By Megan Mclean, Fourth Year, English
We've finally made it out of the January blues! For me personally, this is the real start to the new year, as we all fumble back into our routines and try to make new habits, it's nice to reflect on the relationships we fall back on time and time again.
Whether it's a partner of long or new, budding friendships or your true day ones, Valentine's Day is a great way to celebrate love in all shapes and forms. Whether you're planning a night to remember with your lover, want to seem really cool in front of that cute person in your class or just want to have a gorgeous night with your friends, here is my recommendations for how to spend your Valentine's this year.
The Valentine's Dance II @ Lakota
DICE
Any Bristol goer that is partial to a rave will know and love Lakota, just off of Stokes Croft this late night venue will be packed with DNB and techno lovers. Promising to be ‘bigger, louder, and darker than ever’, if you live to feel the beat of the music through your body this seems like the place to be.
With Amygdala making his UK debut playing his eclectic sound and Selector Spinach b2b Bobby D leading the support it is shaping up to be euphoric, jampacked evening.
Tickets will likely sell out beforehand, so if it piques your interest book those tickets now!
Bristol's Valentine's DNB Rave @ Clock Factory
If clubbing or crowds aren't your thing, don't worry, there is options for everyone you'll just have to bear with me. But first I am back with another recommendation for the rave lovers, the Clock Factory in Broadmead, just a stones throw away from Cabot Circus, is hosting a bass-heavy evening to dance the night away to.
Headed by Amplify who has showcased rapid growth recently, his dynamic beats will lead the charge on the evening, supported by acts such as Deeks, Elsie B2B Madz and Deeks. If you live closer to city centre than this might be a great option to have a fun night without having to head up to Stokes Croft.
Queen's Valentine's Night Special @ St George's Bristol
Now if drum and bass isn't your scene, I've still got some amazing options for a special evening. St George's Bristol, situated just off of park street, is a stunning converted Georgian church where they promise to host ‘a night where romance meets rock royalty'.
Bristol ensemble will be performing renditions of Queen's best hits, so regardless of whether you love Queen's music, you want to support an amazing Bristol-based orchestra or perhaps your new years resolution was try and listen to a different genre - this could be the event for you. The main hall is a gorgeous space that really adds to the ambiance of the performances that take place and the fairly recently built extension that houses the bar is a lovely little preshow space to enjoy the beginning of your evening.
Also, if you're looking to treat someone special, they are running a special Valentine's sweet treat and sparkle platter that you can have pre-show. It comes with prosecco, cakes and fresh strawberries. A lovely way to make a proper evening out of the whole event; with the cheapest tickets being just over £10 it is an affordable evening.
Roses & Champagne @ Toto's By The River
Perhaps a venue that you haven't come across, Toto's By the River is based not far off of castle park, making it another great choice for anyone based around city centre. Being situated alongside the river, it is a beautiful location for romantic evening, with them promising a exquisitely decorated venue to ‘evoke all the charm and allure of a classic romantic escape'.
It seems like the dream place to step into a curated world to sweep you out of everyday life. Soundtracked by garage, R&B and amapiano genres it is a far more lowkey evening then the two previous options. There are three ticket options; general, which provides you access to the venue; drinks only, which boasts ninety minutes of unlimited prosecco, rum punch or certain beers and finally feast + fizz which offers a selection of burgers (with a vegan falafel option) and bottomless drinks.
This is a slightly pricier upfront cost, but with them promising to take good care of you, it seems like a romantic evening, or a nice way to spend your Galentines.
Valentine's Piano @ Bristol Cathedral
If you want Valentine's to be a candlelit evening while being serenaded by a melodic piano, Bristol Cathedral is a must for your evening. The ambiance of the venue is perhaps truly unbeatable if you're looking for a fairytale romantic evening.
The programme intends to exhibit classical pieces both widely known and a little more niche to really expand your knowledge. If you're really looking to spoil someone, they are offering a VIP package that comes with the best seats in the house, two glasses of sparkling wine and some roses to help you charm your partner. All round this sounds like an enchanting evening.
Katy Bright
Rosa Dunford
Well, I hope I've managed to find something for you to enjoy, or at least piqued your interest and inspired you to try and find some way for you to fill your evening with Bristol's incredible music scene.
Featured image: Epigram / Sophie ScannellHave you asked someone to be your Valentine yet?
