Poetry festival Lyra has once again brought together local, national and international writers for a city-wide celebration of contemporary poetry with an unparalleled 10-day programme, which finishes this weekend (26 April) with 13 events being held across Saturday and Sunday.

​​Events have been taking place in leading arts venues across the city, including St. George’s Bristol, Arnolfini, Watershed, Bristol Old Vic and Loco Klub.

The 2026 theme ‘Wonder & Wanderers’ invites audiences to come together and celebrate histories of migration and movement in Bristol and across the UK. The programme reflects on landscape, mythology and belonging, and considers how poetry holds stories of travel, change and home. Audiences are invited to wander and wonder through genres, attending readings, performances, workshops, poetry slams, family events, walking tours, open mics and panel discussions.

Highlights this weekend include joining writer and academic Dr Edson Burton on a journey through Bristol taking in the streets, monuments, patches and pathways that inspired Bristol's post-war Black writers; a magical evening of poetry and mythology which sees Nikita Gill read from her spellbinding new verse novel Hekate, a reimagining of the forgotten origins of the goddess of witchcraft; a discussion on whether poetry can coexist with AI; and Lyra Festival’s closing event with Ujima Radio: a dynamic evening showcase of established, emerging, national and local poets and spoken word artists of African Heritage.

The full programme, ticket information and listings can be found at lyrafest.com

We featured Danny, Lyra Festival's co-director (pictured on the left) as our my Bristol in our April 2025 edition. Click here to read.

Image credit: Lyra Festival

Experience an authentic taste of a Greek taverna in your own garden (or kitchen, if the sun refuses to join in the fun) with this tantalisingly flavoursome recipe, packed with Mediterranean flavours.

Read online

Discover more of Melissa's recipes on our website

A Fresh Take on a Classic Variety

Cabernet Franc rarely demands attention, but it rewards those who give it. Raats Family Wines leans into this through a more modern winemaking approach, using gentler extraction and a focus on elegance to preserve bright, expressive fruit. In the glass, this translates into vibrant red cherry laced with smoky black fruit, finishing on a savoury, herbal edge. A benchmark expression of a modern South African style, it is fruit-driven, approachable and ready to drink now. As one of Bordeaux’s key blending grapes, where it often plays a supporting role and can be overshadowed, here it is given clear focus and stands confidently on its own. Pair with herb-crusted roast lamb or slow-cooked Mediterranean dishes.

2022 Raats Family Wines, Dolomite Cabernet Franc, Stellenbosch | £18.49

dbmwines.co.uk | 7 Princess Victoria St, Clifton, Bristol BS8 4BX

The Heritage Collection

Drawing inspiration from Fabergé’s historical masterpieces. Traditional materials and complex traditional techniques, such as the delicate art of guilloché enamelling and hand-engraving, make up the signature elements of this colourful and opulent collection.

Fabergé Heritage Blue Enamel Diamond Earrings 18ct White Gold | £10,800

mallory-jewellers.com

India Farnham plucks up the courage to visit the The Woman in Black for the second time, and reports back on this legendary piece of frightfully
British theatre at Bristol Old Vic.

"The magic of The Woman in Black is that the whole theatre is involved in the performance; shadows are cast across all four walls, and the play uses the expanse of the space to its advantage... Fear is also an incredibly powerful imaginative tool – if you’re anything like me, you’ll find yourself becoming suspicious of an empty chair or a pause that’s slightly too long. You’ll be seeing ‘her’ everywhere and nowhere at once, and you won’t be able to look away."

Read online

The Woman in Black is showing at Bristol Old Vic until 25 April

Production image by Mark Douet

Our May edition is out next week! And here's
what you can expect inside...

Consider this month’s magazine your early bird ticket to the region’s best festivals, with a stellar lineup of the hottest celebrations in our 2026 Festival Guide (with everything from garden theatres to chart-topping superstars), plus head-to-toe outfits and beauty buys that will still shine long after the stage lights go down. Elsewhere, we hear from the cast of Matilda the Musical (Miss Trunchbull herself, no less); get the inside scoop on a brand-new state-of-the-art travelling music studio; hear from experts on female hormonal health and mens’ mental health; work out how to best style your space for a short-term let and so much more!

