Awarded as Britain’s most popular musical actor, the multi-talented Michael Ball will be performing some of his own hits and evoking his musical heroes on 18th June. The multi-platinum recording artist will wow our nostalgic side with 40-50 years of big hits in Colston Hall, in the heart of the city just minutes’ walk from the elegant and cosy Clifton House Bed and Breakfast.

Migrations Global Garden Party

The family-friendly event is celebrating the multicultural, affluent art of Bristol influenced by the talented migrants attracted here from all over the world. Locally based musicians, poets, storytellers, filmmakers are calling us for a multi-culturally harmonic party on 26th June, just off the busy Park Street, hosted by one of Britain’s leading musical halls, St Georges.

St Paul’s Carnival

The sounds and taste of the African Caribbean life is inviting us for a vibrant celebration in the suburb of Bristol for 2nd July. Every year for nearly five decades the neighbourhood of St Paul’s has been attracting tens of thousands of people for a lively street carnival involving schools, community groups and professional artists. It is a great event, demonstrating the strong community spirit in the historic part of Bristol; where under the modern graffiti hides an old Georgian facet of the city.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta

Would you like to spend a weekend full of fun with family and friends in an exciting, colourful environment? Good food, cold drinks and an exciting theme park (not forgetting the balloons) will offer constant amusement for the whole family between 11th and 14th of August on the slopes of Ashton Court. The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is the city’s popular iconic event, attracting half a million people every year from all around the country for the free festival. The highlight of 150 hot air balloons of different sizes and shapes and the unforgettable atmosphere of the famous night-glows will provide lots of fun for everyone!

The next couple of weeks are all about festivals in Bristol. The weather forecast is promising us lots of sunshine to celebrate ideas, lifestyles, great music, nice food, art and nature in the heart of Bristol city, all walking distance from the luxurious Clifton House bed and breakfast.

You will find yourself at Europe’s biggest vegetarian event if you attend Vegfest UK. Shows, talks, entertainment and the culinary delight of vegan food will mix with body care, fashion ideas all stemming from nature’s greenery.

You will be invited to have some nonsense fun, be involved in physically and intellectually challenging plays, go with the flow of high tech games in unusual buildings and on the streets. Discover the city’s “interesting games” festival where artists and game designers from across the world will make sure that you experience social fun in the urban world. Don’t forget to invite your friends as well to the igfest!

We The People contemporary music festival brings you the most exciting musical talents from the UK and abroad to the idyllic Harbourside in early June. An eclectic mix of Hip-Hop, Ska and Ragga will fuse you to the dance floor that will be ruled by big names like Chase and Status, Lee Scratch Perry, Mike Skinner, The Streets and many more.

Experience the Womad grandiose musical evening surrounded by wildlife from across the world! The 175 years old Bristol Zoo will assure a great family night out by bringing you entertainment, music from across the world and workshops for children on the 11^th of June.

Get close to the natural world in the middle of the city in @Bristol’s Millennium Square for a weekend in July. The Festival of Nature will unravel the wild side of Bristol for all the family, giving the possibility to explore and celebrate the nature in workshops, screenings and exciting events.

What can be a more perfect day out for a family than an exciting culinary day, with loads of fine food from award winning chefs and cooking masterclasses for kids and adults? Join the Foodies Festival culinary talents on the beautiful Harbourside where you can shop, try, taste and sip from the best of the crop in a relaxing atmosphere.

Hippodrome

The charming New York story of a hopeless girl with a useless degree living in a rundown multicultural neighbourhood will be seen in one of the country’s top provincial theatres. Everything ends happily with lots of money and true love in the hilarious Avenue Q musical.

It would also be a crime to miss the Hippodrome’s travel back to the ‘80’s show, where you will find it difficult to sit on your chair. The extraordinary musical of Footloose will set you up for a great night out in Bristol. Enjoy the wide range of possibilities offered by a buzzing city. And remember, take many pictures and share your experiences online right away as the Clifton House luxury B&B offers you free wi-fi from the comfort of your room, free parking in our own car park as well as comfort and luxury to allow you to rest after such a busy day in Bristol.

