'Bristol's answer to Carnaby Street': Christmas celebrations start with city centre light switch-on
Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID have joined forces to bring festive spirit to all corners of the city
Bristol's set to embrace the 'festive feeling' with the unveiling of this year's Christmas lights in the city centre.
They've also launched a brand-new 'Love Bristol Gift Card' as they campaign to invite shoppers to the city and support local businesses over the winter - thanks to Bristol City Centre BID, Redcliffe & Temple BID and Broadmead BID joining forces.
Bristol's BID say Corn Street will be transformed into Bristol’s answer to Carnaby Street - thanks to a love themed light installation adorning the historic street.
With eight love lyrics to be spotted and the city centre now lit up after dark with Christmas light installations on King Street and the Old City, Park Street and Queens Road - it's set to bring the festive spirit to anyone visiting the city.
Park Street is once again lit with stunning festoon lighting, which was launched in 2021, and this has been extended into Queens Road this year.
The 'Love Bristol' disco balls also return bringing sparkle to the streets outside the Clayton Hotel, Mother’s Ruin, Mr Wolf’s, Four Wise Monkeys and the Queen Shilling.
You can expect to see the city twinkling once the lights turn on from 14 November.
Redcliffe & Temple BID’s sparkling tree lights are also bringing a taste of Christmas to Victoria Street and Temple Gardens while providing a pleasant and safer environment for everyone. In Broadmead, over-street Christmas lights have this year been joined by new canopies on Merchant Street North and South alongside sparkly tree lights on Union Street and The Horsefair, illuminated from 4th November.
You can also find Broadmead’s highly successful Sunday market returning for a Christmassy edition, Festive Sundays Broadmead, operated by Better Events. On 20th November, and 4th, 11th and 18th December, the local, ethical market will showcase the best of Christmas gifts, including wreaths, handmade crafts and decorations from Bristol and beyond.
Brought to life in a campaign by the BIDs, a series of digital and print creatives have launched, demonstrating how the Love Bristol Gift Card means the best of Bristol is in the palm of your hand this Christmas - all ready to be gifted to loved ones.
Vicky Lee, Head of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Whether you’re looking to treat your loved ones to sneakers, paint supplies, vintage clothes or a night out at one of Bristol’s best restaurants, the Love Bristol Gift Card has it all and is sure to delight when recipients find it in their stockings on Christmas morning. Our city has so much to offer and we’re thrilled that the most wonderful time of the year is finally here to see it sparkle even more than it usually does, through the festive lights and love lyrics that have appeared throughout the city.”
The lighting schemes across the city centre utilise LED lighting fixtures and components which are incredibly energy efficient and have a longer lifespan than other traditional lighting features.