The Invisible Circus Presents: Weekends of Wonder!

The Invisible Circus is preparing to take over the streets of Broadmead with a bedazzling array of free acts and entertainment for all the family.

Weekends of Wonder! is a street theatre festival with WOW! factor, bringing together veteran street performers alongside cutting edge new talent to create a truly magical atmosphere on Bristol’s central high street. Expect vibrant circus and theatrical ‘Covent Garden style’ performances in circle shows and interactive walkabout acts, plus a treasure hunt of artistic window installations to discover. Themes centre on connection, creativity, playfulness, sustainability and inclusivity; sparking imagination for positive futures and re-igniting hope.

Invisible Circus’ Weekends of Wonder! is being delivered as one of the activities under the City Centre and High Streets Recovery and Renewal programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority’s Love our High Streets project.

Dates: 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28 May | 3, 4 June
Click here to find out more via the Unit 15 website

OUR MAY ISSUE: OUT NOW

You'll love our fabulous May magazine which features a great collection of reading by our team of wonderful writers as well as beautifully presented advertising by Bristol's best businesses. We hope you enjoy the read!

15,000 copies are delivered door to door, and you can pick up a copy at many places around town – including our stands at Waitrose, John Lewis, House of Fraser and Harvey Nichols.

Read the digital version of our current issue here!

And if you would like to have a copy sent in the post every month, then we offer a postal subscription for just £33 for 12 issues, £18 for six issues or buy a copy for just £4.25. UK mainland prices. For Euro and World zone subscription prices – see our website. 

Words by Melissa Blease

Discover: Burrata

What is it? A soft, fresh Italian cheese typical of the Puglia region of southern Italy; expect to encounter a cricket-ball sized shell/pouch of buffalo mozzarella wrapped around a decadent, oozing mixture of cheese curds and cream.

What does it taste like? Mild, soft and rich in decadent buttery overtones (burro is, after all, the Italian word for butter), with just the right amount of cheesy sourness to balance the creamy load.

Nutritional know-how: High in fat and calories, Burrata is most definitely not an everyday cheese. It is, however, high in both protein and calcium, and the mozzarella casing is laden with probiotics.

How should I use it? Always, always allow your burrata to come to room temperature before tucking in; fridge-cold is an absolute no-no. Unsurprisingly given its Italian origin, Burrata is delicious simply drizzled with a little balsamic vinegar and served with Italian charcuterie, Italian bread (or breadsticks) and Italian olives as part of an antipasti selection. Or, try it on bruschetta, topped with a smattering of pesto and a sprinkling of pine nuts. It also works really well served on a bed of lightly-dressed salad (consider using it in place of mozzarella in a classic Caprese), or alongside griddled fruit (think, peaches, nectarines or figs)... and, as you might expect, it makes for a really luxurious addition to pasta dishes, stirred in at the last moment just before serving.

And to drink with that...? Don't team your Burrata with heavy, tannic reds; they'll absorb too much of that essential, creamy fat and leave a chalky feeling in your mouth. Instead, opt for light, fresh wines to match the Burrata's light, fresh personality; think, crisp, unoaked Pinot Grigio (or an easygoing Soave?), a lightly fruity rosé or a classic Prosecco.

Leisurely lunches & 2-for-1 cocktails

Catch up with friends and family at our brasserie whilst sampling beautiful dishes from this seasons Prix - fixe menu.

Served with a glass of wine of your choice, enjoy two courses for £22 or three courses for £27.

Or pop by for a cheeky cocktail - throughout April at the Grand Cafe you can enjoy two for one all day, every day!

153 Whiteladies Road | 0117 973314
hello@theaquagrandcafe.com | social: aquagrandcafe
Go to aquagrandcafe.com for more information

Discover a Chablis from one of the great domaines

Hugely underrated, Domaine Louis Michel produces consistently exquisite and good value Chablis, a fact recognised and praised by The Wine Advocate. Guillaume Michel makes no apology for his refusal to use oak barrels to age his wines, to ensure that they convey - unmasked - a very special sense of their unique vineyard origins. These Chablis wines are expressive, individual and fabulous value: offering quality to rival the most famous white Burgundy from further south, at a fraction of the cost. 

Petit Chablis
This comes from from a special vineyard site on the hillside above the Chablis Grand Cru vineyards. While cooler, it experiences exceptional drainage and exposure to sunlight, making it one of the very finest Petit Chablis locations. The wine is bright white-gold in colour, with an expressive apple and citrus zest aroma. £29.95

Chablis Premier Cru Montmain
Louis Michel's four Montmain vineyards are planted with mature vines, and extend along a clay slope known for being sensitive to spring frosts. Careful attention is therefore required to cultivate this land. It's worth it, because the wine demonstrates that magical Premier Cru combination of ripe fruit with quintessential Chablis saline character. Intricately complex, with spicy floral aromas, toasted almonds, candied lemon and apple; it is dry, lively, pure and accessible, with no artifice. £39.95

