From chocolate festivals to sporting events and buzzing cultural events, Bristol is brimming with exciting things to do over the Easter bank holiday weekend

Taste Chocolate

This isn’t an order (although a bit of chocolate over Easter Weekend is obligatory), instead it’s a festival celebrating all that is great about the addictive stuff. Packed full of chocolatey fun, there’s a multi-sensory chocolate experience; part immersive theatre, part chocolate tasting experience, part experimental psychology. The Chocolate Theatre will see chefs and chocolate experts show off their knowledge and there will be plenty of exhibitors with tasty wares to try and buy. 

Funderworld

Travelling fairground Funderworld comes to Bristol Durdham Downs from 6^th to 23^rd April, bringing with it rollercoasters, family rides, food stalls and traditional games. Entry costs from £5.99 and includes four hours of fairground fun. 

Easter fun at Bristol Zoo

This Easter half term will run a series of activities including an adventurous giant egg trail around the gardens, creative crafts in the activity centre and the chance to watch animals play with special Easter gifts. 

Boat to Beeses Tea Gardens

Charming riverside bar and café Beeses Tea Gardens on the banks of the Avon is a lovely spring/summer jaunt away from the hustle and bustle of urban life. Hop on a boat from the city and while away a sunny afternoon on its deck. 

Easter Sculpture Festival and Quilting Exhibition at University of Bristol Botanic Garden

The Botanic Garden is the backdrop for this colourful festival (14-17^th April), displaying sumptuous quilts, stained-glass sailing boats drifting through sea glass, a bronze Rambeaux with attitude, calligraphy inspired ceramics, and quirky foliage sculptures swaying in the breeze. Meanwhile, demonstrations of pottery, wood turning and quilting give visitors a chance to meet the artists and see how they work. 

Catch some sport

Bank holiday weekends are made for sport – in some households at least. Catch Bristol City FC versus Queens Park Rangers at Ashton Gate Stadium on 15^th April or Bristol Rugby against Wasps on 16^th April. 

La Strada at Bristol Old Vic

From 11^th to 22^nd April Federico Fellini's Oscar-winning La Strada is showing at Bristol Old Vic. Originally one of the all-time masterpieces of world cinema, this musical adaptation is directed by Bristol's own Olivier Award nominee Sally Cookson and boasts a beautiful new score by Benji Bower with songs performed by an international cast of actor musicians. It tells a story of love and loss set against the backdrop of a country still reeling from the devastating effects of the second world war.