As Spring begins to sneak through (albeit slowly), Bristol is becoming even busier, keep reading for our event highlights this April, and take a look at Visit Bristol for more.

Photo Open exhibition at the Royal West of England Academy: 28^th January - 1^st May 2023

The RWA Photo Open celebrates contemporary photographic practice in all its forms. This Open Call exhibition invited submissions from artists and photographers, at any stage of their careers, who create photographic work or explore the nature of photography in their work.

All exhibits in the Photo Open will be for sale and once the show opens can be purchased from the RWA shop online and at the RWA.

For more information on photography at the RWA, click here.

Wildlife Photographer of the Year at MShed: 19^th November 2022—29^th May 2023

Wildlife Photographer of the Year is back at M Shed with a brand new set of images capturing the breathtaking diversity of the natural world. Celebrating its 58^th year, this exhibition is a must-see for any nature, wildlife and photography enthusiasts. To book tickets and check opening times, take a look at their website.

Picturing High Streets Exhibition: 22^nd March – 30^th April 2023

This March, 60 photographs crowdsourced from over a thousand public entries will be exhibited in a major national outdoor exhibition, touring towns and cities across England. “Picturing High Streets” combines portraiture and street photography to tell the stories behind our shopfronts. To find out more about this historical project, click here.

The Cave Art of Lascaux at Bristol Museum & Art Gallery: 1^st April – 10^th September 2023

Step back in time 21,000 years and visit the incredible Stone Age cave art of Lascaux in immersive 3D. This world heritage site in the Dordogne, France, was discovered in 1940 by two teenagers. It features etched and painted images large and small, of many animals as well as mysterious symbols and elements. The site itself has been closed to the public since 1963, but there is a full size replica of the cave complex in France. Now, using the latest technology, you can ‘visit’ the caves on your own doorstep. Find out more about this exhibition and buy tickets here.

Lyra: Bristol Poetry Festival: 22^nd April – 1^st May 2023

The fifth successive Lyra - Bristol Poetry Festival takes place at over 10 venues across the city. The festival theme, City of Words, explores Bristol - its communities, history, physical spaces and future - through the lens of poetry. The theme is also linked to the citywide Bristol 650 project, marking 650 years since the 1373 Charter made Bristol a county in its own right. The programme includes readings, performances, workshops, family activities, walking tours, talks, poetry slams, panel discussions, open mics, an audio event and a poetry film screening. Find out more about Lyra here.

Bristol Folk Festival: 28^th – 30^th April 2023

The UK’s best-loved folk artists take to stages across the city alongside a taste of the world, and the best of the west. Bristol Folk Festival returns this April, with headliners including Eliza Carthy, Angeline Morrison, Fay Hield, Lady Maisery, Nick Hart and The Longest Johns. Bristol Cathedral, Trinity, Bristol Folk House, St George’s Bristol and The Architect, are the main venues for 2023, with more concerts and ceilidhs to be announced for the Glass Studio at St George’s and Bristol Folk House. Find out more and purchase tickets here.

Sensing Nature Guided Walks at Westonbirt Arboretum: 14^th April – 22^nd September 2023

Let Westonbirt's visually impaired guides lead you through an immersive and interactive sensory experience that aims to shift your perception, enjoy the arboretum at a slower pace and explore the trees of Westonbirt through your nonvisual senses. These walks take place every second and fourth Friday of the month from Apr - Sep - 10.30am, for more information and to book your spot, click here.

The Sensational Sheep Easter Trail in Bristol Shopping Quarter: 1^st – 25^th April 2023

This Easter you are invited to follow the flock to Bristol Shopping Quarter where you will be able to explore The Sensational Sheep Trail. It’s free to take part. There will be 31 fantastically decorated sheep hiding in the shops waiting for you to discover them from Saturday 1 to Saturday 15 April. The sheep, which are being decorated by local schools and groups, will be displayed in shops throughout Broadmead, Cabot Circus, The Arcade, and The Galleries. Once you have completed the trail, go along to John Wesley’s New Room in Broadmead to pick up a small prize.  Following the trail, all 31 sheep will be displayed together in The Galleries for one week from Tuesday 18 April. Find out more and view the trail map here.

Art of The Maker - Garry Fabian Miller: Adore at Arnolfini: 19^th April – 13^th May 2023

An opportunity to learn more about Garry Fabian Miller's work and his exhibition, Adore, at Arnolfini. Including time to ask questions. Chaired by Arnolfini's Executive Director Gary Topp. The Art of the Maker series is a collaboration between Arnolfini and The School of Art & Design and Centre for Fine Print Research at UWE Bristol. For more information on the exhibition and tickets, click here.