In the meantime, catch up with our fabulous April edition here...

Magazine B

The 100th issue of Magazine B has just been published in English. Founded 15 years ago in Seoul, South Korea by entrepreneur and a designer Suyong Joh, this bookish-looking (17cm ×240cm), advertisement-free ‘documentary magazine’ showcases familiar brands objectively selected on four criteria: philosophy, price, aesthetic and practicality. It’s always been very popular with us and with this number of volumes on the shelf the magazine is now a trusted and comprehensive guide to a wide range of individual brand stories (Porsche, Rolex, Apple, Lego, Disney, Chanel, Penguin, etc.) for students, business professionals and fans alike. This release is dedicated to telling the publications own story and is also available in a plain, embossed black satin cover at a slightly increased price for collectors.

£24 | magalleria.co.uk

Delve into the Downs and Avon Gorge in all their Spring glory; from beautiful native tree species to the tiny invertebrateswhich call this habitat their home
(pictured, above). 

Seek out a nesting pair of resident peregrine falcons and meet the conservation goats in the Gully to find out what they do. A friendly session full of nature and local heritage with Avon Gorge & Downs Wildlife to celebrate City Nature Challenge 2026. Suitable for ages 12+. Donations welcome, pay what you can, booking required.

11am-12.30pm | avongorge.org.uk | Clifton Down, BS9 1FG

Looking to shop an engagement ring or bespoke piece with an alternative, nature- and coastal-inspired feel?

Welsh jewellery designer Charlotte Rowenna is coming to Diana Porter for her first ever trunk show, explore new designs, shop limited outlet pieces, or book a complimentary private consultation.

Charlotte specialises in nature-inspired engagement rings and wedding bands, alongside earrings and necklaces shaped by delicate natural treasures. Each piece is handmade in Wales.

Enjoy a relaxed atmosphere with complimentary nibbles and drinks while browsing or beginning your bespoke journey.

Diana Porter Jewellery, 33 Park Street, Bristol, BS1 5NH | 9.30am - 5pm

This event is free to attend, and the private appointments are complimentary

dianaporter.co.uk

70 minutes of exquisite choral music on the theme of light performed in the beautiful setting of St James Priory, a 12th century church in the centre of Bristol, including works by Byrd, Palestrina, Tavener, Tallis, Lucy Walker, Kate Rusby and Oliver Tarney. 

Tickets £10 to £15 from exultatesingers.org

5pm | St James Priory, Bristol BS1 3NZ | botanic-garden.bristol.ac.uk

Roll up for a weekend of feasting, fun, and a full-on festival atmosphere inside the historic walls of Caldicot Castle as Street Food Circus' Big Banquet returns for the late May Bank Holiday. A travelling caravan of celebrated street food chefs will serve dishes from across the world, enjoyed together around long communal tables. Built for all ages, the event includes a free kids’ circus school, Chris Bullzini – The Silly King circus show, bubble discos, and a spectacular evening fire show. Book tickets via the website below or QR code (kids go free).

streetfoodcircus.co.uk | Church Rd, Caldicot Castle, Monmouthshire, NP26 4HU

From today (24 April), five artists will be at Quakers Art Lane in Quakers Friars, Cabot Circus, marking the start of UPFEST’s 2026 programme and bringing live mural painting to the heart of Bristol city centre. Until Tuesday 5th May, the five renowned artists will create a series of large-scale works inspired by iconic Bristol.

Visitors to Quakers Friars can see the murals develop in real time as part of their visit. Whether shopping, dining or exploring Cabot Circus, the evolving artworks offer a changing backdrop throughout the day.

The project builds on the existing Aardman-inspired mural by Dave Bain, further establishing the lane as a new cultural destination within the city centre.

Insane51, My Dog Sighs, HazardOne, Melo, and Inkie, will each bring their own distinctive style to the space. Over the coming days, visitors will be able to watch a range of striking pieces take shape, from a bold Bristol phrase by Inkie and a colourful nod to the city’s festivals from Melo, to a music-inspired piece by My Dog Sighs.

upfest.co.uk

Millie David will make her Red Roses debut as one of four Bears in the squad to face Wales at Ashton Gate in the Women’s Six Nations on Saturday, April 25 (2.15pm KO).

