An alternative 12 Days of Christmas comes to Ashton Court Mansion

Artspace Lifespace are bringing an eclectic collection of ‘Winter Warmers’ to Ashton Court Mansion.

Across 12 evenings, starting on the 26th November and ending on the 23rd December, the Arts Mansion will host a Christmas Variety of entertainment from jazz and swing nights, electronic dance, live drum and bass, to comedy, drag cabaret and a four string quartet.

The grounds of Bristol’s most famous stately home will become the answer to an alternative 12 Days of Christmas that will help you shake off those winter blues and keep you warm this winter.

Artspace Mansion’s Kathryn Chiswell Jones explains: “We’re thrilled to be bringing our Winter Warmers to the people of Bristol for what will truly be 12 evenings showcasing the best talent from across the country. With such an extensive variety of performances and events, there will definitely be something for everyone to get excited about.”

“Ashton Court is the perfect location for these events and it just adds to the magic of it all. With it being in such a beautiful setting, visitors will get to experience part of the Light Up Bristol trail grounds of this stunning location before heading into the Mansion to witness some truly amazing performances.”

On the first day of Christmas Artspace brings you… The People’s Comedy. Born in Stokes Croft, The People’s Comedy comes to Ashton Court for a hysterical night of comedy, featuring host Fella, opening acts Jessie Johnson, Julia Stanton, Eva Bindeman and headline act Olga Koch. Expect energy, enthusiasm and witty responses that will guarantee to have you crying with laughter.

Interstellar Circus Drag Disco Cabaret is a circus, theatrical and dance performance production company who create interactive visual delights centered around circus skills, art and music. It’s going to be a fabulously fun showcase of some of the UK's finest circus and drag performers. Expect awe inspiring drag performers, spectacular hula hooping death defying knife throwing, world class juggling and general silliness.

Mister Meredith, DJ Baroness Jo Jo and unique circus acts will all come together to bring us a Vintage Variety Night with a splash of comedy and magic. Come and be entertained by this hand-picked selection of variety talent. And as the theme is vintage, come dressed to impress in your finest threads.

Described as Fleetwood Mac meets Roni Size, Paper Dragon with Ruth Royal will be coming to Ashton Court to bring electronic band vibes, utilising turntables and synths. After their storming performance on the BBC live introducing stage and their stellar body of work featuring U2, Kate Bush, Massive Attack, Rick Rubin, Distorted Minds and Grafix, they’re definitely one to watch and an event not to miss.

The 8th and 9th days of Christms, Artspace is bringing what can only be described as a wintery, icy, journey. Performers from Insight Ensemble will perform four special one off shows across 2 evenings at the unique Ashton Court Mansion which will take you on a wintery journey of classical music, poetry and dance. This full symphony orchestra incorporates musicians, soloists, dancers, circus performers, visual artists and technicians who are breaking boundaries on Bristol’s classical music scene.

Kathryn says, “Having performers from Insight Ensemble perform for us at Ashton Court is going to be a truly mesmerising experience. Through their performances, they create enchanting journey’s through themed soundscapes surrounding promenade audiences with an immersive musical and visual experience.”

Founded in the heart of Bristol at the historic Loco Klub and working in collaboration with The Invisible Circus, Insight Ensemble are shifting the cliche of classical music with innovation, expression and passion.

Tickets for the Winter Warmer events are available on Headfirst, with prices ranging from £15 to £18, with an early bird release price of £12-£15. Each event takes place on either Thursday, Friday or Saturday and the X3a, X3 and X4 bus from the City Centre takes you to Clifton Lodge which is then a 5-10 walk to the Mansion.

For more information on all other events, head to the Artspace Lifespace website and follow them on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.