Things to do in Bristol August 4-7: Light festivals to folk festivals and family fun to country fairs

This summer is proving to be an absolute banger when it comes to all the different events, activities, festivals and shows that Bristol is putting on throughout the school holidays - there really is something for everyone.

And this weekend is no different, with a wide variety of events hitting the city from quirky sea shanty and folk festivals to impressive light displays and civilised country fairs. Whatever you fancy, chances are there’s something to match it. So, let’s dive in…

Luminarium

The popular Bristol Light Festival is presenting Luminarium this weekend on College Green, from 4-14 August. Running from 1-7 pm every day and created by Architects of Air, it is a completely free event that is open to all.

The immersive experience is a dazzling maze of winding paths and soaring domes where natural forms and light meld into an inspiring mix of design and engineering. Visitors walking through the paths will experience the beauty of light and colour in a whole new way.

Family Space Day at Arnos Vale Cemetery

Thursday 4 August sees a Family Space Day arrive at Arnos Vale Cemetery, perfect for families looking for fun things to do together in the summer holidays.

Immersive Theatres are bringing their unique 360 degree experience to Arnos Vale. Three 360 degree films and presenter-led planetarium shows are repeated multiple times each day.

Children can find star patterns in the night sky, visit the astronauts on the Space Station, discover different space shapes that are round, and hold a meteorite from outer space.

Jamaican Independence 60th Anniversary

Taking place at The Watershed from 5-7 August, Cables & Cameras, Lakota, Dropop, DET Entertainment and BRB Supermarket have come together to present a weekend of films and an evening of music curated to celebrate the 60 years of independence.

Jamaican Independence 60th Anniversary is a proud moment in the heritage of the West Indian community in Bristol and The Watershed want you to be part of the celebration.

Importantly, the weekend aims to highlight the impact Jamaican culture has had on the UK and the world, bringing the culture, rhythms and colours of the island’s unique identity to the cinema screen and the Café and Bar.

Weston-Super-Mare Shanty and Folk Festival

Fancy something a little different this weekend? Well, Weston-Super-Mare’s Shanty and Folk Festival is certainly not one to miss.

From 5-7 August, there’ll be all sorts of folk music, sea shantys, good food and pirate-themed activities taking over the town, perfect for those young and old.

Summer Exhibitions Saturday at The Royal Photographic Society 

From 10 am until 5 pm on 6 August, The Royal Photographic Society is inviting you down to celebrate all of their wonderful summer exhibitions and events.

The day will allow you the opportunity to listen to free talks with exhibiting photographers, take part in tintype portrait sessions, join cyanotype workshops, and visit their current photography exhibitions.

Amongst the present exhibitions is the International Photography Exhibition 163, a powerful exhibition of over 100 works by 60 contemporary photographers from around the world.

Also on view is the brand-new outdoor joint RPS and MPF exhibition, This is Not a Moment by Bristol-based photographer, Khali Ackford who will be speaking about his work on the day.

Country Fayre at Old Down Estate

Escape away to the heart of the beautiful Old Down Estate on 7 August from 10 am until 5 pm and explore the wonderful 66 acres of open space with beautiful gardens, woodlands, play areas and an animal park.

The Country Fayre welcomes a day of country adventure and family fun and has a line-up packed with bake and crafting competitions, traditional fete games, activities, a display arena, animal talks, food and gift stalls, music and even more. It’s set to be a great day out for families and friends.