What’s on in Bristol | Independent Magazine | Bristol24/7

Your say / Politics
‘Stuck in Bristol traffic? It’s the real-world consequence of playground politics’
A political falling out has led to road chaos, writes Steve Smith
News / Dentists
1,500 free tooth appointments delivered to children without NHS dentist
Bristol is considered a ‘dental desert’ and faces particular challenges in tooth health
Books / News
‘Representation is so important in children’s books’
Bristol poet and writer, Stephen Lightbown, has written a children's book, My Dad Can
News / St Mary Redcliffe Church
Vicar scales historic church spire to support solar panel project
Dr Brutus Green coolly climbed to the weather vane at the top of St Mary Redcliffe Church

Highlights

Things To Do / Bristol
16 things to do in Bristol this week, June 8-14 2026
Highlights this week include AfroFest, festival of nature and a big gay poetry night
Read more
News / cycling
Family cycle loop could spur traffic-calming measures
The bike trail is designed to create a safe space for children to cycle
Read more
Homes and Gardens / open gardens
In photos: Clifton & Hotwells Open Gardens 2026
Rob Browne explores Bristol's green havens hidden behind Georgian homes
Read more
News / Bakeries
Homeware shop to host bakery pop-ups
Three pop-ups will take place over the summer months
Read more
News / Aardman
50p coin commemorates Aardman’s 50th anniversary
"We love to bring pleasure and fun to our audiences, and these fabulous coins surely represent that"
Read more
News / Cafes
Hospitality duo open first independent venture
The business is bringing Italian deli-inspired sandwiches to Wapping Wharf
Read more

News and Features

News / St Mary Redcliffe Church
Vicar scales historic church spire to support solar panel project
Dr Brutus Green coolly climbed to the weather vane at the top of St Mary Redcliffe Church
Read more
News / Dentists
1,500 free tooth appointments delivered to children without NHS dentist
Bristol is considered a ‘dental desert’ and faces particular challenges in tooth health
Read more
News / Aardman
50p coin commemorates Aardman’s 50th anniversary
"We love to bring pleasure and fun to our audiences, and these fabulous coins surely represent that"
Read more
News / cycling
Family cycle loop could spur traffic-calming measures
The bike trail is designed to create a safe space for children to cycle
Read more
News / carbon neutral
New interactive exhibit explores carbon-free Bristol
A new partnership hopes to increase awareness about low carbon energy infrastructure in Bristol
Read more
News / religion
Sikh community in Bristol ‘pray for love and unity over division and hatred’
Bristol's Sikh community have released a joint statement following the sentencing of Vickrum Digwa
Read more
News / downs
MP says there should be no charges for small groups to use Downs
Darren Jones says the new charges and zones are "silly"
Read more
People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Tez Kirby
Tez Kirby is taking part in a 24-hour charity challenge combining running and table tennis
Read more
News / road safety
Residents demand action on ‘dangerous’ stretch of road
"Being able to come out safely onto the road without so many cars passing would be lovely"
Read more
News / parks
Neglected park lodge could be transformed
The building has been largely neglected in recent years
Read more

Culture

Television / television production
Netflix series producer launches TV production company in Bristol
The new production company joins a host of creative tenants at The Bottle Yard Studios
Read more
Books / News
‘Representation is so important in children’s books’
Bristol poet and writer, Stephen Lightbown, has written a children's book, My Dad Can
Read more
Art / Rough Trade Bristol
Vinyl, canvas and card decks: the launch of Rough Trade’s listening bar
The new bar hosted an exhibition by the Loovre which seeks to rewrite the community art playbook
Read more
Art / Bristol Portrait Club
Wes Anderson-themed life drawing night comes to Arnolfini
The Cinema Sketch night will be led by Bristol Portrait Club
Read more
Theatre / Reviews
Review: King Troll / Crocodile, The Weston Studio, Bristol Old Vic – ‘Once again, the acting from both ensembles showcases real strength in depth’
It’s the penultimate weekend of this year’s BOVTS Summer Festival
Read more
Art / BS4 Arts Trail
St Anne’s Open House and BS4 Arts Trail join forces again
It’s a busy weekend for the creative communities of Knowle, Brislington and St Anne’s
Read more
Theatre / puppetry
Puppet parade marks beginning of new festival
"We will breathe life into the living fabric of our city with its own creativity and rebelliousness"
Read more
Theatre / Reviews
Review: Bog Witch, Bristol Old Vic – ‘A tour de force of eco-scepticism, laced with gags and bathos’
Bryony Kimmings’ first solo show in five years explores her response to the climate emergency
Read more
Music / new releases
New release: Mesadorm return with Comfort and Lies
The art-pop quintet has made a comeback with their 'most instrumentally simple' album yet
Read more
Theatre / Reviews
Review: Crime and Punishment, Tobacco Factory Theatres – ‘Impressively ambitious and psychologically taut’
The production comes from the Diploma students of Bristol School of Acting
Read more