If you are a motor enthusiast you ought to visit the biggest motor show in the West with displays of the latest vehicles from the world’s leading automotive manufacturers. The popular shopping areas including Broadmead, Cabot Circus and The Mall Bristol will transform into a buzzing place between the weekend of 20th and 22nd of May with a fantastic line up of vehicles. Bristol will be hosting the best known car dealers in the heart of the city for a fabulous weekend for all the family. Book your accommodation in advance for this extremely popular show in our luxurious bed and breakfast. Clifton House is just walking distance from this pulse-racing motoring event and if you leave your metal steed in our free car park, you might drive back with a supercar.

The Hippodrome

One of the country’s most family-friendly theatres – The Hippodrome – will cater, in the next couple of weeks, for a memorable first-hand experience of the feeling of the West End and Broadway . An exceptionally talented cast pays homage to the moonwalker, evoking Michael Jackson’s top hits in a “Thriller Live” show. “Hairspray” will feature a great selection to welcome you to the 60’s. The dark love tale of “Jekyll & Hyde” will move your glamorous and wicked side andafter the Victorian era, in this eclectic time travel, stop for a wartime romance just before the middle of the last century for “a Cinderella story”.

The Colston Hall

If you fancy a night of punch lines and giggles then John Bishop, well known from his television appearances in such great shows as “Live At The Apollo” and “Mock The Week”, is coming to Bristol’s largest concert hall, especially to entertain you. Artists like the mysterious Katie Melua, the greatest British tenor Russell Watson are going to perform in Colston Hall.

Folk Festival

Let’s not forget about the Folk Festival’s vivid line-up hosted by the hall, which is promising three days of quality music, workshops, silent disco, poetry and storytelling for the whole family.

Mayfest

Bristol’s annual theatre festival is a great opportunity to have a novel and cross-sectional view on the contemporary theatrical. Stories will be made to come alive by local and national companies and artists with international reputation. The ten days of celebration of art will give young theatre companies a chance to introduce themselves to you and the rest of Bristol.

After a 32 years absence the Folk Festival returns to Bristol with a fantastic line up, something to satisfy every possible taste. Between 29th of April and 1st of May more than forty productions will guarantee a good atmosphere on two stages in the city’s popular venue, Colston Hall – just minutes’ walk from the Clifton House boutique hotel-style bed and breakfast. Besides the big names and award winning artists, like Seth Lakeman, Bella Hardy, John Spiers, Jon Boden on stage, the catchy folk music will get you drawn in to dance on the streets with workshops and dance sessions. The family friendly festival will be accompanied by poetry and storytelling, a circus, a big market, with plenty of  food and many surprises.

Affordable Art Fair

The global phenomenon of Art fairs, which make it easy to enjoy and buy art at reasonable prices, arrived to Bristol also. Sculptures, paintings and photographs will be available to buy for three days, attracting thousands of contemporary art lovers. In a relaxed environment in Brunel’s Old Station, Temple Meads, you will have the chance, between 13^th-15^th of May to find the perfect art for your taste, join the workshops and enjoy the demonstrations.

Bristol 10k

With an extended entry date, you still have time to book your place for one of the most popular 10k races in the country. More than ten thousand runners are expected in Bristol on 15^th of May to compete in the race, raising money for many good causes. The route, which begins near AtBristol, will take you along the Harbourside along the picturesque Avon Gorge. Sign up for the challenge with your friends and family to promote a healthier lifestyle. To make it more fun why not bring your supporters to cheer you on. Book accommodation for your whole group in the Clifton House Bed and Breakfast where the quiet location and luxurious rooms will provide the comfort you need for the night before the big event. In the morning upload yourself with energy with a luxurious self-catering breakfast then leave your car in the large free park and take a short warm-up walk to the start line.

Have you ever seen a real human brain in your life? It is not a joke. The one donated by an anonymous donor is the key exhibit in Bristol’s science centre and definitely will amaze the whole family. The new permanent exhibition on the Harbourside aims to present All About Us, the human body, attracting even the children’s attention with an interactive approach: see your veins under infrared lights, hear music though the vibration of the bones, watch the food run through a skeleton’s body and many other surprises just walking distance from the Clifton House luxury bed and breakfast.

