Nothing signals the start of the festive season like the Christmas Spiegeltent. Back for its thirteenth year, next to Bristol’s harbourside, the bejewelled doors will fling open on November 28th welcoming revellers, partygoers and bon vivants.
Once inside, the everyday dissolves into a whirlwind of glitter, glamour and audacious artistry. The packed line-up includes family-friendly cabaret and discos, film screenings (to Catch a Thief), not to mention candle-lit orchestral evenings playing everything from Mozart to Miley Cyrus and Handel to Harry Styles.
Here’s the ad-event calendar:
Dark Side of the Moon by The Bristol Ensemble: 28th November
The city’s only professional chamber orchestra, the Bristol Ensemble, will perform Pink Floyd’s album The Dark Side of the Moon. As the fourth best-selling album in history, with over 45 million copies sold worldwide, The Dark Side of the Moon remains one of the most influential albums ever created.
The 23-piece orchestra will highlight its intricate musicality in a way that only a live orchestral performance can. Fusing the spirit of the 70’s with the elegance of orchestral music, this isn’t to be missed.
Doors 6.30pm
Concert starts 7.30pm
“To Catch A Thief” Gala Screening with a live circus performance: 1st December
Cary Grant and Grace Kelly dazzle in Hitchcock’s classic romantic comedy thriller set on the glamorous French Riviera. It’s presented in association with this year’s Cary Comes Home festival. This spectacular screening is the festival’s finale and will celebrate the golden age of cinema with bubbly, swing music and swathes of style.
Not only that the evening will include a live cabaret performance, celebrating Grant’s early career as an acrobat and vaudeville performer. Cary Grant, from Horfield, enjoyed a six decade-spanning career as a Hollywood film star and style icon that earned him numerous accolades. These included an Honorary Oscar, the title of world’s best dressed man and a place on a US postage stamp!
Doors open 18:00 – 22:00
Rumdoo Family Cabaret: Dec 7th, 14th, & 21st, 2024
Perfect for the young and the young-at-heart to gather their mums, dads, grandparents, uncles, and aunts to dive into a dazzling 55-minute spectacle – featuring world-class international artists from every corner of the globe. Expect contemporary circus acts including fire eating, comedy, afro fusion dancing, aerial performances plus a world-class Chinese pole act.
Recommended ages 3+
Bridgerton in Concert by Candlelight: 15th December
Prepare to be transported back to the Bridgerton’s search for love amid London’s high society with The Bristol Ensemble. The evening will include classic pieces from the likes of Mozart and Handel, as well as pop hits from Billy Eilish, Beyonce and Alicia Keys in the candle-lit concert.
Doors open at 18:30
Suitable for all ages
Junior Jungle: 30th November and 15 December
Bristol’s family-favourite ravers are back and ready to blow everyone’s socks off. Amped up and ready to discharge powerful vibes through the dancefloor, Nick Terrific and MC Rocky Patch will be unleashing their profound and profane take on life. It’s the perfect party for both little and big junglists.
Saturday 30th November: 13:30 -15:30
Sunday 15th December: 14:00 – 16:00
Suitable for all ages
Kid Carpet: 7th and 8th December
Rock out this Christmas! In this action-packed, fun-filled 45-minute show, expect some high energy ping pong action, an epic adventure to find a witch lost in space and an opportunity to take part in a thrilling dance contest with Kid Carpet himself!
Perfect for families and children of all ages. Come ready to sing, dance, and play along in what promises to be a memorable and hilarious experience. All anyone needs to know to become a rock star.
Saturday 7th December 11:00 – 12:00
Sunday 8th December 11:00 – 12:00
Recommended ages 3+
Baby Disko – 8th & 15th December
Mini movers, it’s time to shine. These afternoons are packed with music, making and all kinds of malarky to get everyone giggling and grooving. There will be face painting, bubble blowing, dressing up and plenty of fun and games with the Let’s Make Art team! Not forgetting a 30-minute kids show.
Recommended for ages 0-5 but everyone is welcome.
Sunday 8th December: 13:15 – 15:15
Sunday 15th December: 11:00 – 13:00
Founder and Director Steve Meadows says: Steve Meadows says:
“As soon as you step into the Spiegeltent, you’ll be transported to another world – one that is sumptuous, mesmerising and magical. I can’t wait to draw back the curtain for the shows to start!”
Made of wood with intricately carved panels, stained glass windows and bevelled mirrors, these hand hewn pavilions have been used as travelling dance halls bars and bohemian entertainment salons since the early 20th Century.
Draped in decadence, the Spiegeltent is the perfect mix of finery, frippery, nonsense and nostalgia. Finished with a dash of style and plenty of seduction. Christmas in Bristol wouldn’t be the same without it.
