is Jon Fosse’s poetic, lyrical and experimental drama.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/bristol-old-vic-theatre-school/i-am-the-wind-directors-cuts-bristol

May 23, 26 & 31: Circomedia graduate showcase, Portland Square
The full-time students perform the skills they’ve been learning.
www.circomedia.com/whats-on.html

May 23-27: La Cage aux Folles, Hippodrome
Bill Kenwright’s new production of the colourful, hilarious musical.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/musical/la-cage-aux-folles-bristol

May 23-27: The Island, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Seminal anti-apartheid play devised by South African playwright Athol Fugard.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/athol-fugard/the-island-athol-fugard-bristol

May 23-27: Crave, Wardrobe Theatre
Sarah Kane’s play provides a dramatic conclusion to the Directors’ Cuts season.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/directors-cuts/crave-directors-cuts-bristol

May 29: Bristol Open Stage 2017, Bristol Old Vic
Return of the event that invites Bristolians to get up on the BOV stage.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/bristol-old-vic/bristol-open-stage-2017

May 30-31: Much Ado About Puffin, Tobacco Factory Theatres
Open Attic reprise their magical, non-verbal family show.
b247.staging.proword.press/whats-on/theatre/open-attic/open-attic-much-ado-about-puffin-bristol