Freedom is on the horizon this month.
The wait has been long and the weather ever-changing (but that’s Bristol, right?) but this month could be our month. Finally! July brings hope and a possible return that’s closer to normality as the remaining restrictions are lifted. This month, we will see the return of some fun events in the city as well as new and exciting ones for us to get stuck into post-lockdown. So, make space in your diary as things are about to get busy with our guide to some of the best things to do this July in Bristol.
1. Get ready to play some social darts at Flight Club
Keep your eyes on the prize as social darts venue, Flight Club, is officially opening its doors on Bristol’s Corn Street in July, and it’s the ultimate mate date destination. The bar has proven that darts is more than just a pub game – combining the activity with a delicious menu of cocktails, food and more. Opening on July 30, Flight Club has announced that booking is now open so you and your mates can celebrate your newfound freedom and compete to get a bullseye! Plus, Flight Club will be hosting live DJ sets throughout the week, as well as a Brunch Socials. Find out more here.
2. Hear movie soundtracks at this candlelight concert under the wings of a Concorde jet
One of the most unique Candlelight venues so far, music fans will be able to experience the beautiful sounds of movie soundtracks played by incredibly talented musicians, all the while immersed in a stunning, candlelit environment and under one of the last remaining Concorde jets. From Harry Potter to Titanic, there’s a fantastic programme in store– as well as a fully stocked bar to enjoy throughout the event at Bristol Aerospace. Get tickets here.
3. Watch the Euros at one of these brilliant Bristol bars
Beer and footy on the big screen are back with the Euros 2020 now here- and it’s kicking off! With the sun making an appearance in beer gardens and newfound freedom, things are getting booked up ASAP. Whether you’re after multiple screens or a massive projector, craft beer or cokctails, post-match burgers or bowling- there’s a place in Liverpool to meet your needs. Check out our round-up of the best places to watch the Euros in Bristol during July.
4. Head to this dreamy outdoor cinema in Swindon
This summer, The Luna Cinema is back for an awesome run once again. With over 150 screenings planned at 50 sites around the UK, there’s plenty to enjoy wherever you are – but as always, we reckon the South West is the place to be! The Luna Cinema has screenings scheduled during the month of July at the stunning Lydiard House, with an array of films that will cater to all tastes. Whether you’re in the mood for a rocking singalong, want to settle in for a classic rom-com, or grab the popcorn for a true blockbuster experience, they’ll have you sorted. Grab your tickets here.
5. Get involved in the Bristol Pride events
Although Pride Month is officially in June, the celebrations and awareness of LGBTQ+ rights are not stopping any time soon. Also despite Bristol Pride having to cancel the parade and Pride Day events for this year, there are still a number of fun things happening in the city to celebrate. Bristol Pride has a “really exciting programme of in-venue and socially distanced events”, which include their Cabaret Show, Comedy Night, Queer Vision Film Festival, drag prov workshops, plus festival director Eve Russell said they are “working on some exciting elements to enjoy your Pride together with your bubble safely.” Also, why not check out the city’s first
6. Enjoy a waterside tipple next time the sun’s out
Bristol Ferry is running a series of gin and rum boat cruises which will take place aboard their distinguishable yellow flotillas this summer. The experience gives lovers of the drink a chance to sip away on some refreshing juniper or rum-based beverages whilst taking in the many sights along Bristol’s harbourside. The ferry operator has a total of eight boozy trips lined up for the summer, with each gin cruise setting off at 7pm. Find out more here. And Bristol Ferry are also running cruises to Bristol restaurant Beese’s to enjoy a lovely cream tea experience.
7. Dance again!
Ok, so let’s try this again. Clubs and dance floors are finally coming back. Currently expected to return on July 19 under the government’s lockdown exit plan, night clubs will be opening their doors for the first time in 16 months – allowing us to dance, meet with friends and finally enjoy absolute freedom. It’s been a long time coming, but it’ll be well worth the wait.
8. Visit a new independent arts centre by the team behind Glastonbury’s Shangri-La
Last year saw festivals go virtual but now the team behind Glastonbury’s Shangri-La launching a dream IRL venue in the heart of Bristol. Known as Lost Horizon, it promises to bring “a creative playground for the ever-growing Shangri-La family to showcase art, live music and performance throughout the summer”. Lost Horizon aims to become “a platform for world class digital and visual art, performance, protest, free speech, and ground-breaking ideas, alongside a diverse, mixed musical programme crossing continents, genres and musical boundaries”. Opening from July 1 onwards, it means summer festival season is back! Find out more information here.
9. Dine at brand new Coppa Club branch in Clifton Village
Coppa Club, situated on Regent Street, has created a space that combines all the best elements of a café, bar, restaurant and lounge into one offering that provides something for everyone, promising “a private members club experience, without the membership fees”. Due to open on July 14, the restaurant will be bringing an informal, relaxed feel that take guests seamlessly from day to night. Coppa Club’s restaurant menu features dishes for all times of day including artisanal pastries, brunch, lunch, dinner and small plates. Find out more about this new Bristol opening here.
10. Listen to the greatest hits by jazz legends at these candlelight concerts
Celebrating some of the greatest songs by some of the most iconic people in jazz, Ray Charles and Nat King Cole, this month’s Candlelight Tribute events will see a highly talented jazz ensemble honour the beloved musicians, under the roof of The Paintworks. The venue will be completely bathed in candlelight, providing an unbeatable atmosphere that’ll have you feeling on Cloud 9. Expect to hear music from the 1950s combined with blues, jazz, rhythm and blues, and gospel styles, plus more of the musicians’ greatest hits which you may struggle to resist swaying in your seat to. Tickets are on sale now here.
11. Tuck into a gourmet hot dog and beer slushie at this new Wapping Wharf restaurant
An award-winning burger chef has joined forces with craft beer bar and bottle shop, Beer Necessities, to launch Dog Town in one of the shipping containers at Wapping Wharf. Just around the corner from his burger and lemonade bar, Squeezed, the owner has launched his new restaurant serving up the popular American delicacy. Dog Town offers four hot dogs for you to choose from, ranging in price from £7 for the ‘Bandy Bandy’ up to £7.90 for the ‘Murrarana’, alongside two varieties of fries. Wash it all down with a refreshing beer slushy and you’re onto a delicious summer’s day!
12. Get your wellies on for a festival of food and music at Chew Valley Lake
Fancy an escape from the city? Head south of Bristol to Chew Magna for a weekend festival showcasing Bristol’s live music scene as well as fine local food producers and views of the Mendip Hills. At Valley Fest, you can expect everything from charcuterie to cider, street food to sit-down feasts – all with plenty of Somerset style and sizzle. Musical acts include Texas, Sophie Ellis-Bextor and Toploader, to name a few, and it’s all happening on the last weekend in July.