Bristol Fashion Week

Why not start your summer shopping early this year and treat yourself to a well deserved break? The end of March welcomes a fantastic week of fashion in one of Bristol’s biggest shopping centres, The Mall at Cribbs Causeway. If you’d like to see the latest collections making the headlines for this year then you simply can’t miss out on Bristol Fashion Week, where the key trends and hottest buys for the six months ahead will be seen on the catwalk. And when you have bought everything that your wardrobe deserves, pick up all the must-have style hints for your new season look and enjoy the free pampering treats in the Beauty Zone.

Bring your friends with you to the big fashion event and make sure to have some energy for the evenings as well because a new dress cannot be punished and left alone in the suitcase. Book accommodation for all of you in our boutique style bed and breakfast in the historical centre of the city. Clifton House is just walking distance from all the big venues, stylish bars and clubs. Before heading onto the dance floor in one of Park Street’s many clubs, why not have a look at the big musical events coming soon to Bristol.

Colston Hall

Qrquesta Buena Direct from Havana will present some of the finest Cuban music ever made; the Nigerian music will be represented by the African Soul Rebels, Elaine Delmar and will make you fall in love with jazz. Big names like Katie Melua, Russell Watson, the hilarious Ukulele Orchestra and The British Pink Floyd will also be taking to the stage soon in Colston Hall.

Mayfest 2011

Bristol’s unique annual festival of contemporary theatre is at the doorstep. Mayfest runs from 5th of May and is promising ten days of cultural ecstasies with an eclectic program, presenting work in established theatre spaces as well as non-theatrical spaces all over the city.

Bristol Colston Hall’s staff are busy organising the extraordinary concerts for the next couple of weeks. Events include classical and contemporary musical nights, welcoming pop and rock musicians from the UK and abroad as well. Bristol’s world class musical centre is located in the heart of the city, just minutes walk from the luxurious Clifton House Bed and Breakfast. There is no need to take your car, just leave it in our, free parking and take a pleasant walk under the shade of the Whiteladies Road centuries-old trees, admire the dignified, proudly towering Bristol University John Wills memorial building and tune in for the concert with a drink in one of the multitude of bars on Park Street. From the Hall’s eclectic line-up we would like to highlight the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Interpol, Katie Melua, Russell Watson and The British Pink Floyd Show.

Exhibitions

If you are down in the iconic harbour-side area of the town, join the celebrations at The Arnolfini, one of Europe’s leading contemporary Arts Centres. The institute is launching its 50 year anniversary inviting one of the most influential contemporary artists to exhibit for the Bristol audience. The German Cosima Von Bonin’s work will be seen for the first time in the UK featuring an exciting combination of new and existing arts, incorporating sculpture, installation, painting, textiles, performances, sounds and films.

If you plan a visit to Bristol and haven’t yet seen the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition, make sure you don’t miss this outstanding Bristol Museum event.

St George’s Bristol

You haven’t yet missed the Bristol music event of the year. The St George’s Bristol is going to host the “Cage 99”, John Cage Music Festival. In the middle of April, for three days you can enjoy the music of one of the leading figures of the post-war avant-garde, the pioneer of electronic music and non-standard use of instruments.

M Shed

Bristol’s new contemporary museum opening date is fast approaching. The transit shed, originally called M Shed, on Bristol’s historic wharf will be transformed into the new, modern museum and we are waiting with anticipation for the doors to open in April to display the magical history of the city.

This month amateur and professional photographers from all around the world are sharing their adventures not only in the natural, but in the urban jungle also. The Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is a perfect program for the whole family, discovering the animal behaviours stunningly captured by lenses. Some amazing shots were taken by children younger than 10! Let yourself be seduced by the powerful images starting from 19th of February at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery, just minutes’ walk from the Clifton House B&B.

Bristol’s bars and restaurants

Feeling refreshed by amazing nature, turn back to the effervescent centre of the city. Walk down past the imposing building of Bristol University then check out the new fashion collections in the numerous boutiques and high street shops of Park Street. Take a rest in one of the trendy bars, such as the exclusive Goldbrick House, or dine in one of the many stylish restaurants, such as the famous Brown’s restaurant before arriving at the Bristol Cathedral.

