Features / Events
Unmissable Events
Bristol is a city that will not miss any excuse for a celebration – from the German tradition of Oktoberfest to the annual international balloon fiesta, Bristolians are almost always up for a good time.
All these events are planned to go ahead in person, but some are still waiting for details of how that can happen to be confirmed, so keep your eyes peeled!
is needed now More than ever
Bristol Film Festival
Oct 1-Dec 29 2021
Various locations
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTXaeHilpYb/
Providing an alternative experience for lovers of film and cinema, as well as celebrating the culturally rich city landscape Bristol provides, BFF brings classic cinema to unusual locations across the city. This year’s events include Donnie Darko in Redcliffe Caves, Up at Clifton Observatory and The Witch at Bristol Museum.
Christmas Market
Nov 5-Dec 23 2021
Broadmead
Offering crafts from across Europe, get into the Christmas spirit with a spot of shopping at Bristol’s Christmas market. With food stalls, as well as hot chocolate and mulled wine on offer, this annual event will get you rockin’ around the Christmas tree in no time.
www.bristolchristmasmarket.com
Slapstick
Jan 25-30 2022
Various locations
Tim Vine at stand up for Slapstick – photo: Adam Johnson
Slapstick is the UK’s biggest celebration of silent and classic screen comedy. The 2022 festival will combine celebrity-led live events in Bristol venues with online interviews, watch parties and Q&As.
Bristol Folk Festival
Apr 29-May 1 2022
Various locations
Headliners such as Kate Rusby and O’Hooley & Tidow, along with a host of other artists from across the world will be taking to the stages including St George’s and Bristol Cathedral to showcase the best the folk genre has to offer. Dance, singarounds, sessions and live interview events will also be taking place across the weekend.
St Paul’s Carnival
July 2 2022
St Paul’s
Carnival is known for its bright colours and amazing costumes – photo: courtesy of St. Paul’s Carnival
Since 1968, Carnival has been held to celebrate Bristol’s African Caribbean communities through song, art, music and movement. Activities take place across the first weekend in July and have become deeply embedded in Bristol’s cultural calendar.
Pride
Jun 27-Jul 10 2022
Various locations
Bristol Pride event on The Downs, featuring Mel C and Sophie Ellis-Bextor – photo: Dan Regan
Bristol is well known for hosting one of the UK’s largest annual Pride celebrations. This accessible and inclusive event includes activities for all ages, including parades, performances and bars and food. The Queer Vision Film Festival will also provide a programme of LGBTQ+ films from around the globe.
Harbour Festival
Jul 15-17 2022
Harbourside
Celebrating all things Bristol, the Harbour Festival is a green initiative which focuses on the city’s maritime history. Activities vary, from live performances to firework displays, all based in and around the docks.
www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
August 11-14 2022
Ashton Court
Balloon Fiesta is a famous Bristolian event – photo: Paul Box
Over the course of the fiesta, hundreds of balloons (weather-permitting) fly above Bristol, making for Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon meeting. Pre-Covid the event took place alongside fair rides, food stands and other entertainment, but plans are not yet confirmed for 2022.
www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
Main photo: Paul Box
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