Bristol ADVENTures

If you head to Bristol city centre this Christmas, you’re in for a bit of a surprise…. if you can ever really be surprised in a city as wonderful and creative as ours.

#BristolADVENTures is a beautiful light trail and best way to explore the city centre in your bubbles, download the map here. Check out the jolliest and iconic Christmas lyrics from your favourite festive songs and films, projected on buildings through the city centre. A new one is lit every day until Christmas Eve and you can explore them until Monday 28 December. 

We’re encouraging people to support the city centre’s retailers, while remembering to be respectful and protective of each other and those working in their stores. The project is designed to still be enjoyed while we are in Covid-19 restrictions, bringing a much-needed lift to the city centre’s visitors, residents and workers. It also enables us to remain careful to maintain social distancing and be safe whilst also having a bit of fun. 

Expect some of your favourite Christmas phrases from The Pogues, Mariah Carey or Slade. Will your favourite Christmas artist be featured? Look out for the daily unveilings right here where we will also be featuring some brilliant #MerryBristmas facts and having a bit of fun. Locations have been selected across the city centre from Park Street to Cabot Circus, taking in City Hall to Broadmead, and featuring some of Bristol’s most iconic buildings. 

The project is part of #BristolTogether, spearheaded by Bristol City Centre BID, a collaboration which brought thousands of people to the socially distanced “Hearts in Parks” this summer. For this initiative over 100 businesses have come together to make a little bit of magic happen for the city. Expect some glowing building frontages, some messaging under your feet and plenty of surprises emerging across the city centre. 

Local lighting company, SLX have kindly supplied all the kit and the project also provides opportunities for lighting technicians who have lost work in theatres and productions this year.

Without further ado.  Let us Hark the herald angels sing, kiss on the corner and dance through the night, with a festive rum pa pum pum. Get ready to Step into Christmas.

Share your photos of the phrases with the hashtags #BristolADVENTures, #MerryBristmas and #BristolTogether. 

We've used Spotify to put together a Bristol ADVENTures playlist for you, the perfect accompaniment to the trail. Each song contains lyrics found illuminated in the city centre, in the order that they were switched on. You might discover a version you haven't heard before or reminisce listening to some old favourites.