Christmas is over. You’ve filled up on festive food, taken the tree down and spent enough time at Christmas markets to last you a lifetime. Or at least next year. Now all that’s left to do is celebrate New Year’s Eve in Bristol.
Whether it’s been the highlight of your life or a crappy continuation of the last few years, you’re going to want to party this New Year’s Eve. Ringing in the New Year is all starting fresh. So once you’ve written down your resolutions and bought an outrageous outfit that redefines your style in 2023, it’s time to pick out the perfect party. With so much going on this NYE, we’ve put together a guide to the very best parties to ring in the new year.
1. The Marble Factory
Who else do you get to headline the biggest New Year’s Eve party in Bristol but a local legend? Eats Everything is taking over The Marble Factory with the History of Rave. No music is off limits, and no DJ is off limits, just enjoy electronic music of all genres from every era this NYE. It’s the history lesson they should be teaching in schools. Helping teach, he’ll be joined by the likes of Special Request, Absolute, Kilimanjaro and Gina Breeze behind the decks. To grab your tickets head here.
74-78 Avon St, Bristol BS2 0PX
2. Tonight Josephine
Tonight Josephine is taking us into 2023 in dazzling fashion. Glitterbomb demands you dress in your most sparkly dresses and blinding bling – outfits made of a magpie’s fantasies. Throw away all inhibitions at Bristol’s most debauched New Year’s Eve party.
For £20, you can expect dazzling dance-offs, killer lip-sync battles and group karaoke. As summer days have drifted away, Tonight Josephine is making sure your winter is just as wild. Find out more here.
28 Baldwin Street, Bristol BS1 1NG
3. Bristol Improv Theatre
Getting a bit bored of spending every New Year’s Eve in Bristol partying? Head into 2023 with something different this year, because you’re too sophisticated for boozing the night away. Up The Antics is returning to the Bristol Improv Theatre with a line-up of a diva, improv groups and sketch legends for a truly memorable NYE.
Imogené is a “queer, feminist, over-the-top diva, on the brink of pop immortality,” who needs the audience’s help for her come-back tour. Bristol-based Up The Antics will head down the rabbit hole of improvised sketch comedy. While quickfire sketch group, Biscuit Barrel, are back with gut-busting skits. Head here to learn more.
50 St Paul’s Rd, Clifton, Bristol BS8 1LP
4. The Cider Box
It’s not a secret that Bristolians love their cider. But if you’re a scrumpy fanatic, where better to spend New Year’s Eve in Bristol than at The Cider Box’s tap room? The cider-soaked party is offering free mulled cider, DJs all night long and mead toast at midnight. Learn more here.
Arch 5 Silverthorne Ln, Bristol BS2 0QD
5. Central Warehouse
This Bristol venue is so brand-spanking new that it’s still not open yet! Its New Year’s Eve party is its inaugural event. So you know this party is guaranteed to send 2022 off with a bang. The exact location remains a mystery, but we do know headliners include Overmono, Sully, Naina, Addison Groove, Gotsome and many more. To learn more head here.
BS2
6. The Library
Embrace your inner Gatsby in Bristol this New Year’s Eve, hidden cocktail bar The Library is hosting a 1920’s-inspired party. Flappers and philosophers, it’s time to get dolled up and enjoy live vintage jazz music by four-piece band Shanghai Shuffle with creative cocktails and canapés throughout the evening. Live like it’s the roaring 20s and learn more here.
6-8 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1UQ
7. Strange Brew
Bristol’s newest DIY venue is our go-to spot if you’re looking for a party that gets a little weirder this NYE. Dirtytalk DJs will be joined by Ranks and Jaye from PLU, playing everything from disco, house and boogie, to techno and EBM. On New Year’s Day, Strange Brew will keep the party going with DJ sets from Andy Payback, Wild Donna and more. Learn more here.
10-12 Fairfax St, Bristol BS1 3DB
8. The Milk Thistle
They say all that glitters is gold, which is why The Milk Thistle’s NYE party is bound to be a golden occasion. You’ll be free to explore the three floors of this exceptional cocktail bar hidden in the city centre. You’ll bump into roaming performances, as you wander with some of Bristol’s most creative cocktails in hand.
To see in the New Year, a DJ will also be playing into the wee small hours of the morning. There’s no dress code, but prizes will be handed out for the best golden get-up. Tickets are £40 and can be bought here.
Quay Head House, Colston Ave, Bristol BS1 1EB
9. The Old Market Assembly
One of the best LGBTQ+ bars in the UK, The Old Market Assembly is hosting Afrodisiac: A New Years Revolution with Chai Wallah’s this year. UK festival heavyweights and 10-piece ensemble, TC & The Groove Family, will explore a myriad of global genres, including Afrobeat, breakbeat, jungle, jazz and highlife. While critically acclaimed, Afro-orchestra Afla Sackey and Afrik Bawantu will also play. Learn more here.
25 West St, Bristol BS2 0DF
10. Mr Wolfs Rooftop
Arguably Bristol’s most established small venue, Mr Wolfs no matter the time of year. Many famous musicians have passed through here on their way to the top. Mr Wolfs just has an ear for great music. For New Year’s Eve, the venue has invited the London-based, ska-rock band Imperial Leisure to ring in 2023.
The party band’s loud music will match your loud dance moves, as you throwdown to their unique blend of 2-tone ska, rock’n’roll and hip-hop. Also playing on the night will be DJ Asian Hawk. While on the rooftop, a separate, more sophisticated NYE party is taking place with DJ Stepdad. To learn more head here.
32 St Nicholas St, Bristol BS1 1TG