Food and Drink

News / Bakeries
Homeware shop to host bakery pop-ups
Three pop-ups will take place over the summer months
Read more
News / Cafes
Hospitality duo open first independent venture
The business is bringing Italian deli-inspired sandwiches to Wapping Wharf
Read more
News / coffee
Coffee van provides caffeination and brand awareness
Canons Wharf is the multimillion-pound redevelopment of the former Lloyds headquarters
Read more
News / coffee
Dan’s grand plan for his coffee van
Dan of Dandan's Coffee prides himself on having a community ethos
Read more
News / Pizza
Pizzeria closing ‘with a heavy heart and incredible sadness’
The team cited rising costs across the hospitality industry
Read more
News / EatDrink24/7
‘It feels like the stars have finally aligned’
Danny's Burgers & Big Nath's will be collaborating for the first time for EatDrink24/7 2026
Read more
News / Cafes
New cafe offers Scandinavian feel and an ever-changing menu
The Redland eatery opened its doors on Thursday - but faced a bit of a crisis
Read more
News / Bars
Bar and restaurant to close after 15 ‘truly special’ years
The owner says he has "reached the end of the road"
Read more
News / Cafes
Cafe forced to close as landlord converts building back into church
The cafe and bakery has been successfully operating for the last ten years
Read more
News / Pizza
London-born pizzeria bringing ‘slice of Naples’ to Bristol
The restaurant is celebrating its opening by giving away 1,000 free pizza slices
Read more

Bristol Legends

Books / Bristol Legends
‘Representation is so important in children’s books’
Bristol poet and writer, Stephen Lightbown, has written a children's book, My Dad Can
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
If I Knew Then: Heather Frankham
Heather Frankham was the winner of the Bristol Legends Awards in the business leaders category
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: sustainability
Watch our panellists talk about Bristol's legendary environmental campaigners, companies and causes
Read more
Other Sport / Bristol Legends
‘The best sport you’ve never heard of’
Inside the Bristol korfball club which has elite players yet inclusivity at its heart
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: community
Watch our panellists talk about Bristol Legends' 2026 community shortlist
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Meet the man with the best job in Bristol
Bristol’s official Sustainability Legend Mark Leach gives an insight into his work
Read more
Film / Bristol Legends
Growing a movement of storytellers
Mafia Weekend’s James Broadley on community resilience and storytelling
Read more
News / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: food & drink
Watch our esteemed panellists talk about Bristol Legends' 2026 food and drink shortlist
Read more
Dance / Bristol Legends
Divija Melally performs dance-theatre collaboration with Saili Katebe
‘One Foot In The Dark’ will appear as part of the festival programme for DIASPORA!
Read more
People / Bristol Legends
My Bristol Favourites: Asmaa Jama
Asmaa Jama has been selected to represent Somalia at the 2026 Venice Biennale
Read more

