WHAT’S ON

Unicornfest n Throughout July, in and around Bristol

We’ve had gorillas and we’ve had Gromits, coming this summer, a giant herd of unicorns (or ‘blessing’ as a group of unicorns is known) will descend upon the streets of Bristol. Enjoy the colourful arts trail of decorated mythical unicorns with Unicornfest 2023 in celebration of Bristol’s 650th anniversary.

The Flying Dutchman n 4 & 5 July, SS Great Britain

The Flying Dutchman is a haunting political tale exploring the displacement of people and the psychology and realities of living on an island with hardening borders, bringing an urgent and contemporary relevance to the fable of the ships’ captain cursed to roam the sea forever. Presented by awardwinning OperaUpClose in partnership with recent RPS Award winning Manchester Camerata reinvigorate Wagner’s classic with an English libretto by poet and novelist Glyn Maxwell and an 8-piece chamber orchestration by Laura Bowler. operaupclose.com

Take Grape Pride n 5 July, Second Floor Restaurant at Harvey Nichols Bristol

Say cheers to all the lovers at Harvey Nichols Bristol’s Kylie Minogue wine tasting masterclass. Join Brand Ambassador Madeleine St Clair and discover six of the finest wines and fizz from the Kylie Minogue Wine collection. Each wine will be expertly matched to a canapé to complement. Tickets are £30 per person (with the option to donate an additional £1 to the Bristol Pride Charity), and £20 fully redeemable on the full Kylie Wine Collection at the end of the tasting. A dinner package is also available. harveynichols.com

Pride Day n 8 July, The Downs

Pride Day on The Downs is an outdoor multi-stage festival with music, performances, community and family areas, plus, bars, food, markets and lots more.

This year’s Pride Day is headlined by Scissor Sisters front man Jake Shears. Natalie Imbruglia is set to takeover the Afternoon Legends stage plus performances from Nadine Coyle, Ladyhawke, Sophie and The Giants, Denise Pearson [5Star], Alison Limerick, Rhythm of The 90s, Newtion, The Dolly Parton Experience, Sing Out Bristol, Ro Pound and Órla Blige. For more information and to see the full programme, visit: bristolpride.co.uk

Something Rhymes with Purple on Stage n 16 July, Bristol Old Vic

Delve into a world of words with Something RhymeswithPurpleonStage based on Gyles Brandreth and Susie Dent’s awardwinning podcast.

Uncover the hidden origins of language, understand how and why we use the words we use, enhance your vocabulary, and test your knowledge with two of the wittiest and finest wordsmiths. Expect theatrical antics from the show’s affable hosts as they bring their infectious love of words to the stage with all the trademark repartee and wordplay of the podcast. bristololdvic.org.uk

The Bodyguard n 17 –22 July, Bristol Hippodrome

The international, award-winning smash-hit musical The Bodyguard is back. Starring Pussycat Doll, and multi-platinum Grammy nominated Melody Thornton as Rachel Marron (at evening performances only) and Ayden Callaghan (Emmerdale, Hollyoaks) as Frank Farmer and featuring a whole host of irresistible classics including including I Will Always Love You. Book your tickets at: atgtickets.com

Elmwood’s Valuation Day n 19 July, 11am –5pm, The Club Room, The Clifton Club, 22 The Mall, BS8 4DS Tired of paying high insurance premiums? Why not sell to a global network of buyers?

Transparent, trustworthy and reliable: specialist luxury auctions Elmwood’s is a house that sells authentic, one-of-a-kind stories, extending their life-cycle, one piece at a time. Visit the team at The Club Room in The Clifton Club on 19 July for free no obligation valuations. elmwoods.co.uk

Summer Gala n 19 July, Fairfield High School

Fairfield High School’s annual festival style

Summer Gala is celebrating its vibrant, diverse community on 19 July. This free event includes performances from its students and local community groups, with a variety of tasty food and local market stalls for you to enjoy. fairfield.excalibur.org.uk

Cheltenham 7s Festival n 21 & 22 July, Newlands Park, Cheltenham GL52 3PE

Cheltenham 7s Festival –a spectacular show of music, sports, entertainment, food, drink and much more –is taking place on 21 and 22 July at Newlands Park With a huge line up of talented artists, bands and DJs, this year’s headliners include James Haskell, Gemma Cairney, Duke and Switch Disco. You don’t have to be taking part in the sport to be a part of this unique event. Festival goers can expect top activities, all star rugby match Friday and a 5km Colour Fun Run for families. Book your tickets at: cheltenham7sfestival.co.uk

Cinema Rediscovered n 26 –30 July, various venues in Bristol

Cinema Rediscovered – the UK’s leading festival of classic cinema – returns to venues in and around Bristol from 26 –30 July with a 50+ events programme combining screenings of newly restored films and rediscoveries and rarities from more than a dozen countries with expert-led talks, Q&As, workshops, themed walks, a quiz and a multitude of starting points for lively conversation. See the full programme at: watershed.co.uk

Welcome to Stapleton Road n 27 July, 11am to 4pm, Easton Christian Family Centre

You are invited to Stapleton Road this summer. A world of creativity, flavour and unity awaits you on Bristol’s most diverse, exciting and welcoming high street. With a huge variety of cafes, specialist shops, restaurants, and community projects, there is plenty to discover. Head down and sample what businesses on the street have to offer whilst soaking up the community vibes and family friendly activities – food, arts and crafts, face painting, music, games and more. eastsidecommunitytrust.org.uk

Lucky Douglas + Red Ray & Reprobates + Stan Elliott n 27 July, The Louisiana

The Louisiana is bringing together a line-up of some of Bristol’s finest songwriting minds. Expect fresh slices of indie-pop, rock with a tinge of alt-country heart from Lucky Douglas, Red Ray & The Reprobates and Stan Elliott. Prepare to be catapulted into a soulful stratosphere, laced with indie melodies, with twists of blues and rocksteady alternative rhythms. Book your tickets at: thelouisiana.net

Coming Soon

Sea Shanty and Folk Music Festival n 4 –6 August, various venues in Weston-Super-Mare

Enjoy a weekend of brilliant acts singing traditional shanties relating to our local maritime history. Ahaaaargh! Pirate crews will also be invading Weston-Super-Mare. Why not dress as your favourite pirate and join in the fun?! No tickets are required for any of the performances. To see the full programme, visit: wsmshantyfest.com

Bristol Bonsai Society Annual Show n 13 August, Failand Village Hall, Oxhouse Lane, BS8 3TS

Bristol Bonsai Society’s Annual Show is taking place on 13 August from 10am –4pm (last entry at 3pm). Entry is £5 per person for over 16s (cash only, payable at the door on arrival). Enjoy light refreshments and a bonsai raffle and look out for the Best Display on Show Award. For more information, visit: bristolbonsaisociety.wordpress.com

Head down to Stapleton Road on 27 July