From bingo and live music to huge themed nights, Bristol’s got you covered when it comes to the countdown to 2016. Here are our pick for some of the best things to do this New Year’s Eve:
The Final Frontier NYE
Go ‘Beyond Space and Time’ with an intergalactic-themed New Year’s Eve do from the Shapes gang, who’ll be taking over The Island, the Old Crown Courts and prison cells with over 50 great musical names.
One the bill you’ll find Midland, Nick Hoppner, ELA 303, Thomas Kenyon, Congo Natty, Kahn and Neek, DJ Die, Troy Gunner, Wonka and Syn and many more, as well as a huge cast of actors, performers, designers and production builders to ensure the venues look the part, too.
The Final Frontier NYE. Bridewell Island, Bridewell Street, Bristol, BS1 2QD. More info here.
In:Motion presents NYE
It wouldn’t be New Year’s Eve in Bristol without something seismic going down at Motion. This year it won't disappoint: alongside Birmingham DJ Hannah Wants and the legendary Roni Size, there'll be three rooms of DJs and MCs, including Lil Silva, Gotsome, DJ Barely Legal, CKTRL, DBridge, Sam Binga, Chimpo, Turno, Jaydrop, Fireman Sam and many more.
Don’t forget, there’s also an equally massive New Year’s Day party… if you’ve got the stamina.
In:Motion presents NYE. Motion, 74 Avon Street, St Phillips, Bristol, BS2 0PS. More info and tickets here.
The Richard Heads
If you'd rather ring in the New Year with some live music, punk rock three-piece The Richard Heads will be performing at the Louisiana, arriving in tow with their unique brand of classic punk infused with comedic vocals.
They’ll be joined by Swindon punk rockers 2 Sick Monkeys, Plumknee and DJ Owain Paul Casey (Wild Bore), guaranteeing your New Year’s Eve will be anything but quiet.
The Richards Heads. The Louisiana, Wapping Road, Bathurst Terrace, Bristol, BS1 6UA. More info and tickets here.
New York, New Year
Climb aboard the Thekla to soak up vibes of New Year’s Eve in the Big Apple, as the main room is transformed into a New York Block Party. Music will be provided by Pop Confessional DJs, while the upstairs bar pays homage to the city’s long lost but never forgotten scuzzy music club CBGB, soundtracked by Pressure.
The club night will also be preceded by Bingo Dawgs, a concept from the team behind Bingo Wings that sees two games of NY versus Bristol bingo topped off with classic cart-style hot dogs.
New York, New Year. Thekla, The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol, BS1 4RB. More info and tickets here.
Fear and Loathing NYE
If you're looking for an unconventional evening, Trinity is hosting a ‘Fear and Loathing’ night, inspired by the Hunter S. Thompson’s novel and its subsequent black comedy movie adaptation.
Don your garish shirts, bucket hats and tinted sunglasses, and get set to party with the likes of ska, hip hop and dub eight-piece Babyhead, Ed Solo and Darrison, Jinx in Dub ft. Parly B, C@ in the H@ ft. Mr FX, Dephicit and Summer Bright, Mr Tea and The Minions and more. Plus, there'll be fireworks, confetti, pyrotechnics and performers.
Fear and Loathing NYE. Trinity Centre, Trinity Road, Bristol, BS2 0NW. More info and tickets here.
Cubana NYE: Fiesta del Fuego
Once again Lakota primes itself to become one of Bristol's key venues to see the new year in, as Cubana presents Fiesta Del Fuego - translated in Bristol tongue as Festival of Fire. From this you can expect a fittingly scorching lineup featuring Novelist, Big Narstie, D Double E, Mak and Pasteman, Wen, Notion, Cause and Affect, Head of State, Fish, Dissident, James Mannion, Sam Ries and more, along with fireworks, bonfires, pryotechnics, cigars and fire acts.
Cubana NYE: Fiesta del Fuego. Lakota, 6 Upper York Street, Stokes Croft, Bristol, BS2 8QN. More info and tickets here.
Colston Hall New Year's Eve Party
Colston Hall is set to celebrate the New Year in style with a night packed full of DJs, dancers, musical performances and contagious party vibes. The festivities will be led by seven-piece band, Submotion Orchestra, known for their raucous fusion of soul, jazz, reggae, electronica and dubstep, along with Ibibio Sound Machine, dance duo Boys and Dance, Bodywork DJs, We Like to Party DJs and Bristol’s own Mr Benn, who'll be accompanied with love vocals from Eva Lazarus and Gardna.
The early bird tickets for this event sold out way back in September, so you can sure it'll be a popular one – better get in quick if you want to secure a ticket, too.
Colston Hall New Year's Eve. Colston Hall, Colston Street, Bristol, BS1 5AR. Find more info and buy tickets here.