Bristol Spiegeltent 15th Anniversary Season
This year will be the 15th anniversary of the Bristol Spiegeltent. The popular venue returns to the Bristol Harbourside each festive season for a line-up of parties and entertainment.
The 2026 season launches on Thursday 26 November, with an exciting new line-up.
The programme includes cabaret, comedy, circus, live music, family shows and orchestral concerts – including the popular Christmas parties.
The Bristol Spiegeltent is the perfect atmospheric venue for Christmas, featuring carved wooden panels, stained glass windows and early 20th century boho vibes.
Steve Meadows is the founder and director of Bristol Spiegeltent.
“The brief was simple: produce exciting shows and events and create something special for everyone, for all ages, from 0 to 100,” he says.
“Each year the ambition is to raise the bar, to improve the experience for all, guests and crew. I am so proud of what we have been able to achieve, and I can honestly say that this year’s programme is a cracker!”
Entertainment running over the season includes:
Bristol’s Big Drag Pageant
Thursday 26 November
Following its roaring success in 2019, Bristol’s Big Drag Pageant returns to Bristol Spiegeltent
for an extraordinary night celebrating the very best of the city’s drag scene. Kings, Queens, Club
Kids and Exhibitionists will go head-to-head in a fierce runway and live performance showdown
to compete for the crown. Hosted by award-winning drag icon Alfie Ordinary, the night will be a
highlight of the Bristol Drag calendar, making it a standout celebration of queer joy and Bristol’s
vibrant drag community.
Club Spiegel, Celebrating 15 years! Ft. Horse Meat Disco, Normal Jay MBE, Laur.Ra and D.A.D from Room Two Collective
Friday 27 November
For the past 15 years, Club Spiegel has been the cornerstone of Bristol Spiegeltent’s season on
the Harbourside, welcoming people under the canvas for a night of music, dancing and
celebration. This year, some all-time favourites from over the years alongside new faces will be
coming together. Expect, house, disco and good grooves..
Baby Disko
Saturday 28 November
Calling all mini movers and little groovers! Get your sparkles on and head down to the
Harbourside for a joyous, fun filled morning featuring music, dancing, silliness, face painting,
dressing up and fun games! Plus a 30 min kid’s show.
Recommended for 0-5 but everyone is welcome.
Gilles Peterson Presents..
Saturday 28 November
A true pioneer of UK club culture, Gilles Peterson arrives at the Spiegeltent on Saturday 28th
November for a rare Bristol appearance. Under the banner of Gilles Peterson Presents, the
evening will also showcase artists from his acclaimed Brownswood Recordings roster, with
special guests to be announced. Gilles has been at the forefront of musical discovery, connecting
the dots between jazz, soul, house, broken beat, Afro, Latin and global sounds.
Wallace & Gromit: A Grand Day Out
Sunday 29 November x 2 shows
Round up the family for a cracking day out at the Spiegeltent as we present Wallace & Gromit: A
Grand Day Out on the big screen, brought to life with a live soundtrack from the City of Bristol
Brass Band. A glorious celebration of Wallace & Gromit, with a side of serious brass and
brilliance.
Nu Civilisation Orchestra: What’s Going On
Sunday 29 November
Nu Civilisation Orchestra presents a powerful live celebration of Marvin Gaye’s iconic album
What’s Going On. Led by Musical Director Peter Edwards, the 23-piece orchestra explores the
enduring relevance of Gaye’s landmark 1971 record through a stirring performance that also
features music from his acclaimed Trouble Man soundtrack, highlighting themes of social
change, inequality and hope that continue to resonate today.
Tales From The Deep Dark Wood With Bristol Ensemble
Saturday 05 December x 2 shows
Beloved family favourites The Gruf alo and The Gruf alo’s Child will be brought to life in the
enchanting surroundings of Bristol Spiegeltent, with live music and narration performed by the
Bristol Ensemble. A warm & playful concert experience of Julia Donaldson’s much-loved tales
with music composed by Philip Mackenzie.