Opinion

Your say / Politics
‘Stuck in Bristol traffic? It’s the real-world consequence of playground politics’
A political falling out has led to road chaos, writes Steve Smith
Read more
Your say / Kashmir
‘While events may be taking place far away, worry and uncertainty are being felt every day in Bristol’
Councillor Abdul Malik highlights the deep distress felt by Bristol’s Kashmiri community
Read more
Your say / Hospitality
‘Every time you choose a chain over an independent, another small part of Bristol dies’
Bristol is lauded for our independent spirit but it is remarkable how swiftly that is being eroded
Read more
Your say / Transport
‘Voi would be proud to return to rejoin a community we know and care about’
Voi's Christina Moe Gjerde makes the case for bringing the familiar e-scooters back to Bristol
Read more
Your say / green space
‘Bristol’s green spaces are at risk – we need to speak up’
Bristol Tree Forum says our city's green spaces are under threat and we need to act now
Read more
Your say / walking
‘The history of walking is tied up with a history of exclusion’
Dr Eleanor Rycroft puts walking today into its historical context
Read more
Your say / Bristol
‘Bristol’s close-knit food community deserves to be celebrated, not shat upon’
'Let's build each other up, not tear each other down,' says Martin Booth
Read more
Your say / Lord Mayor of Bristol
‘People from Black, Brown and migrant communities are too often framed through struggle before professionalism’
Yassin Mohamud becoming lord mayor is a positive moment for Bristol, says Saliha Clarke
Read more
Your say / planning
‘Farcical scenes during planning meetings put Bristol’s economic future at risk’
Planning committee chair Don Alexander sets out some of his frustrations
Read more
Your say / UWE Bristol
‘Should people under 16 be banned from using social media?’
Is a blanket ban really the most practical way to protect children online?
Read more

Climate

News / St Mary Redcliffe Church
Vicar scales historic church spire to support solar panel project
Dr Brutus Green coolly climbed to the weather vane at the top of St Mary Redcliffe Church
Read more
News / Felton Common
The ‘historic, much-loved’ green space threatened by airport expansion
Attendees can hear from an owl expert, an ecologist and a local farmer
Read more
News / carbon neutral
New interactive exhibit explores carbon-free Bristol
A new partnership hopes to increase awareness about low carbon energy infrastructure in Bristol
Read more
News / Nature
Urgent action needed to reverse nature decline
62 per cent of fish species and 44 per cent of birds are declining across the West of England
Read more
News / community radio
Community organisation secures lottery funding for radio show on climate change
The Bristol-based organisation, which amplifies South Asian voices, has secured the funding
Read more
News / Bristol airport
Airport’s expansion plans ‘show no consideration’ to residents
Bristol Airport is trying to get planning permission to expand to 100,000 flights per year
Read more
Features / Bristol Legends
Bristol Legends 2026 mini-documentaries: sustainability
Watch our panellists talk about Bristol's legendary environmental campaigners, companies and causes
Read more
News / protest
More than 100 people join ‘Parade for the Animals’
Organised by FriendsNotFood, the march celebrated veganism
Read more
News / protest
Protesters call for ‘tides without turds’
A giant E coli model was inflated near Baltic Wharf as part of the Surfers Against Sewage protest
Read more
News / theatre
Playwriting workshop will explore ‘defining issue of our time’
The session for theatre makers will be led by an associate playwright to the Royal Court
Read more

Lifestyle

Homes and Gardens / open gardens
In photos: Clifton & Hotwells Open Gardens 2026
Rob Browne explores Bristol's green havens hidden behind Georgian homes
Read more
Shops / News
New tarot shop opens for ‘spiritual guidance’
Altar & Arcana is hidden within a former 18th century coffee house
Read more
Health and Fitness / Easton Leisure Centre
What are women-only spaces really for?
A closer look inside one of Bristol’s newest women-only gyms
Read more
Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Lowlands, Colston Street
What began as a living room pop-up has grown into a destination for art and design enthusiasts
Read more
Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Avonmouth Paint & Supplies, Avonmouth
Meet the sustainable specialists that can supply “any paint you can imagine"
Read more
News / Advertising Feature
A Better Weekend in Bristol Does Not Have to Cost More
Advertising feature
Read more
Homes and Gardens / Advertising Feature
How Mattress Design Has Changed In The Last Decade
Advertising feature
Read more
Cycling / Social enterprise
How FixX Bikes is Changing Young Lives in Hartcliffe
Cycle business that started in a garage in Hartcliffe has grown into a thriving social enterprise
Read more
Shops / Shop of the Week
Shop of the Week: Paper Plane, Gloucester Road
The beloved gift shop has built a community around art and passion
Read more
Features / Advertising Feature
Festival of Nature is back this June – and bigger than ever
Everything from the hidden life of trees to the wonders of nature at night
Read more