Bristol’s Fairtrade Fortnight

Until the 8th March the city will be showing off its Fair side and will encourage you to show off yours too. Among the multitudes of locations you will be prompted to sample Fairtrade products at Bristol’s Fairtrade Fortnight. Try your favourites and find out more about the difference that the Fairtrade mark makes for the producers worldwide.

Colston Hall

As for the evenings, March has plenty of surprises in store for you in Bristol. Colston Hall is proud to host one of “The Supremes” girls. You have still got time to book a ticket to Mary Wilson; the Dreamgirl singing on 11th of March. Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra is returning to the hall for the classical music-lovers on 17th conducted by Andrew Litton. If you fancy something more contemporary, come and be rocked by Interpol on the 19th. Julian Plenti and his band will be touring with their new self-titled album Interpol which promises to be an excellent show.

Bristol Hippodrome

Bristol Hippodrome is promising a not-to-be-missed time travelling show back to the 50’s. Bobby, the world’s most successful rock and roll musical will get the entire audience doing the Twist and the Mashed Potato between 14th-19th of March. Before returning to the present, you should stop for a fantastic evening in 1962 following the story of the big haired, and big heart girl from Hairspray. And after all these foot-tapping melodies you still got energy the city centre and harbour side late night bars and clubs are waiting for you, to show your best moves.

After a meaningful, long day take a late night stroll under the arcades of Whiteladies road, and return back to the Clifton House, where a luxurious room is waiting for you to turn in.

Bristol’s very own West End theatre, The Bristol Hippodrome is situated near Clifton House and has been showing some of the best shows for the last 100 years. Here is a selection of what is coming up.

Thomas & Friends Live! On Stage – A Circus Comes To Town

Would you believe it… Thomas the Tank Engine is on stage! “Thomas and Friends Live! On Stage” is coming to the Bristol Hippodrome to perform the show “A Circus Comes to Town”. I never thought I’d see the day! Packed with audience sing-alongs, dancing and adventure the show runs from the 12^th to 13^th March and would be great family fun. With all the other great events and attractions in Bristol why not make a family holiday of it and stay overnight at Clifton House bed and breakfast.

Buddy

Buddy, ‘The World’s most successful Rock n Roll musical’ is going to be rocking the aisles of the Hippodrome from the 14^th to the 19^th March. So get your glad rags on and get down with the Hepcats in Bristol. With loads of great bars and clubs this would make for a good party night, all within easy walking distance of Clifton House for that comfortable bed at the end of a good night.

Chess: The Musical

Chess: The Musical is also running from the 1^st March to the 5^th. To read more about this in our previous article click here.

Colston Hall

The 140 year Colston Hall has been a great musical venue for Bristol and the recent redevelopment adds to array of facilities it offers including the contemporary bars and restaurant. Being in central Bristol it is close to Clifton House.

Mary Wilson of The Supremes concert

On the 11th March the Colston Hall plays host to Mary Wilson from the “most successful female singing group in recording history”, The Supremes, where she sang alongside Diana Ross. The following day the Lighthouse Family are playing to a sell-out crowd.

Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra

If classical music is more you scene then Mahler’s Symphony no 7 could be more your kind of thing. Performed by the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, James Gaffigan will be conducting Strauss’ “Don Juan”. The many restaurants on the walk to and from the Colston Hall could be the perfect accompaniment to the perfect night.

Interpol concert

Interpol will take to the stage to perform their 2002 album Turn On The Bright Lights which reached No.8 in the NME Top 50 Album Chart.

John Bishop Live

John Bishop, the award winning star of such shows as Live At The Apollo, Michael McIntyre’s Roadshow, Skins, Mock The Week and 8 Out of 10 Cats, performs his latest solo show at the Colston Hall on 1th and 12^th March.

