DJ Shadow Monday, Academy
A seminal figure on the international hip-hop scene, DJ Shadow has collaborated with everyone from Thom Yorke to the Beastie Boys. He is in Bristol promoting his brand new project The Less You Know, The Better.
www.o2academybristol.co.uk
Chris Jefferies at the Leveson Enquiry Monday, London
The former landlord of murdered Clifton woman Joanna Yeates knows better than most how lives can be ruined by press intrusion. Subjected to none too subtle innuendo across the popular press, this will be the former Clifton College teacher’s first opportunity to publicly address the worrying events of last Christmas.
www.levesoninquiry.org.uk
Bright Club Bristol Tuesday, Canteen
Bright Club has been described as the thinking man’s variety night, and now it comes to Bristol for the first time, featuring comedy, “thinky stuff” and the occasional musical interlude. Speakers include a philosopher, quantum physicist and robotocist.
brightclubbristol.wordpress.com
Za Za Bazaar opens Wednesday, Harbourside
The largest restaurant in the UK opens in Bristol in what used to be Baja nightclub. A mind-boggling array of international cuisines will be on offer. Like Flavourz but bigger? It will be intriguing to find out more.
zazabazaar.com
Good Clown, Bad Clown From Thursday, Bristol Old Vic
The Old Vic’s festive studio children’s production promises a “magical story of adventure, mishaps and mayhem” in this comic tale of high jinks and heroics, written by Renata Allen and directed by John Retallack.
www.bristololdvic.org.uk
Should Bristol have an elected mayor? Friday, Watershed
The first annual Ideas Forum from Bristol Festival of Ideas tackles the subject of an elected mayor for Bristol. The one-day conference will include some high profile speakers such as former Mayor of London Ken Livingstone, Lord Adonis, and panels made up of Bristol councillors, MPs and community leaders.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk
Robert Mugabe… What Happened? with Q&A Friday, Watershed
Bristol director Simon Bright was detained by Mugabe’s henchmen during the making of this documentary about the Shakespearian rise and fall of the Zimbabwean dictator. Bright will be taking part in a Q&A after Friday’s screening of the film which is returning to the Watershed after being a highlight of the Afrika Eye Film Festival.
www.watershed.co.uk
Peter Lord Saturday, Arnolfini
The co-director of Aardman’s forthcoming The Pirates! In An Adventure With Scientists talks about the making of the film, from the initial idea, through production to the finished movie. There will also be some sneak preview clips.
www.ideasfestival.co.uk
Ashton Court Food & Craft Fayre Saturday and Sunday
Local art, craft, food and drink will all be showcased at the special Christmas version of the monthly farmers market. Special treats alongside the stalls will be mulled wine and a hog roast, carol singers and bell ringers.
twitter.com/AshtonCourtFM
The Staves Start The Bus, Sunday
Three beautiful sisters from Watford who sing even more beautiful three-part harmonies, Emily, Jessica and Camilla will be a band to watch in 2012. Support comes from Paul Thomas Saunders.
thestaves.com
