Banksy’s Dismaland was a global art highlight when the exhibition opened in Weston-super-Mare in 2015. But there is still plenty of art and culture to enjoy in the town and throughout North Somerset.
The Playhouse, Weston-super-Mare.
Where better to soak up a bit of culture than Weston-super-Mare’s premier theatre? Hosting everything from bands and comedians to touring shows from London’s West End, this 664-seater venue hosts 300 productions a year.
Old Town Quarry, Weston-super-Mare.
Open Wednesday to Sundays in Weston’s South Road, the artists’ studios host regular exhibitions and events. There is also a nature reserve to wander around before taking lunch or afternoon tea with homemade cakes in the Rowan Tree Tea Room.
Sand Sculpture Festival, Weston-super-Mare.
The ever-popular event will be at its usual spot on Weston’s seafront until October. The theme for its 11th year is When I Grow Up and includes an additional children’s indoor workshop area provided by Weston Town Council.
Made In North Somerset Festival, North Somerset.
The North Somerset Council-organised event raises awareness of the high quality produce, arts and crafts that are made in the area. Held over three weeks from mid-September to October, various Meet the Maker events take place across the district.
Street Art, Weston-super-Mare.
Starting from Carlton Street in the town centre, go in search of hidden works of art. There are 15 to find as you follow the map around the town, which you can download from here.
The Blakehay Theatre, Weston-super-Mare.
This historic venue is a community theatre owned by Weston Town Council, which offers ‘a high-quality, friendly and diverse arts experience to all its attendees and staff’. It hosts regional theatre, music and dance productions and is also used by local groups.
Clevedon craft, Clevedon.
The studios and workshops are housed in the outbuildings of a 17th century Somerset ‘long farm’ which was once part of the Clevedon Court Estate. Artists in residence produce pottery, jewellery and gifts. There is a café on site selling home made cakes and local produce.
Art galleries, Weston-super-Mare.
Weston has a number of venues for art lovers, including Carol Delaney’s Secret Space at 2a Boulevard, Jane Cartney Art Studio & Gallery at the rear of 80 Regent Street and The Heron Gallery, in Drove Road.
Portishead Quays Marina and arts trail, Portishead.
Venture outside Weston a couple of stops north on the M5 to this former fishing port and its striking new harbourside development. Follow the public arts trail which starts at the marina and winds around the dockside, through the town and passes the restaurants and shops.
Odeon or Curzon Cinemas, Weston-super-Mare and Clevedon.
Weston’s four-screen picture house shows all the latest blockbuster films and Clevedon’s recently refurbished independent cinema shows critically-acclaimed and classic films, as well as modern ones.
Do you have any other suggestions for people to visit? Let us know by tweeting us @WSMERCURY or comment on Facebook.
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