Silent Night, Party Night! Silent Disco Ft Jayde Adams
Saturday 05 December
Get ready to crank up the headphones and lose yourself in three decades of absolute bangers at
Bristol Spiegeltent for our first ever silent disco. Leading the party is Bristol’s very own Jayde
Adams – award-winning comedian, actor, writer, presenter and all-round powerhouse. With
three channels to choose from, expect epic 80s classics, massive 90s bangers and all the
noughties hits you secretly – or not so secretly – still love.
Peter & The Wolf Live
Sunday 06 December x 2 shows
Experience the much-loved animated film on the big screen, accompanied LIVE by the Bristol
Ensemble performing Prokofiev’s iconic score. Beautiful animation, live orchestral music and the
magical setting of the Spiegeltent – a special day out for the whole family.
Wish You Were Here/Dark Side Of The Moon, Bristol Ensemble
Sunday 06 December
Back by popular demand, the return of The Bristol Ensemble for a spectacular evening
celebrating the music of Pink Floyd. Performed by a 23-piece chamber orchestra, “Wish You
Were Here” and “Dark Side of the Moon” will be brought vividly to life in the beautiful
Spiegeltent, highlighting Floyd’s intricate musicality in a way that only a live orchestral
performance can.
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain
Wednesday 09 December
The Ukulele Orchestra of Great Britain bring their acclaimed mix of virtuoso musicianship, sharp
British humour and genre-bending performance to the Spiegeltent. With a forty-year career
spanning Carnegie Hall, Glastonbury, the North Pole and beyond, the internationally celebrated
ensemble are known for their radical reinterpretations of rock, pop, jazz, blues and classical
favourites. Expect a joyful evening of brilliantly reimagined music, delivered with wit, charm and
irresistible ukulele flair.
Rumdoo! Family Cabaret
Saturdays 12 & 19 December
Bristol’s much-loved family cabaret spectacular is back! It’s the perfect chance for
little-to-medium ones to bring along their mums, dads, grandparents, uncles and aunts for a big
day out. Expect a world-class line-up of international artists delivering cabaret, circus and
comedy. Recommended ages 3+
Junior Jungle
Sunday 13 December
Nick Terrific and MC Rocky Patch are fully amped and ready to unleash another storming set.
Expect a bolt of sparky choons, lightning-hot costumes, and their shockingly profound and
hilarious take on life, the universe, and… well, everything. Big up the littlest ravers!
MC Hammersmith Plus Support From Katie Norris
Sunday 13 December
MC Hammersmith and Katie Norris bring a night of quick-fire comedy, musical brilliance and the
unexpected to Bristol Spiegeltent. Known for his razor-sharp freestyle rap and hilarious
audience-led performances, MC Hammersmith creates songs entirely on the spot, blending hip
hop, comedy and improvisation with jaw-dropping speed. Also on the line up, award-winning
comedian, actor and singer Katie Norris, whose eccentric character comedy, sharp wit and
infectious musical storytelling make her a standout live performer.
The Spiegeltent & Alfie Ordinary Present: Camp As Christmas
Wednesday 16 December
Camp as Christmas is back for the second year! Multi-award-winning drag artist Alfie Ordinary
will be leading this riotous & festive spectacular packed with glitter, glamour and glorious
nonsense. Featuring an all-star line-up of drag artists, circus performers, burlesque stars and
festive fools from across the UK.
The Allergies Funky Festive Throwdown
Saturday 19 December
The tradition continues… and it just keeps getting better! The Allergies are returning for their
fourth year at Bristol Spiegeltent. This time celebrating the release of their brand new album,
Beneath This Sun. As always, there’ll be some special guests..
The Snowman Live!
Sunday 20 December
Watch the beloved film on the big screen while a 30-piece brass band performs the soundtrack
live alongside it, bringing the magic of the story to life in an unforgettable festive experience.
Performed by the City of Bristol Brass Band.
Gospel By Candlelight: London Community Gospel Choir
Sunday 20 December
London Community Gospel Choir return to Bristol Spiegeltent for a very special candlelit
performance, closing the venue’s 15th anniversary season in uplifting style. Expect soaring
harmonies, powerful vocals, gospel classics and plenty of festive spirit, performed by a selection
of LCGC vocalists alongside a full live band. Set against the beautiful backdrop of the Spiegeltent,
this promises to be a joyful evening to light up the darkest night of December.
Featured Image: Chris Cooper