Bristol marks it’s 650th anniversary

BRISTOL MARKS IT’S 650TH ANNIVERSARY OF BECOMING A CITY

2023 is shaping up to be a big year for Bristol! Not only is it the 650th anniversary of the city becoming a county, but there are also many festivals and events planned to celebrate. In addition, this year marks the 200th anniversary of Bristol Museum & Art Gallery and the bi-centenary of its forerunner, The Bristol Institution for the Advancement of Science, Literature and the Arts. There will be a series of themed seasons and events taking place throughout the year highlighting significant milestones in both museums' histories. So make sure to mark 2023 in your calendars and come join in on the celebrations! This year is a big one for anniversaries in Bristol! St George’s Bristol concert hall is celebrating its 200th anniversary. The Grade II-listed building started out as a church in 1823, but now it’s a creative space for music and events. It attracts world-renowned artists to perform in its unique acoustics every year. Check out the full programme at: stgeorgesbristol.co.uk The annual Caribbean Carnival is also turning 55 this year! The carnival celebrates African and Caribbean culture through music, art and dance. It’s usually held on the first Saturday of July in St. Paul’s. Keep an eye on the carnival’s website for more details: stpaulscarnival. net

And finally, Cabot Tower is celebrating 125 years since it was built and 525 years since John Cabot’s famous voyage from Bristol to North America. The tower was built in 1897 to commemorate Cabot’s voyage. It’s set in the gorgeous parkland of Brandon Hill near Park Street.

Bristol is packed with cultural attractions and venues to enjoy. From classic and contemporary plays to dance and opera, there’s something for everyone. Bristol Beacon, formerly known as Colston Hall, is undergoing a complete refurbishment and redevelopment, and is set to reopen in autumn.

As Bristol’s largest concert hall, Bristol Beacon will be transformed into a modern, accessible, state-of-the-art facility with two international standard performance venues, a bright new restaurant and its cellars in use for the first time as education and performance spaces. We the Curious science museum had to close in April 2022 after a devastating fire on its roof. Repairs to resulting water damage are under way and the plans are to reopen in 2023. Brimming with exhibits to inspire your curiosity and home to the UK’s only 3D planetarium, We the Curious is definitely worth a visit once it resumes operations. We the Curious is the place to ask questions and get creative.

We’re thrilled to announce that construction has begun on the new Sports and Convention Centre next to Ashton Gate Stadium. This amazing facility will be home to the Bristol Flyers basketball team, as well as a hotel, conferencing facilities, and much more. The first phase of the project is expected to be completed in late summer 2023, and we can’t wait to see it finished.