Things to do in Bristol August 18 to 21: Outdoor theatre, supper clubs and story time

From outdoor theatre shows to family educational fun, there’s something for everyone taking place in Bristol this weekend
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The summer holidays are now closer to being over than when they started, so it’s time to keep making the absolute most out of all the wonderful events and activities taking place across Bristol this weekend.

From outdoor theatre sessions to storytimes and supper clubs, there’s a real variety happening this weekend in the city. So, let’s see what tickles your fancy!

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Head to the beautiful Goldney Gardens on 18 August to see the ​​award-winning open-air theatre company Illyria present Shakespeare’s ‘A Midsummer Night’s Dream’.

Think chaos, humour, music and a whole load of brilliant acting, all served up with accompaniments of picnic food and drink and it sounds like the recipe for a perfect summer evening.

Spaces on the lawn are on a first-come-first-served basis. The company asks that you please bring your own chair or picnic blanket as seating is not provided and to keep in mind that the performance is open air and will take place in all weathers, so please dress accordingly.

Don’t miss A Midsummer Nights Dream at Goldney Gardens Don’t miss A Midsummer Nights Dream at Goldney Gardens
Don’t miss A Midsummer Nights Dream at Goldney Gardens

TROPICANA WHAT’S NEXT? is a curated programme of events, showcased within the Tropicana’s indoor spaces in Weston Super Mare with a focus on education, well-being, and the creative arts.

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Starting from 18 August, from 2-6 pm you can find a series of educational panels exploring multiple avenues of climate change discussion. With expert talks and Q&A sessions, the educational panels will explore sea pollution, young people and community activism and agriculture and biodiversity.

Brazilian Supper Club at Harvey Nichols

What better way to ring in a summer eve than with a hazy, taste-filled, exotic supper club? Brazil comes to Bristol is taking place in Harvey Nichols on 19 August from 7 pm.

​​Enjoy a delicious Brazilian supper club in collaboration with ZECA at our Second Floor Restaurant. Discover the flavours of Brazil with a three-course meal and authentic samba music as you sip on ZECA Cachaça cocktails.

On the evening, you’ll also be treated to a live performance from Brazilian singer-songwriter Aleh Ferreira; frontman of the legendary Bandana Black Rio. Sounds pretty great, right?

Try out a taste of Brazil at Harvey Nichols this weekendTry out a taste of Brazil at Harvey Nichols this weekend
Try out a taste of Brazil at Harvey Nichols this weekend
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An installation called Overstory is taking root in Broadmead West this weekend. The free-to-attend summer art installation is from leading contemporary artists Ivan Morison and Heather Peak and the artwork will take root in Broadmead from Friday 19th.

Brought to Bristol by The Natural History Consortium, the charity behind the city’s Festival of Nature, a pair of suspended structures featuring microscopic imagery of trees, Overstory will hang above Broadmead for two weeks.

The aim is that they will highlight the importance of urban tree cover in alignment with Bristol’s tree planting strategy to expand the city’s tree canopy by 2050.

On 20-21 August, the StoryTrails app and local performers will guide you through an immersive tour of Bristol as you travel through time and space to experience the place where you live in new and magical ways.

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Starting outside Bristol library, you will enter a virtual story portal to begin your StoryTrails experience. You will then explore stories across virtual and augmented reality and via a series of installations, bringing the physical and the digital together and breathing new life into your surroundings.

Guided by a mobile AR app, you will be led at your own pace to different story points along a route with a choice of story trails to follow.

StoryTrails is a great way to do something educational and fun with the family this summerStoryTrails is a great way to do something educational and fun with the family this summer
StoryTrails is a great way to do something educational and fun with the family this summer

On 21 August (Sunday), Wild Geese Theatre brings two interactive children’s theatre experiences to Berkeley Castle for all the family to enjoy.

Choose between the Green Knight or Boudica for some fast-paced theatrical shows and lots of giggles for both children and adults.

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