Business

Television / television production
Netflix series producer launches TV production company in Bristol
The new production company joins a host of creative tenants at The Bottle Yard Studios
Read more
Better Business / Member news
Xero and Making Tax Digital masterclass for small business owners
Making Tax Digital is one of the biggest changes to affect small businesses
Read more
News / Entrepreneurs
‘Marathon Man’ wins pitching competition at ‘Festival of Entrepreneurs’
The business founder of a fresh juice startup has won the pitch battle at FOUNDERS Playground
Read more
Features / Advertising Feature
From Process Chaos to a Unified System: How Business Can Scale without Losing Control
Advertising feature
Read more
Better Business / Member news
Panel event to discuss new Western Forest
UWE Bristol and Festival of Nature event brings experts together to discuss the new Western Forest
Read more
Better Business / Member news
‘Global Broadmead’ celebrates cultures, communities and indie businesses
Broadmead will become a celebration of global culture, creativity and international sport
Read more
News / Tech
Bristol Uni ranked among top UK hubs for spinouts
Report indicates that the university spinouts are estimated at a combined value of £8.5bn since 2010
Read more
News / Funeralcare
Father and son team up in funeral care
The father and son work side by side caring for the deceased
Read more
News / Defence
Bristol-based defence firm wins King’s Award
The Bristol firm specialises in advanced maritime defence technologies used around the world
Read more
Features / If I Knew Then
If I Knew Then: Heather Frankham
Heather Frankham was the winner of the Bristol Legends Awards in the business leaders category
Read more

Sport

Cricket / guy bailey
Unbeaten innings of a civil rights pioneer
"Fighting inequality and injustice with bat and ball"
Read more
Cricket / T20
Two T20 Blast wins in Bristol in one weekend for Gloucestershire
Wins against Somerset and Worcestershire keep the Shire flying high
Read more
Other Sport / bowls
Residents reopen long-vacant bowls club
The space will now be run as a Community Interest Company offering bowls, events and a cafe
Read more
News / Superbike
Superbike racer launches fundraiser to help rider into sport
The motorsport is prohibitively expensive and many riders have to shoulder costs themselves
Read more
Rugby / Bristol Bears Community Foundation
Bristol Bears Foundation to support veterans through new initiative
Bristol Bears Foundation has been awarded a £30,000 grant by the Veterans’ Foundation
Read more
News / Access Sport
Inclusive sports festival ‘highlights the power of collaboration’
The event featured activities including climbing, wheelchair basketball, tennis and hockey
Read more
Football / Bristol City
Bristol City appoint Michael Skubula as new manager
The 43-year-old was previously manager of League One side Lincoln City
Read more
Rugby / Bristol Bears
Bears prevail against Bath
Bristol Bears 21-19 Bath
Read more
News / Rugby
Fundraiser for injured Bears trainee
Max’s rugby hopes have been put on hold by a serious shoulder injury
Read more
News / Football
In photos: Talk Club Cup 2026
Fierce football rivalries were put aside in support of men’s mental health
Read more

