Guests are invited to join Bristol’s original troubadours as they peel back the layers of time and plunge headfirst into the untold, the bizarre, and the spellbinding history of this iconic Bristol location.
From sailors and soldiers to circus legends and scandalous criminals, Christmas Steps have seen it all. Now, The Invisible Circus will conjure these characters from history’s shadows, infusing the past with surreal theatrical moments that only they can deliver. Mark your calendars for a chance to explore one of Bristol’s oldest and most original streets brought to life on Saturday 2 November and Saturday 7 December.
Becky Boucherat, Project Manager, invites you to dive into history with open eyes and a curious heart: "Thanks to the incredible true stories unearthed by Dr. Paul Green, we've been spoiled for inspiration! Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps promises a wild ride through Bristol’s past, where fact meets fiction, and history blends with art. We’re collaborating with local businesses and residents to celebrate the eclectic spirit of Christmas Steps today, while weaving in the twists, turns, and mysteries of its colourful past."
This is history, but not as we know it. History lovers can expect ghostly characters and lost spirits to interrupt their exploration of the street and invite them into the past; historical figures leaping out of dusty books and into the spotlight; street corners transformed into stages for tragedy, triumph, and everything in between.
Meet Carlos Trower, the daring high-rope walker who lived on Christmas Steps in 1876, and John Chandler Langdon, a sailor whose stories of adventure will leave you breathless. Whether it’s the gripping tales of the Bristol Guineamen or the eerie echoes of John Horwood, executed and skinned into a book – every corner of Christmas Steps has a secret waiting to be revealed.
Doug Francisco, Creative Director of The Invisible Circus, explains: "We’ve been bringing the unseen histories and untold stories to life for decades, and now we’re unlocking one of Bristol’s best-kept secrets – Christmas Steps. Hidden tales are everywhere, and we’re digging deep into Bristol’s past to reveal the not only dark and mysterious, but the downright beautiful too. This area is bursting with history, the ancient steps paved in myth and legend, and we’re excited to write a new chapter while we uncover old ones."
Event Details:
* First Event: November 2, 2024, 2pm-6.30pm
* Second Event: December 7, 2024, 2pm-6.30pm
* Location: Christmas Steps, Bristol
* Price: Free Admission (This event is subject to licensing and site permissions approval)
Visitors can expect an unforgettable journey through time. With immersive performances, fascinating characters, and awe inspiring stories, Hidden Stories of Christmas Steps will make people see Bristol’s historic heart in a whole new way.
Hidden Stories of the Steps is part of the City Centre and High Streets Culture and Events Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. This event is subject to licensing and site permissions approval.
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