Features / Things to do
85 glorious things to do in Bristol this June
FESTIVALS
June 5-7: Let’s Rock Bristol, Ashton Court Estate
This 80s music festival brings together a slew of 80s stars like Go West and Sister Sledge.
www.letsrockbristol.com
June 6-14: Bristol Cycle Festival, various locations
Expect 100 or so events of a two-wheeled persuasion.
www.bristolcyclefestival.com
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June 13-14: Bristol Festival of Nature
A free celebration of nature in the city centre with over 150 organisations taking part.
www.bnhc.org.uk/festival-of-nature
June 19-21: Bristol Volksfest, Easter Compton
A Volkswagen show and camping weekend with live music and events.
www.bristolvolksfest.co.uk
June 25-26: Bristol Summer Series, Lloyd’s Amphitheatre
A series of open air concerts with George Ezra, Kaiser Chiefs, Seasick Steve and Jessie J.
www.bristolsummerseries.com
EVENTS
June 1: Gardener’s Question Time live, Bristol Zoo Gardens
The Festival of Nature and Bristol 2015 host a special edition of Gardener’s Question Time.
www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/gardeners-question-time-tickets-16894234109
June 1-31: The Big Commuting Challenge, between your house and your work
Compete as an individual or workplace to ditch the car for one month and commute to work.
www.bigcommutingchallenge.getmeactive.org.uk
June 2: Skillshare: Glass etching, Bristol Hackspace
Bristol Hackspace throw open their doors to the general public for a skillshare workshop.
www.bristol.hackspace.org.uk/events
June 4-6: UWE Environment and Technology Degree Show, Frenchay Campus
A chance to check out the bright young things of our future.
www1.uwe.ac.uk/whatson/degreeshows/environmentandtechnology.aspx
June 6: Fashion for Nepal, The Island
A benefit fashion show to raise money for the victims of the earthquake in Nepal.
www.facebook.com/events/870717569650015
June 6-12: UWE Creative Industries degree show, Bower Ashton Campus
Artsy types showcase their degree work across art, design, filmmaking and media courses.
www1.uwe.ac.uk/whatson/degreeshows/creativeindustries.aspx
June 9: Rick Mayall charity night, The Fleece
Commemorate the comic genius with a screening of Mayall classics.
www.thefleece.co.uk/events/rik-mayall-charity-tribute-night
June 11-13: 50 Voices for Malcolm X, Bristol Old Vic studio
Ujima Radio marks the 50th anniversary of the assassination of the civil rights leader.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk/50voices
June 13: Farm Summer Fair, St Werburgh’s City Farm
An annual summer knees up with food and market stalls, live music across three stages, and parade.
www.swcityfarm.co.uk
June 13-14: Bristol Tattoo Convention, Brunel’s Old Station
Fans of ink unite for the first ever Bristol Tattoo Convention. Live music, market and traders.
www.bristoltattooconvention.com
June 14: Make Sunday Special, Bedminster
Lower North Street closes to traffic for the day – with highlights including the ‘Green Prix’.
www.facebook.com/events/840067402740620/
June 16: Ninja Calm Flashmob, Big Green Week Hub
A flash mob without the bang. Bring a cushion.
www.biggreenweek.com/the-hub
June 22: Bristol Refugee Week: Picnic in the Park, Queen Square
Hear music from artists who have found refuge in our vibrant city.
www.refugeeweek.org.uk/Events/south-west/picnic-in-the-park
June 27: Bristol World Naked Bike Ride, departing from Full Moon
A celebration of bikes and bods. Nudity is not compulsory – bare as much you dare.
www.bristolwnbr.blogspot.co.uk
ART
From June 3: Banksy’s Grim Reaper, M Shed
One of Banksy’s earliest works, his Grim Reaper will go back on public display.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed
June 4: Secret Postcard Auction, RWA
200 pieces of original art from hidden artists, including two Turner prize winners.
www.rwa.org.uk/whats-on/events/2015/4/rwa-secret-postcard
June 5-7: The Other Art Fair, Arnolfini
A chance to buy great art from undiscovered artists. Tracey Emin is this year’s guest artist.