Chablis Premier Cru Montée de Tonnerre
Montée de Tonnerre is the very finest and most prestigious Premier Cru, offering quality regularly approaching that of Grand Cru Chablis. Louis Michel produces grapes from an entire slope at this location, creating a powerful wine with complexity, balance, wonderful refinement and ageing potential. It has concentration and richness, carried in such a subtle way. "Grand Cru, at half the price" - fabulous, and not to be missed. £42

Chablis
This is outstanding Chablis, that evokes its northern Burgundy origins with a fabulous sense of place. It displays the typical 'stony' character of the region, over which are layered exciting notes of white peach, apricot and chervil, thanks to the care and dedication in the vineyard and cellar of this top producer. £33

Visit the Louis Michel cellars at The Great Wine Co here: greatwine.co.uk

British Tales Luxury Collection

One fragrance does not a party make – nor one book a library. Turn the page on what you once knew with eight intriguing scents in 10ml, for ladies and gents who take pleasure in discovering new loves. | £140

Go to penhaligons.com to purchase

Montblanc Great Characters Jimi Hendrix

In honour of one of the most influential guitarists in the history of rock. Made from precious resin, this superb special edition fountain pen is made by Montblanc. 

The off-white colour of the cap and its engraved pattern is inspired by one Hendrix’s guitar straps, the black barrel features an elegant pattern resembling a WAH pedal and the platinum-coated clip is angled to imitate the vibrato bar. 

The Montblanc emblem in the cap top is made from precious resin. Another striking detail is the platinum-coated barrel ring which draws inspiration from a 1960´s guitar cable – it is engraved with the date of a famous Jimi Hendrix concert. The handcrafted Au 585 solid gold nib with rhodium coating bears a portrait of Jimi Hendrix and that folks is... rock and roll £995. 

Also available is the Jimi Hendrix rollerball pen, £795; as well as a ballpoint version, £745.

See this and a fabulous range of Montblanc’s fine writing instruments at Mallory Jewellers

Curated by Daniel McCabe

Running a successful art magazine is a tough gig these days but we have plenty of outstanding examples, one of the best being Spike, a Berlin-based journal that employs entertaining and intellectually-nourishing themes to engage its readers. This time it tackles the museum – a veritable trove of histories and symbolic expression, many of which now function in high tech settings but with many also remaining as old fashioned places of refuge, comfort and contemplation. All these institutions are now rightly tasked with decolonising their collections and highlighting longstanding injustices and insensitivities, so Spike #75 is devised as a museum guest book that invites us to leaf through a range of informed comment on how the modern museum might function. | £16

store.magalleria.co.uk

Coronation Garden Party ‘really special’, says tireless charity fundraiser

A University of Bristol charity champion has said it was “really special” to attend the Coronation Garden Party hosted by King Charles.

Alongside his regular job at the University, Gary Nott has been leading tours of the Wills Memorial Building every Saturday for 22 years, with all profits going to The Grand Appeal, the dedicated charity for Bristol Children’s Hospital. With the help of other staff members – and his daughter Paris – he has raised £42,000 for The Grand Appeal, an achievement that earned him an invite to the special garden party at Buckingham Palace. The Grand Appeal said his fundraising for “critically ill babies and children” was “not only inspiring, but life-changing”.

Gary, who attended the garden party with Paris, said: “Being escorted into Buckingham Palace with all the police and limos, we felt like royalty ourselves. It was really special. We got to shake Camilla’s hand and saw Lionel Richie. There were loads of people in top hats and military uniform and we spoke to lots of people who were invited there because they’d done good stuff."

Click here for the full article

Horizon, Lime Tree Gallery, 4 May - 20 June

Lime Tree Gallery is broadening its horizons with work from two artists new to the galleries. French abstract painter, Alain du Pontavice, brings beautiful, subtle colours and textures, while Swedish artist Carina Prigmore, now resident in Scotland, paints lovely moody landscapes, often of the majestic Cairngorms.

A different kind of horizon has inspired West Cork-based Ian Humphreys for much of his career. The dramatic coast and islands of his locale form the background to his increasingly abstract work, which is almost obsessed with the horizontal.

limetreegallery.com; 84 Hotwell Road, BS8 4UB
Image: Evening on the River by Carina Prigmore

Bath Contemporary Artists' Fair cancellation

It is with sadness that we are announcing the cancellation of BCAF on May the 14th.

Due to the recent terrible fire, Green Park Station will be closed for the next two to three weeks, but BCAF look forward to welcoming you all on June 11th!

Go to bcaf.co.uk for more information

Binocular and Optics show at Chew Valley Lake hosted by London Camera Exchange

This binocular and telescope show organised by the London Camera Exchange takes place on the lawn of Car Park No. 2 overlooking the Chew Valley Lake.

An opportunity to ‘try and buy’ the latest binoculars and telescopes from leading manufacturers including Hawke, Opticron, Swarovski, Nikon, Vortex and Zeiss. Special offers available on the day; part exchange prices offered for quality used gear.

