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New Discover Festival kicks off in style

This news article was published more than a year ago. Some of the information may no longer be accurate.

Published: 04/09/2012


The ‘Open Doors’ event is one of hundreds of opportunities to discover something new in South Gloucestershire taking place during the district’s new festival which runs from 6 September to 4 November.  

Other events in the festival this weekend include a live music bandstand marathon on Sunday 9 September, followed by ‘solar cinema’ at Page Park, Staple Hill, offering a night of family-friendly short films and animation under the stars.  

The newly created Discover festival offers a unique opportunity for residents to find out what makes South Gloucestershire a great place to live and work. Bringing together many successful celebrations in the district, the programme has something for all ages and tastes – including events, talks, walks and workshops celebrating local heritage, local food, local nature, local arts and also special events for life age 50+. Most events are free.  

This weekend alone sees nearly 30 events and activities throughout South Gloucestershire including:  

Bristol and Bath Science Park, Dirac Crescent, Emersons Green

Saturday 8 Sept, 10:00 – 16:00

South Gloucestershire’s latest wonder, the award winning Bristol and Bath Science Park, joins the Heritage Open Days for the first time this year. By the beautiful Blackwell Common, the Science Park features public and commercial spaces which showcase excellence in sustainability design and green work, living and travel. Open to the public all year round, Friska@The Science Park Café serves feel good food and drinks in the Forum area with its living walls and views across the Park. The Chief Executive of the Science Park will be on hand to answer questions about the park and tours will be available.  

Solar Cinema, Jubilee Green, Savages Wood Road, Bradley Stoke

Friday 7 Sept, 20.00

An evening of short animated films under the stars for all the family. Follow signs to a local indoor venue if the weather is wet!  

Jekka’s Herb Farm open days, Rose Cottage, Shellards Lane, Alveston

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 Sept, 10:00 – 16:00. Bookings 01454 418878

A unique opportunity to handpick your own organic herb garden.  

Tour of Avon Valley Railway, Bitton Station, Bath Road, Bitton

Saturday 8 and Sunday 9 Sept, 11:00 – 16:00. Bookings 0117 9325538

A rare opportunity for a behind-the-scenes look at the engine sheds and locomotives at Avon Valley Railway.  

Discover Oldwood Pits, Oldwood Pits, Tanhouse Lane, Rangeworthy

Saturday 8 Sept, 14.00 – 17.00 and Sunday 9 Sept, 11.00 – 15.30. Bookings 01454 868006

Book a place on a tour of the mine and see the pit, shaft, entrance and mine office.  

Family and Finds Day at Thornbury Museum, 4 Chapel Street, Thornbury

Saturday 8 Sept, 10:00 – 16:00

Join the museum for family activities and finds identification  

Piano recital with Tim Moller at Filton Library,

Saturday 8 Sept, 10:00 – 12:00

Join Tim Moller and friends for a selection of classical music pieces.  

Allotment Open Day at Blakeney Road Allotments, Patchway

Saturday 8 Sept, 12:00 – 16:00

The Allotments invite Patchway residents to join them for a barbecue and opening of the new facilities with disabled access. Advice and training on ‘growing your own’ will be on hand.  

Discover Ram Hill Colliery, Broad Lane, Coalpit Heath

Sunday 9 Sept, 10:30 – 16:30

Explore Ram Hill Colliery which successfully produced good-quality coal for Bristol from the 1830s to 1860s.  

To find out more or to book a place for an event, pick up a brochure from your local library or visit www.southglos.gov.uk/discover


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