There’s loads of exciting happenings in Bristol this weekend, from bicycle races up Park Street to some of the country’s finest comedy talent celebrating the genius of slapstick. Here follows our pick of just five events, two of which won’t even cost you a penny. For more info, click on the pics below.

Red Bull Hill Chasers

Park Street will be closed on Saturday night for 16 of the best bike racers in the UK and 16 brave Bristol cyclists to career up the road in a series of races. This is a straight dual eliminator featuring all different bike disciplines: BMX, mountain bike, racers and fixed gears. The racing will start at 7pm and finish by 9pm, with the after-party in Java.

Slapstick Festival

The Slapstick Festival celebrates some of the very best moments in silent and visual comedy, with a particular emphasis this year on the work of Charlie Chaplin. The highlight of the festival is tonight’s gala evening.

Winter beer festival on the Grain Barge

The Grain Barge is now back and open after her five-yearly overhaul. To celebrate its return, it is hosting a winter beer festival tonight from 7pm and Saturday from 3pm. There will be beers from British craft breweries near and far, live bands and DJs until 11pm both days. And it’s free entry.

Instant Wit

The best improvisational comedy troupe in Bristol, one that we roundly praised last year here, is performing at the Brewery Theatre on Sunday night. Comprised entirely of scenes and themes suggested by the audience, an Instant Wit show is never the same, but one always guaranteed to be side-splittingly funny.

Watch an Oscar-nominated film

January is always the best time to go to the cinema, as it is the time that many of the big films tipped for awards glory are released. Best picture nominees showing now on big screens across Bristol are 127 Hours, Black Swan and The King’s Speech. Other Oscar-nominated films still doing the rounds are Biutiful and Blue Valentine. Read our reviews of many of these films here.