Colston Hall Competitors

Watershed is a cultural cinema and digital creativity centre in Bristol, UK. Watershed champions engagement, imagination and ingenuity, working locally, nationally and globally from our home in Bristol, UK. We produce work that cuts across film, music, theatre, design, visual art, and the creative and technology sectors.

Led by Artistic Director Nancy Medina and Executive Director Rebecca Dawson, Bristol Old Vic is committed to creating opportunities for new voices and artists, and to present an increasingly diverse programme of stories that Bristol UK has to offer on our stages. From its extensively redeveloped building in the Old City, Bristol Old Vic offers a year-round theatre programme of inspiring, original new stage work, while audiences across the world have also seen our productions live, on demand in cinemas, and on broadcast television thanks to Bristol Old Vic On Screen. Bristol Old Vic is home to one of UK theatre's biggest learning and engagement programmes working across the city and runs one of the UK's leading artist development programmes. In 2023 Bristol Old Vic welcomed over 135,000 ticket holders, distributed 4,500 tickets to communities and schools across Bristol and delivered over 20,000 hours of contact time to 15,000 participants.

In 1994, inspired by the Manchester Independents campaign, George Ferguson decides to launch a Bristol-based campaign, called ‘Strike A Light For Independents’, with the Tobacco Factory as its hub. The campaign aims to encourage the support and patronage of independent outlets and businesses. Now, Tobacco Factory is a thriving community hub. Home to its café/bar and extensive yard. Its famous theatres are on the first floor and there is a rich mix of creative businesses on the second and third floors. Boomsatsuma is now running its degree courses in acting, film and gaming alongside the TF Theatres and the new TF TV studio. The building is also home to Marks Bakery, an artisinal bakery selling pastries, fresh seasonal lunches, coffee and groceries - including produce from our own 5 Acre Farm CIC. A popular food and craft market takes place every Sunday, and there are several community events throughout the year. Upstairs are two hidden gems; The Loft + Studio. These oasis from the bustle of North St provide airy and modern venues to hire. We have hosted everything from art exhibitions to talks and private celebrations. Tobacco Factory Enterprises also includes sister company Grain Barge – a relaxed and friendly bar/restaurant on a renovated barge, with spectacular views across Bristol harbour and the iconic ss Great Britain. Our 5 Acre Farm recently became a community interest company; a space for nature-friendly produce and people. It all began in 2018 with the purchase of five acres of land near Backwell, just to the south of Bristol – where we set about establishing our very own farm. The plot sits just off an attractive green lane and beneath a broad wooded hill, with views out over the Somerset countryside – you can even see Wales in the distance… Join us year round for seasonal events, community groups and learning. Plus, take home some produce from our regenerative no-dig fields at our Flower Barn.