www.bristol.theotherartfair.com
June 8 – July 17: Sound System Culture: Bristol, Colston Hall, Glass Room
Trace Bristol’s history of reggae sound systems through photographs, audio and film.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/sound-system-culture-bristol
June 12-14: Photobook Bristol 2015, SouthBank Club
A festival of photobooks, with talks, sessions, booksellers and publishers, music and food.
www.photobookbristol.com
June 12 & 19: Open For Business photo walk, M Shed and around harbourside
Explore Bristol’s industrial heritage on a walking tour with photographer Patrick Graham.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/m-shed/whats-on/open-business-photo-walk
June 13-14: Easton Art Trail, across Easton
This year’s trail celebrates Bristol 2015 with a focus on waste and how to turn rubbish into art.
www.eastonartstrail.co.uk
June 16: Architecture for a Green Capital: Lecture, Arnolfini
Peter Clegg sets out his definition of architecture for a Green Capital.
www.biggreenweek.com
June 19-21: Jamaica Street Studios open weekend, Stokes Croft
A chance to see some creatives in their studios, plus workshops and a mini-canvas auction.
www.jamaicastreetartists.co.uk
June 19-24: A Working Title Centrespace
Twelve newly qualified photographers showcase their work at Centrespace.
www.centrespacegallery.com/exhibitions/a-working-title
Until August 31: William Hogarth, Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
An exhibition of the renowned printmaker, artist, satirist and political cartoonist.
www.bristolmuseums.org.uk/bristol-museum-and-art-gallery/whats-on/william-hogarth-painter-printmaker/
SPORT
June 6-7: The Superhuman Games, Greville Smyth Park
A same sex pairs event with five gruelling challenges throughout the day.
www.superhumanevents.com
June 13: Boxing: Lee Haskins, Whitchurch Action Indoor Sports Centre
Lockleaze’s Lee Haskins gets his well-deserved crack at global glory.
www.hennessysports.com
June 13-14: Festival of Polo, Beaufort Polo Club, near Tetbury
The English polo season’s second Test match, with England taking on Ireland.
www.beaufortpoloclub.co.uk
June 19: Cricket: Somerset T20, Gloucestershire County Cricket Club
Gloucestershire host Somerset in cricket’s thrilling Twenty20 format.
www.gloscricket.co.uk
June 19-21: South West 7s, Clifton RFC
Music meets rugby at a new Bristol festival that will welcome up to 3,500 guests.
www.southwest7s.co.uk
June 20: Bristol Grand Prix, City centre
A proper road race on a twisty 1.3km figure-of-eight course through central Bristol.
www.bristolgrandprix.com
COMEDY
June 1-5: Mark James, Wardrobe Theatre
Comic-cum-circus performer takes up residence at the Wardrobe with his storytelling show.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com/#/mark-james/4588949354
June 5: Patrick Monahan, Comedy Box
Hilarious, hyperactive Irish-Iranian comic, with the madcap energy of Messrs Izzard and Connolly.
www.thecomedybox.co.uk
June 11: Stand Up 4 Slapstick, Colston Hall
Al Murray hosts an all-star night of stand-up comedy, featuring Harry Hill and Sarah Millican.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/stand-up-4-slapstick
June 12: What the Frock! birthday and book launch, Bristol Improv Theatre
What the Frock! celebrates three years of ace all-female comedy nights in Bristol.
www.whatthefrockcomedy.co.uk
June 29: A Bunch of Japes: Tiernan Douieb, Smoke & Mirrors
An affable comedian and satirist with a liking for thoughtful, political fare.
www.smokeandmirrorsbar.co.uk
MUSIC
June 3: Wu-Tang Clan, O2 Academy
Hip-hop’s greatest gang return from the slums of Shaolin.
www.o2academybristol.co.uk/event/74420/wu-tang-clan-tickets
June 5: Edible Seasons. The Marble Factory
Eats Everything chows down with Swedish techno overlord Adam Beyer.
www.motionbristol.com/event/edible-seasons
June 6: Parallel Dimensions with A Guy Called Gerald, Lakota
Best known for Voodoo Ray, A Guy Called Gerald is a key figure from acid to drum & bass.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/183-saturday-6th-june-2015
June 6: Just Jack and Stamp the Wax, Motion
Just Jack and Stamp the Wax get together for outdoor mayhem in the Motion courtyard.
