This summer College Green will host Bristol Cycle Cinema – a weekend of free outdoor cinema powered (in-part) by its citizens!  

On Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd of July enjoy back-to-back screenings of indie films and cult cinema classics and hop on one of 40 static bikes generating electricity that will help power the event.

A perfect family day out, each film has been hand picked with titles chosen by Compass Presents and Cinema Rediscovered matched by titles specially chosen for you by two diverse groups of local community curators. From iconic bicycle-based moments and big-screen crowd pleasers to lesser known gems. 

Bristol Cycle Cinema is part of Bristol UNESCO City of Film’s Summer Film Takeover.

Read on for more information and how to book.

SATURDAY 22ND JULY

Whale Rider (PG)

12.30 pm

Whale Rider is a captivating drama directed by Niki Caro. Set in New Zealand, it tells the story of a young Maori girl who challenges traditional gender roles and cultural expectations as she strives to fulfil her destiny as the leader of her tribe.

Images Courtesy of Park Circus / Icon

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The Addams Family (PG)

2.30 pm

The Addams Family is a darkly humorous and eccentric comedy about a macabre yet loving family. Filled with quirky characters and their ghoulish antics, this film explores the unconventional and delightful world of the Addamses.

THE ADDAMS FAMILY © 1991 Paramount Pictures Corporation. All Rights Reserved.

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Up (U)

4.30 pm

A widower embarks on an adventure to fulfil his late wife’s lifelong dream. Using thousands of helium balloons to lift his house, he floats away to South America, unaware that he has a stowaway, a young explorer named Russell.

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E.T. (U)

6.30 pm

E.T. is a heartwarming science fiction film directed by Steven Spielberg. It follows the extraordinary friendship between a young boy named Elliott and a friendly extraterrestrial who becomes stranded on Earth, as they work together to help E.T. return home.

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SUNDAY 23RD JULY

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind (PG)

12.30 pm

The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind is an inspiring drama based on a true story. It follows a young Malawian boy named William Kamkwamba, who overcomes adversity and harnesses the power of wind energy to save his village from famine.

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Singin’ in the Rain (U)

3.00 pm

A timeless musical comedy that celebrates the transition from silent films to talkies in Hollywood’s Golden Age. Filled with joyful song and dance numbers, it tells the story of a charming leading man, a talented young actress, and a lovable sidekick as they navigate the challenges of the film industry with humour and grace.

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Fantastic Mr Fox (PG)

5.20 pm

Fantastic Mr. Fox is a delightful stop-motion animated film directed by Wes Anderson. Based on the beloved Roald Dahl book, it follows the cunning Mr. Fox and his animal friends as they outsmart three mean farmers in a charming and adventurous tale of wit, family, and redemption.

Images Courtesy of Park Circus / Disney

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The Truman Show (PG)

7.00 pm

Directed by Peter Weir, the Truman Show is a thought-provoking satirical drama starring Jim Carey. It revolves around Truman Burbank, a man unaware that his entire life is a meticulously crafted reality TV show, raising profound questions about the nature of free will, reality, and the power of media.

Images Courtesy of Park Circus / Paramount

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About This Event

Compass Presents is pleased to present this event as part of the Bristol Summer Film Takeover, celebrating unique aspects of Bristol’s culture and identity through a range of different screen experiences. See what other experiences are on offer. 

As champions of community skills development and peer programming, we’re proud that 50% of the films being showcased at this event were chosen by members of the Bristol public, following a series of film programming workshops that were run by Compass Presents. You can see which films were chosen by your fellow Bristolians by the ‘B’ displayed in the images above. Huge thank you to our cohort for playing such a vital role in this event, and for choosing such brilliant films!

 We’re also thrilled to be collaborating with Cinema Rediscovered, the UK’s leading festival of classic cinema on this programme including a screening of Wes Anderson’s stop motion adaptation of the Roald Dahl classic Fantastic Mr. Fox  as a prelude to their 7th annual edition. Find out what other treats they have in store in and around Bristol from Wed 26 – Sun 30 July.

Essential Event Info + FAQ

This is a free but ticketed event. Please ensure you book your ticket for each film you want to see via the links above so that we can contact you with essential event info before the day. 

Where does this event take place?

Bristol Cycle Cinema takes place on College Green in the centre of Bristol. The address is College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TR.
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What time should I get there?

The event opens at 10am on both Saturday and Sunday with the first screening at 12.30pm both days. You’re welcome to come and go as you please throughout the day and can stay for the whole day of films, or pop in to see your favourite.

What should I bring? 

Please bring everything you will need for the day with you. Check the weather and be prepared for all eventualities. Seating is not provided so please bring picnic blankets or deck chairs if you want them. If you choose to bring a deck chair, please think of your fellow audience members and sit towards the back and sides of the viewing areas.If it is raining or very sunny you could bring an umbrella to protect against the weather, but please do not being tents or gazebos as these will obstruct the view and are not permitted

Why do I need a ticket?

This event is free but we ask that you please get a ticket via the links above so that we can contact you ahead of the event with essential information and keep you up to date should anything change. If you want to attend all films please book yourself a free ticket for all films.

What happens if it rains? 

In the event of rain, the show will go on! Please pack raincoats and anything you will need to remain comfortable. 

How do I get there?

There is no official public parking for the event. We encourage you to walk, cycle or use public transport to attend. There are many bike racks located around College Green, the Cathedral and Central Library, at the bottom of Park Street and on the riverside concourse.

Will there be food and drink vendors?

There will be no official food and drink vendors for this event. We encourage you to visit the fantastic wealth of local businesses within the vicinity where you can purchase food and drink, and some of which will be making special offers and provisions for you across this weekend.

Will there be toilets available? 

Yes. Portaloo’s will be available on site. 

Have a question that we haven’t answered? Please email your query to [email protected].

Please note: Please be aware that media (including video, photos or audio) may be collected at this event. If you do not wish to be included, please stand aside and/or make yourself known to the photographer or videographer. Media collected at the event will only be used in relevant communications by the council and Compass Presents.