Bears winger David, who has 26 tries in 31 Premiership Women’s Rugby matches, will make her England debut for the reigning world champions at a sold-out Ashton Gate

David’s club teammate Delaney Burns also makes her first England appearance since 2023 from the second row, with head coach John Mitchell has making seven changes from the team that started the win over Scotland at Murrayfield last time out.

Bears tighthead prop Sarah Bern returns to the starting line-up in the front row and Demelza Short is among the replacements, having won her first cap last weekend.

Elsewhere, loosehead prop Mackenzie Carson earns a first start of the 2026 Guinness Women’s Six Nations while centurion flanker Marlie Packer, who scored her 53rd Red Roses try against Scotland, is promoted from the replacements to the starting XV.

Following the action at Ashton Gate on Saturday, Scotland take on Italy at the Stadio Sergio Lanfranchi (4.30pm KO). Four Bears are in from the start for the Round 3 clash, with Lana Skeldon, Elliann Clarke, Hollie Cunningham and Meryl Smith all named by Sione Fukofuka.

At time of writing the game is nearly completely sold-out but you can watch the game live on BBC from 1.45pm.

bristolbearsrugby.com

Ensure a stress-free wedding day with Pitch Up and Play, the ultimate childcare solution! With more than seven years of experience in weddings and events with children, a team of 30+ DBS-checked, qualified Pitch Nannies will provide exceptional care that keeps your little guests entertained with exciting packages like bell tents and cosy movie rooms. The craft table and woodwork activities are a massive hit with children, keeping them creative and engaged throughout your celebration.

Boasting more than 200 five-star reviews, you can trust Pitch Up and Play to handle all childcare logistics while you focus on creating lasting memories. Picture yourself enjoying a glass of fizz, knowing your Mini VIPs are having a blast.

Let parents relax, confident their children are in great hands. Contact Pitch Up and Play today and allow them to be part of your special day!

Photo by Laura Power

07361806374; hello@pitchupandplay.co.uk; pitchupandplay.co.uk

Stancliff is a striking Grade II listed late Georgian detached home set in an elevated position above Clevedon’s seafront, enjoying sweeping views across the Bristol Channel towards Clevedon Pier. Beautifully renovated and extended over time, the property effortlessly combines elegant period character with high-quality contemporary finishes, creating a substantial coastal home of both charm and practicality. Centrally located yet privately positioned in a plot of over half an acre, Stancliff represents a rare opportunity to acquire a landmark seafront residence in one of Clevedon’s
most sought-after locations.

With spacious and versatile accommodation arranged over three floors, Stancliff is designed to suit modern family living and entertaining. The home provides generous reception and living spaces, centred around a large open-plan living and entertaining area. The kitchen is fitted to a high specification and is supported by five bathrooms throughout the home, creating flexibility for family life and guests and with direct access to the patio and gardens with outside kitchen.

The layout also provides a number of additional rooms that can be used as home offices, snug areas or hobby spaces, alongside six double bedrooms positioned to take advantage of the sea views. The configuration of the house, along with the garage and studio space to the rear, also offers potential for multi-generational living or further conversion, subject to any necessary consents.

The outside space at Stancliff is a standout feature, with the house set within an expansive and private plot that rises above Wellington Terrace and extends through to Dial Hill Road at the rear. The gardens are thoughtfully landscaped to create a series of terraces, seating areas and lawned spaces, alongside a secluded private copse that provides shaded areas and a natural play space.

A heated swimming pool sits within a beautifully designed setting, surrounded by Ipe wood decking and positioned to enjoy privacy and shelter. The outdoor entertaining areas are a particular highlight, with a high-quality outdoor kitchen, fire pit and multiple seating areas that connect seamlessly with the glass extension, creating an exceptional space for hosting or relaxing while taking in the uninterrupted sea views and sunsets over the Bristol Channel.

To view more images, details and a floor plan, visit Right Move

petergreatorex.co.uk