KT Tunstall concert

KT Tunstall hits the Colston Hall on the 1^st March with her infectious tunes. To read more see our previous article. Previously mentioned in: http://cliftonhousebristol.com/news/coming-up-in-bristol-18-feb-2011/

At Bristol

All About Us exhibition

At Bristol will be launching their new exhibition “All About Us” on the 11^th March will allow you to discover more about who and what you are and how you work. At Bristol is located in Bristol City Centre, next to the Harbourside and Millennium Square.

M-Shed opening

The new M-Shed Museum will be an outstanding modern museum and a centrepiece to Bristol, replacing the old Industrial Museum. Come and see not just the exciting exhibits but the amazing design of this ground breaking new venue.

Bristol Museum and Art Gallery

Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year

At the end of its first week, the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year continues to draw big crowds. Learn more about this amazing exhibition housed in the Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery in our previous article What’s on in Bristol 11^th Feb 2001.

Across Bristol

Fairtrade Fortnight 2011

The Fairtrade Fortnight is kicking off next week with many great events to entertain, educate the environmentally aware of you or even those who are interested to know more about this interesting topic. See our earlier article for more information.

Bristol has been a Fairtrade city since 1994 and this year Fairtrade Fortnight will be running from 28th February to 13th March, featuring the Fairtrade Fiesta at the Malcolm X Centre – an evening of music, dance, free Fairtrade samples, games and more to celebrate Fairtrade Fortnight – and the Fairwear Fashion Show at Mall Galleries, in the City Centre. With guaranteed free parking at Clifton House, it’s easy to leave your car and visit the venues on foot or by using the regular bus service that passes the end of the road.

Bristol Hippodrome

Andrew Lloyd Webber’s brilliant Guinness World Record holding production of Joseph and the Amazing Technicolour Dreamcoat will be showing at the Bristol Hippodrome from the 22nd-27th February. It is the longest running touring musical of all time having spent 20 years travelling around the UK.

Shortly following this, Chess The Musical will be arriving at the Bristol Hippodrome (1st-5th March). Strictly Come Dancing’s Craig Revel Horwood directs one of the greatest musical theatre scores of all time written by Tim Rice and ABBA’s Björn Ulvaeus and Benny Andersson. The Hippodrome is walking distance from Clifton House bed and breakfast. It is a very pleasant stroll down the wide, tree lined pavements of Whiteladies Road and down past the bars and restaurants of Park Street.

Colston Hall

The Colston Hall this month brings us James Blunt and KT Tunstall, both touring the UK at present. The stunning and controversial new entrance to the Colston Hall provides stylish bars and a restaurant to help you make a great night out in Bristol City Centre.

Bristol Museum

Don’t forget that just around the corner from Clifton House, the Veolia Wildlife Photographer of the Year exhibition is still running at the Bristol Museum and Art Gallery. Come and indulge in the creative culture of Bristol right in the centre of the famous and beautiful area of Clifton with its great Café culture, wide variety of restaurants and bars and some of the best independent shopping in the City on Queen’s Road and Park Street.

This month’s big crowd pulling shows are mostly based around the Bristol Hippodrome and Colston Hall, both within walking distance of the Clifton House B & B, in the City Centre.

The Bristol Hippodrome is bringing the Raymond Gubbay Ballet to Bristol, showing three different performances over the next few weeks: Romeo and Juliet, Sleeping Beauty and Swan Lake. This beautiful and romantic selection of ballets would make a perfect romantic valentine’s night out in Bristol, starting with an intimate meal at one of the many classy Clifton restaurants on Park Street, before strolling down this famous historic shopping street into the vibrant and beautiful City Centre to take your loved one to the ballet and maybe ending the night with a little nightcap at one of Bristol’s many excellent City Centre bars.

The Colston Hall this month has a various selection of artist playing this month including the melodic Maroon 5, Imelda May, the queen of rockabilly, The Saturdays who are one of the biggest bands in the UK and Ray LaMontagne with his band The Pariahs, who are on their first UK tour. Located in Bristol City Centre you can easily make a night of it by grabbing a meal at one the many City Centre brasseries and bistros before the gig and then heading out onto the town to one of the many excellent late night bars and clubs along the Waterfront, Corn Street or even head back up Park Street on your way back to the Clifton House B&B.