www.motionbristol.com/event/just-jack-stamp-the-wax-pres-lets-take-this-outside/
June 8: Bryan Ferry, Colston Hall
Expect to hear Roxy hits like ‘Avalon’, alongside his famous covers and solo offerings.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/bryan-ferry-5
June 11: Leftfield, O2 Academy
Veterans of the UK electronic scene, Leftfield tour new album, Alternative Light Source.
www.o2academybristol.co.uk/event/75738/leftfield-tickets
June 13: Run x Shogun Audio, Motion
Monster lineup of drum and bass, grime, dubstep and speaker shredding low-end activity.
www.motionbristol.com/event/run-in-association-w-hench-present-shogun-audio
June 13-14: Urbfest, Lakota
This mini-festival spans the tougher end of the rave spectrum.
www.lakota.co.uk/events-tickets/195-urbfest-day
June 15: Royal Mail Choir, Big Green Week Hub
The Royal Mail Choir formed 3 years ago for the BBC programme Sing While you Work.
www.biggreenweek.com
June 17: The Cadbury Sisters, The Lantern
Three Bristol sisters bring their impeccable harmonies to the intimate Lantern.
www.colstonhall.org/shows/the-cadbury-sisters
June 22: Curtis Eller’s American Circus, Stag & Hounds
Former juggler and acrobat, brings his motley bunch of performers for a set of banjo-driven rock’n’roll.
www.stagandhoundsbristol.co.uk
June 28: Voices in the Woods, Leigh Woods
A dusk-time performance from the Exultate Singers amongst Luke Jerram’s Withdrawn installation.
www.exultatesingers.org/190915.php
THEATRE
June 4-13: The Grand Gesture, Factory Theatre
Bristol Old Vic Theatre School present a reworking of Nikolai Erdman’s The Suicide.
www.tobaccofactorytheatres.com
June 9: Closer Each Day, Wardrobe Theatre
The live fortnightly soap presents its Season 9 finale. Great fun, and created on the spot.
www.thewardrobetheatre.com
June 18-20: The Open Couple, Alma Tavern Theatre
Graduates from Exeter’s Cygnet Drama School stage Dario Fo’s farcical drama.
www.almataverntheatre.co.uk
June 20: Hop, Circomedia
Nevski Prospekt and MOKO Dance present this poetic dance-theatre production for ages 4+.
www.circomedia.com
June 23-27: The Ted Bundy Project, Bristol Old Vic
A dramatisation of the confession tapes of Ted Bundy, American serial killer, rapist and necrophile.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk
FOOD & DRINK
June 1-27: Moorish takeover the Old Bookshop
Moorish are next up to take over the Old Bookshop kitchen in their pop-up series.
www.moorishfood.co.uk
June 4: The Best of Bristol Beers, Goldbrick House
Sample the wares of some of Bristol’s best small breweries.
www.goldbrickhouse.co.uk/events-and-offers/the-goldbrick-house-drinks-cabinet
June 5-21: Clifton FoodFest, various venues
Clifton’s second annual FoodFest will see numerous events in more than a dozen businesses.
www.discoverclifton.co.uk/events/clifton-foodfest
June 5-6: Harty Supper, Hart’s Bakery
Middle Eastern Feast is latest in a new series of communal gorging. BYO booze.
www.hartsbakery.co.uk
June 6: Dumpling workshop, Bishopston Supper Club HQ
Learn how to make Chinese dumplings and wontons at home.
www.shop.waiyeehong.com/gifts/dumpling-workshop
June 6: Taste of Portugal, Benjamin Perry Boathouse
Bristol’s newest supper club sees a four-course menu of Portuguese delicacies and delights.
www.arecipeforgluttony.wordpress.com
June 9: Fish and chip supper, The Matthew
Dine on board The Matthew and be entertained by sea shanties from the Barnacle Boys.
www.matthew.co.uk/special-events
June 10: Sherry Club, Pata Negra
Foray into the unknown world of sherry pairing, with the first Pata Negra Sherry Club meeting.
www.patanegrabristol.com/news/pata-negra-sherry-club-with-harveys
June 11: Wine dinner at Rosemarino, Colston Street
Rosemarino welcome Roberto Felluga from the Felluga winery based in Friuli-Venezia.
www.colston.rosemarino.co.uk/offers/events
June 16: 91 Ways launch event, The Station
Celebrate the 91 languages and dialects spoken in Bristol with free food, music and speakers.