Festivals

Features / Street Art
In photos: Upfest 2026
Rob Browne explores the streets of BS3 to document Europe's largest street art festival
Read more
Reviews / Bristol festivals
Review: Good Times Live, Yate – ‘Not too polished – and that’s its charm’
The series of concerts near Yate were a relaxed, family-friendly affair
Read more
Reviews / Shindig
Review: Shindig 2026, Charlton Park: ‘a converted school bus, rave aerobics and a dancing fountain’
Bob Vylan triumphantly following the festival's brush with cancellation
Read more
Reviews / Reviews
Review: Love Saves the Day 2026, day 2 – ‘Suncream and serotonin’
As temperatures soared, Love Saves the Day brought heat of its own in its return to Ashton Court
Read more
News / Love Saves the Day
In photos: Love Saves the Day 2026, day 2
Thousands of revellers partied on a very hot May Bank Holiday
Read more
Reviews / Reviews
Review: Dot to Dot 2026 – ‘Bristol itself became the headliner’
Dark, sweaty venues juxtaposed bright, sunny streets at this year's edition of the multi-venue event
Read more
News / Love Saves the Day
In photos: Love Saves the Day 2026, day 1
Luca Rosewell captured the action at Love Saves the Day at Ashton Court
Read more
News / live music
Improved food accessibility at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals
The new measures include encouraging vendors to be nut-free and increasing gluten-free options
Read more
News / grassroots music
Music festival with a difference lands in Bristol
A national music takeover is coming to our city in June
Read more
News / Valley Fest
Popular Bristol chef joins food programme lineup for Valley Fest
Others in the lineup include a Michelin Green-star holding chef and former MasterChef UK runner-up
Read more

Student

News / Film
Uni filmmakers challenge industry barriers with new accessible film
The film explores themes of communication, identity and belonging
Read more
News / live music
Improved food accessibility at two of Bristol’s biggest music festivals
The new measures include encouraging vendors to be nut-free and increasing gluten-free options
Read more
News / books
Bristol pupils co-author book on impact of microfibres
"Taking a Close Look at Microfibres" was officially launched on Earth Day at May Park Primary School
Read more
News / Tech
Uni researcher develops digital tool to help people with anxiety disorders
The app uses data from smartwatches to detect signs of anxiety in real time
Read more
News / reparative justice
Bristol Uni’s reparative justice programme marks milestone
"Reparative justice is about more than acknowledging historical wrongs"
Read more
News / Film
Student filmmaker wins top regional award for ‘heartfelt’ documentary
The documentary follows the UK’s only student-led lion dancing society
Read more
News / Research
Bristol academic to lead discussion on macabre Victorian phenomenon
The curious phenomenon gripped the 19th-century Britain
Read more
News / Entrepreneurship
New event to bring together businesses and student entrepreneurs
The new Business Expo is aimed at connecting students with entrepreneurs
Read more
News / Research
Funding secured for major study on crime and asset seizures
The 15-month project will assess how seizing criminal assets influences offender behaviour
Read more
News / University of Bristol
Former student returns to graduate after 30 years
Bee Costello-Bates returned to Bristol Uni more than three decades after finishing her studies
Read more

LGBTQ+

News / Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride refuses sponsorship from UWE
Bristol Pride had faced growing pressure from the LGBT+ community to sever ties with the university
Read more
Features / bristol film
Queer Film Festival Open for Submissions
The Queer Vision Film Festival highlights LGBT+ voices in the Southwest
Read more
Features / ShoutOutRadio
15 years of ShoutOut Radio
The positive platform for queer voices is listened to by 100,000 people every week
Read more
News / Trans in the City
Five Bristol individuals featured on 2026 ‘Trans Changemakers’ list
Five Bristolians have been named in list of influential trans people
Read more
News / Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride unveils full festival programme for 2026
From circus and ceilidh to Jodie Harsh
Read more
Features / Trans Pride
In photos: Trans Pride 2026
Flags, fishnets and the fight for trans equality
Read more
News / Trans Pride
Trans Pride celebrates ‘achievement, survival and love’
Hundreds turned out for the both celebratory and defiant protest
Read more
Features / electronic music
The queer artist breaking barriers in electronic music
From Bristol to the world, The Yard Woman's stardom continues to rise
Read more
Features / watershed
Watershed brings brat summer to Bristol
A night of drag queen DJs, bright green cocktails and an ashtray cake
Read more
Features / Sober spaces
The project creating queer sober events
A place where the city’s queer community can enjoy live music and connect in a sober space
Read more

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