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 28 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, gala 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: 28 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: 1 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: 7, 14, & 21, December
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+
The Puppini Sisters 20th Anniversary: 8 December
Celebrating 20 years, the much-loved Puppini Sisters promises to be a dazzling night of music, glamour, and show-stopping entertainment.
Founded in 2004 by Marcella Puppini, the band pioneered the neo-burlesque/swing scene with their immaculate close harmonies and vintage flair. Their debut album became the fastest-selling jazz album of all time, propelling them to worldwide success and winning fans such as Michael Bublé and HM King Charles! Now with six albums under their belt, this isn’t to be missed.
Bridgerton in Concert by Candlelight: 15 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: 30 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 30 November: 13:30 -15:30
Sunday 15 December: 14:00 – 16:00
Suitable for all ages
Kid Carpet: 7 and 8 December
Rock out this Christmas! In this 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 hilarious experience. All anyone needs to know to become a rock star.
Saturday 7 December 11:00 – 12:00
Sunday 8 December 11:00 – 12:00
Recommended ages 3+
Baby Disko - 8 & 15 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 8 December: 13:15 – 15:15
Sunday 15 December: 11:00 – 13:00
Funky festivities at the Spiegeltent
Whilst the music festival season may be over, it’s definitely not the time to hibernate for those that love dancing…
Shindig Winter Gathering: Friday 29 November
Kicking off with a night from the team behind the funkiest festival in the South West, it’s the Shindig Winter Gathering.
After last year’s sold-out success, they’re returning with a stellar line up. Slamboree, described as “Basement Jaxx meets Rocky Horror Show” will headline, performing new tracks from their highly-anticipated album. This electrifying performance will be their first live show in Bristol for 6 years!
Not only that, expect late-night sets from the wobbly-wonky bassline lover WBBL, Madame Electrifie, plus warm-up vibes from taste-makers such as Kaptin Barrett, DJ Emma and The Sly Players. The dress up theme is dress to express.
So ravers, get your glitz on, strut your stuff, let the festive season begin!
B:10 – Saturday 30 November
Hot on the high heels of the Winter Gathering, it’s the biggest birthday party in town. Showcasing an all-Bristol line up AND supporting independent journalism in one go, B:10 is the place to be. Bristol Royalty, Roni Size, will headline. Sam Binga, Addison Groove, NGAIO (live) Booty Bass Takeover and APH are also on the big line up.
Getting behind this means party goers are also supporting social and environmental projects including their Community Reporters and Climate and Sustainability Editor.
The Allergies Funky Festive Throwdown ft. The Cuban Brothers 21 December
After last year’s sold out extravaganza The Allergies are back for a full live show with Andy Cooper, James Morton and Marietta Smith. Fresh from a huge UK tour promoting their latest block-rocking album, Freak the Speaker. They are a well-oiled, crowd-rocking machine.
Some funky festive friends will join them Straight from the heart of Havana with a unique blend of funk, soul, comedy, and breakdancing, it’s the one and only Cuban Brothers! Known for their infectious charisma and wildly entertaining shows, they’ve taken stages worldwide by storm. Prepare to laugh, dance, and be thoroughly entertained.
Plus the funkiest man on two turntables DJ Format will join them. His high-octane sets of soul, funk, Latin, and feel-good hip hop, have rocked spots the world over. Bristol reggae royalty, Queen Bee will be spoiling the crowd with her ever-flowing record collection! Finally, to top off the jam-packed night, the safest hands in dance music, Felix Joy.
The Spiegeltent Christmas Ball – Burlesque, Circus & Drag – 18 December
An alternative collective hellbent on showcasing and celebrating all forms of drag. Cultivating an inclusive queer community space since April 2019, these ghouls and girls deliver a trademark cocktail of drag cabaret and perfect pop bangers! Expect Sneeze Jaqueline Furey, J’aiMime – Jessica Jungle Mikaël Bres Dee Ryder, Haem – Bunmi – Chardonnay – who guarantee to turn a party and put everyone under their spell, as they lip sync, sing, dance and DJ into the night!
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 and parties 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.
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