www.91ways.org/category/events
June 18: Cider tasting, Bristol Cider Shop
Learn all about how cider is made and try some of favourite ciders and perries from the shop.
www.bristolcidershop.co.uk/product.php?product=233
June 20: Bingo Wings, The White Bear
Promising “the tastiest, funniest, most Bristolian game of bingo you’ll ever play”.
www.foozie.co.uk/all-food-and-drink-events-list/2015/6/20/bingo-wings-the-white-bear
FILM
June 1: The Fourth Estate, Cube
Bristol Radical Film Festival screening of a hard-hitting film about the media business.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/brff-the-fourth-estate?time=1433113200
June 8: Inspired to Ride + Q&A, Watershed
Bristol Cycle Festival premiere of new bike race documentary, with Q&A.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/inspired-to-ride-qa?time=1433718000
June 8: High Tide + Q&A, Cube
Bristol premiere of acclaimed drama, plus a Q&A with the filmmakers and DJ set.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/drama/high-tide-1430816483?time=1433718000
June 9: London Road premiere & satellite Q&A, various locations
Live satellite relay of the London premiere of Rufus Norris’s film, followed by filmmaker Q&A.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/musical/london-road-premiere-satellite-qa?time=1433804400
June 10: Bristol Bad Film Club: Robot Jox, Grain Barge
Giant robots beat the crap out of one another in terrible movie.
www.bristolbadfilmclub.co.uk/2015/04/26/robot-jox-1987-10th-june-the-grain-barge
June 11: Sons of the Desert/County Hospital, Cinema De Lux
A special anniversary multiplex screening of the classic Laurel and Hardy double bill.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/sons-of-the-desertcounty-hospital?time=1433977200
June 13 & June 21: Bristolian Mediterranean Short Film Festival, Cube
Short films and authentic Mediterranean nosh.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/festival-screening/bristolian-mediterranean-short-film-festival?time=1434150000
June 17: Merchants of Doubt + Q&A, Watershed
How climate change deniers learned from the tobacco industry. A Festival of Ideas event.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/documentary/merchants-of-doubt-qa?time=1434495600
June 20: Tremors + Live Stand-Up, Cube
Kevin Bacon takes on ‘graboids’ in classic horror comedy, preceded by local stand-up talent.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/comedy/tremors-live-stand-up?time=1434754800
June 22: Cannoli & Gun: Pulp Fiction, Chomp Grill
A marriage of film and food; Cannoli & Gun bring you blood, black comedy, burger and fries.
b247.staging.proword.press/channel/whats-on/film-01/thriller/cannoli-gun-pulp-fiction?time=1434927600
BOOKS
June 4: Phil Hammond’s Staying Alive, Foyles
Phil Hammond talks about his new book, Staying Alive: How to get the best from the NHS.
www.foyles.co.uk/events
June 13: Jona David: Epic Eco-Inventions
Join nine-year-old Jona David, author of The Epic Eco-Inventions, for a workshop and reading.
www.foyles.co.uk/events
June 18: Novel Writers, Spike Island
Jonathan Gibbs takes a satirical view with an alternative history of the Cool Britannia years.
www.spikeisland.org.uk/events/talks/jonathan-gibbs
June 25: Novel Nights, Lansdown Pub
Novel Nights hosts a talk with literary agent, Kate Johnson, from Wolf Literary agency.
www.thelansdown.com/whats-on
FAMILY
June 4: DragonBird Early Years Theatre, Windmill Hill Community Centre
A performance followed by an interactive re-enactment of the play.
www.dragonbirdtheatre.co.uk
June 6: Ballast Seed Garden family day, Castle Park
Watch the Botanic Garden volunteers plant up an array of ballast seed plants for this year.
www.arnolfini.org.uk/whatson/ballast-seed-garden-family-day
June 6-21: Big Green Week, Harbourside
Over 200 events across two weekends of family entertainment, talks, workshops and music.
www.biggreenweek.com
June 13-14: Bristol Festival of Nature, Harbourside
Discover the wildlife of Bristol and beyond at the UK’s biggest free natural history event.
www.bnhc.org.uk
June 26-28: Foodies Festival, The Downs
Foodies Festival has upped and moved to The Downs for what promises to be their biggest yet.
www.foodiesfestival.com/bristol