Friday 12 May, 10am – 3.30pm | Chew Valley Lake, Walley Lane, Chew Valley, Bristol BS40 8XS | More information at lcegroup.co.uk/events

Exultate Singers - Conducted by David Ogden

Euro fever comes to Bristol as Exultate Singers presents a late afternoon European song concert of sacred and secular choral music in a wide variety of languages, sounds and musical flavours, revealing how vividly each country’s national identity and traditions are expressed in its choral music. Hello, this is Bristol calling! At the end the audience will be invited to award their douze points to their favourite piece which the choir will perform again as an encore.

Saturday 13 May at 5pm | St George's Bristol
Tickets £12 to £21 (plus booking fees) from 0117 929 4929 or online at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
More information also available at exultatesingers.org

Tubular Bells - Bristol Ensemble

Mike Oldfield’s groundbreaking album Tubular Bells was released on 25th May 1973 and to celebrate its 50th anniversary – almost to the day – Bristol Ensemble performs a stirring chamber orchestral arrangement of the album, fleshing out the now iconic melodies with a bank of strings.

Wednesday 17 May at 7pm | St George's Bristol
Tickets £10 to £27 (plus booking fees), on sale now at stgeorgesbristol.co.uk or by telephone: 0117 929 4929

England’s smallest city hosts some of the biggest names in comedy

The Wells Comedy Festival returns for a seventh year, bringing a ‘weekend-long comedy jamboree’ (The Guardian) with dozens of comedians descending on the city across the bank holiday weekend of 26-28 May.

Tickets are already flying out the door with Tim Key, John Robins, Phil Wang, Jen Brister and Kiri Pritchard-McLean already sold out, and Jamali Maddix, Esther Manito, Stephen Bailey, Mark Watson, Chloe Petts and Jessica Fostekew all selling fast.

Fri 26 – Sun 28 May | Wells Comedy Festival, Somerset, BA5
Tickets from £9
All shows on sale at www.wellscomfest.com

Applications open: Executive Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership

Due to the continued success of the University of Bristol’s part-time Executive Masters in Strategy, Change and Leadership, applications are now open for the 11th cohort, commencing in September 2023. The university is hosting a webinar for prospective students on 17 May, 6-7pm, providing an opportunity to find out more about the programme.

The challenging and rewarding programme is designed for those aspiring to, or holding, senior manager and leadership positions and will fit around the demands of a busy, professional leadership role. It is aimed at providing senior managers with the tools and techniques they need to navigate their organisations through demanding times. By attending the programme, you will learn how to improve your ability to manage change and uncertainty; increase your leadership impact; understand organisational complexity and issues affecting success; make better choices about growth and strategic direction.

If you would like to have a chat about the programme or to attend the next webinar on 17 May, 6pm-7pm, contact Cheralyn Baines-Dark, Programme Manager, by phone 01179546694; or email: mgmt-scl@bristol.ac.uk

To find out more or to apply for September 2023 entry, visit; bristol.ac.uk

Bristol Bears v Gloucester Rugby Gallagher Premiership final match

Saturday 6 May | Kick off 4pm | Ashton Gate Stadium

Click here for tickets

Studio 74 Contemporary Art on Whiteladies Road launches new interior art curation service

Have you ever wondered how to elevate your interior space without a complete redesign? Studio 74 launched their Interior Art Curation service over the Bank Holiday weekend, partnering with two outstanding interiors companies BoConcept & Ivywell Interiors. 

The Interior Art Curation* service helps guide you to finding the perfect artwork for your home or office. The service includes a one-to-one consultation with gallery director Ellena Norman, who will spend time understanding your style and ideas. Then their in-house design team can superimpose art concepts directly onto your walls. Additionally, you can benefit from a home consultation where any chosen works can be viewed in the comfort of your own house.

*Interior Art Curation Service value £250.00 redeemed on the purchase of any goods

Tel: 0117 4350270
Email: info@studio74gallery.com
More information available on the Studio 74 website

boconcept.com
ivywellinteriors.com

Edward VII Wing, French Yard, Redcliffe BS1

Offered for sale by Ocean Estate agents

With private, level access, secure off-street parking space and set within a much sought after waterfront location, this exceptional 2 double bedroom, 2 bathroom, city apartment will suit a variety of buyers including professional and down sizers. 

Tucked away from roads and adjacent to the communal gardens, the private entrance leads to a welcoming central hallway with large utility cupboard. 

The bedrooms are set away from each other. Both are good sized double bedrooms providing ample built in storage. Bedroom one is complimented by a stylish tiled ensuite with bath. There is an equally impressible guest bathroom with walk-in shower.

The generously proportioned lounge/diner has french doors leading to an immaculate dual aspect separate kitchen with high-end integrated appliances and glass door providing direct access to the private 28ft x 7ft enclosed sun terrace. All windows have fitted wooden blinds providing further privacy and security.

The waterfront location is superb being close to the vibrant restaurants of Wapping Wharf and the City centre. Bristol Temple Meads train station is also just a short walk away. £500,000

For more information and images, click here to see the property on the Ocean Home website