July is here. We’ve officially made it into summer and the days are long and glorious. There are so many reasons why you should get outside this month, we’ve listed just a few of them here. Here are some wonderful events you can get up to in and around the city of Bristol this month:

Bristol Pride

Saturday 13th July

Bristol Pride is a celebration of Bristol’s wonderfully diverse community, focused on overcoming prejudice and isolation while supporting the LGBT+ community. This year, Bristol Pride is thrilled to feature legends The Human League as the festival headliner, alongside a full day of incredible acts such as electronica duo Ladytron, Claire Richards from STEPS, and indie-pop sensation Georgia, all set to appear on the Bristol Pride Main Stage.

Clifton Summer Screenings with Bristol Film Festival 

Thursday, 4th July – Sunday, 7th July

Experience outdoor cinema redefined with Clifton Summer Screenings, a unique pop-up cinema located in the Mall Gardens, Clifton Village. Enjoy covered seating, state-of-the-art LED screens, and wireless headphones, ensuring each film can be savoured without worrying about the weather. Relax in the Garden Bar hosted by The Ivy Clifton Brasserie before the screening, enjoy food from The Mall Deli, and participate in events like wine tastings and dinosaur walkabouts. Check the website for film schedules.

Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum 

Thursday, 4th July – 12th July

Forest Live is a major live music series managed by Forestry England, held in beautiful forest locations across the country. This month, headliners such as Gregory Porter, Anne Marie, The Corrs, Van Morrison, Nile Rodgers & CHIC, and Sophie Ellis-Bextor will be hitting the main stage. These concerts are known for their relaxed atmosphere and stunning forest backdrops. Ticket sales help sustain the nation’s forests for both people and wildlife. Tickets are available on the Forestry England website.

Comedy Loft at The Volley 

Tuesday 16th July

Join the Comedy Loft for a night of laughter with the best local comedians. This fun stand-up comedy night features a variety of hilarious acts, ensuring something for everyone. Entry is free, and you only pay what you think the night is worth. If you have a great time, feel free to give a generous contribution. Each line-up is unique, featuring top-notch comedy acts from the thriving local scene.

Bristol Harbour Festival 

Friday 19th July – Sunday, 21st July

Bristol’s free annual dance, music, and arts extravaganza returns to the harbourside with a packed program of family activities, circus performances, visiting vessels, and live music. Showcasing the best of Bristol’s music scene, world-class circus acts, and on-water activities, it’s a beloved event in city’s social calendar. The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors to enjoy over 120 hours of entertainment across seven stages, featuring spoken word, local dance performances, and more.

Cinema Rediscovered 

Wednesday 24th July – Sunday 28th July

]Cinema Rediscovered, the UK’s leading festival of classic cinema and film restorations, returns for its 8th edition in and around Bristol UNESCO City of Film. The festival features big-screen experiences of brand-new film restorations, rediscoveries, and rare films from around the world, offering lively conversations and a friendly space for all film enthusiasts.

…and there you have it! Why not get out in Bristol this July and make the most of the British sunshine (let’s hope we get lots of it!)

Published: 01.07.24 by Phoebe Clutton