Heritage, Holograms and Hidden Spaces

Join SW Fed for a special Christmas event exploring how one of Bristol’s most iconic heritage sites is finding new ways to engage audiences, generate income and bring its extraordinary history to life.

In recent years, the Gothic masterpiece of St Mary Redcliffe has evolved from one of Bristol’s leading heritage attractions into a vibrant venue at the heart of the city’s arts and cultural programme. From candlelit concerts and Bristol Light Festival to a spectacular holographic celebration of the city’s history, innovative events have attracted new audiences on an impressive scale – in some cases bringing in a third of the church’s annual visitors in just three days.

But how do you balance the opportunities of cultural programming and commercial events with the responsibilities of caring for an 800-year-old heritage site, reinterpreting its complex past, and maintaining its vital role as a place of worship and community support?

At this special SW Fed Christmas gathering, we'll hear from St Mary Redcliffe's heritage and events teams as they share their experiences, successes and challenges. We'll explore how different programmes can attract and cross-pollinate audiences, unlock new income streams and create fresh opportunities for engagement, while continuing the important work of conservation, research and interpretation.

The afternoon will include:

• Behind-the-scenes insights from the heritage and events teams on developing cultural programmes, reaching new audiences and balancing competing priorities.
• Small-group tours of normally hidden spaces, including the church roof (weather permitting), and a chance to hear about recent discoveries.
• Festive refreshments, including mulled wine and mince pies, and the chance to catch up with heritage colleagues from across the South West.
• Time to explore the church and its current exhibition, Opening Up St Mary Redcliffe: Chatterton, Heritage & Decolonisation.
• Digital discovery through the church's new Bloomberg Connects guide, which blends physical and digital wayfinding and interpretation.

Whether you're interested in audience development, heritage interpretation, commercial programming or the challenges of managing historic places, this is an opportunity to exchange ideas, discover new approaches and enjoy a festive afternoon in one of Bristol's most remarkable buildings.

Programme

1.30pm – Arrival and welcome
2.00pm – Talks and insights from the St Mary Redcliffe teams
2.30pm – Behind-the-scenes tours, refreshments and time to explore
3.30pm – Formal programme ends, with the option to stay and explore until the church closes at 4pm

We look forward to welcoming you for an inspiring and festive end to the SW Fed year