COVID: BOOK WITH CONFIDENCE
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While nobody can say for sure what will
happen regarding Covid, Bristol Film Festival
is committed to hosting our events in a safe way
and have invested in equipment to achieve this goal.
All our screenings at
Clifton Observatory
will have air purifiers,
as approved by Bristol City Council.
An enhanced cleaning procedure in place
between screenings will be in place, and windows can
be opened to increase airflow in the space.
Bristol City Council guidelines
will be followed, and where appropriate
we will notify all guests prior to any event
of any additional measures may be required.
If you test positive for Covid
and cannot attend the event, let
us know with evidence of the test
results and you will receive a credit
for future festival events.
“The shaggy-dog stoner LA noir that may be the Coens’ comic masterpiece [...] One of a kind
”
DOORS: 20:15 | FILM STARTS 20:35
The historic Clifton Observatory plays host to our Spirit Of Cinema screenings, which pair classic films with great gin-based drinks in partnership with our friends and local distilling legends Six O’Clock Gin. Join us in this intimate setting overlooking the Avon Gorge and Clifton Suspension Bridge, and (weather permitting) enjoy the stunning views day and night on the rooftop terrace before the film begins.
Your ticket includes a Gin & Tonic on arrival, as well as a gin-based cocktail served during a brief interval in the film. If you’ve got to drive, or gin isn’t to your taste, we offer non-alcoholic ticket option – enjoy the drinks with a premium non-alcoholic spirit alternative!
This March we’re celebrating two cult comedies that are both turning 25 in 2023, concluding with the Coen brothers’ magnum opus The Big Lebowski. Not many films can claim to have inspired both an annual festival and a religion, but The Dude’s unique take on life, as well as his misadventures, have proved to be an enduring winning combination - well, y’know, that’s just like, our opinion, man…
Take your evening further with our add-on options:
• Indulge with a delicious deli box from Two Belly, with cheeses, chutney and crackers to enjoy alongside your film and wine
• Attending in a group of six or more? Take a look at our new Group Bookings option below
Please note that this event is strictly for over-18s only
About The Film
1998 | 18 | 119 mins
Professional slacker Jeffrey ‘The Dude’ Lebowski enjoys a simple life of bowling and White Russian cocktails, but his idyllic life is rudely interrupted when two thugs mistake him for his millionaire namesake. Seeking compensation from ‘The Big Lebowski’, The Dude finds himself embroiled in a complex kidnapping case…
Contains infrequent strong violence, strong language and sex references
About The Location
Established in 1766, Clifton Observatory is an iconic landmark and an integral part of the Bristol landscape. The Observatory has had a long and varied history, but one thing has remained consistent over the centuries: the spectacular and unforgettable views of Bristol, Avon Gorge, and the Clifton Suspension Bridge.
In 2015, the Observatory underwent a major restoration. Over the past few years. Today, it’s home to the 360 café, a museum featuring a rare Victorian-era Camera Obscura, and the atmospheric and mythical Giant’s Cave.
Watch The Official Trailer
See This Venue
Two Belly Deli Box
Indulge during your screening with a delicious deli box from Two Belly cheese and beer shop. Enjoy 3 different cheeses, along with an artisan chutney and crackers, as a perfect complement to your wine tasting.
Tickets
Our Group Bookings option has been introduced in response to the larger parties of six or more people who attend our events and are looking to add something extra to their evening to enhance the experience.
Before the screening, you can enjoy exclusive access to the historic Camera Obscura with a private area for welcome drinks (weather permitting, on the roof terrace). Each group member will receive a Two Belly Deli Box to enjoy during the film, which includes a selection of premium cheeses with crackers and chutney. Your group’s reserved seating will mean you can enjoy the film from the best seats in the house!
Tickets from £35pp | Enquire Today
Bristol Film Festival’s Red Carpet Club is an
opportunity for film-lovers to make th
e most of our events throughout th
e year.
Take advantage of advance booking facilities
, discounts on tickets and a range of benefits from our partners and supporters.
Find Out More
Getting Here
Clifton Observatory is located on Observatory Hill and is only accessible by foot. The nearest roads are Clifton Down and Observatory Road; the postcode is BS8 3LT.
It can be accessed on foot from three footpaths: one from Clifton Promenade, one from the corner of Clifton Down and Observatory Road, and one from the corner of Observatory Road and Sion Place.
Buses 8 & 9 both stop in Clifton Village, a short walk from the Observatory. The nearest train station is Clifton Down.
Clifton Observatory does not have dedicated parking. On-street Pay and Display parking is available near the Observatory in Clifton Village and the Clifton & Durdham Downs.
Wherever possible, we encourage walking the use of public transport when travelling to our events.
The venue entrance is via the black door on the south side of the building, facing directly onto the patio. While we normally have flagpoles outside the entrance for ease of identifying, due to the location we cannot always erect these when wind conditions are stronger than normal! If in doubt, look for the metal ‘Clifton Observatory’ arch; you can see this in the ‘See This Venue’ video above.
Accessibility
Clifton Observatory is a Grade II listed building, first constructed in 1766. As such, some areas are not suitable for people with limited mobility or using wheelchairs. For further information, please contact us to discuss your visit.
Clifton Observatory has no onsite parking, and does not allow drop-offs - there is a short uphill walk in order to reach the venue. The path from the corner of Clifton Down and Observatory Road is the least steep.
If you are attending an event as a carer for a disabled guest, then you are entitled to free access. Please select the relevant ticket and bring appropriate proof of eligibility such as proof of blue badge, access card, cinema for all card, letter from a professional or evidence of DLA/PIP. If you are uncertain, please contact us.
Please contact us if you require seating in a particular area (e.g. closer to the exit, at the end of a row).
If you require subtitles, please contact us in advance of making your booking.
We want to make your visit as enjoyable as possible, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require further information about this venue’s accessibility.
Venue & Event Information
Doors for this event will open at 5:10PM (17:10). You will not be able to access the screening room before this time, so we recommend arriving as close to this time as possible.
This event is strictly for over-18s. As alcohol is included in your ticket price, you may be asked to show ID upon entry to the venue. If you fail to provide valid ID when asked, you will not be able to attend this event. In this instance we would be unable to offer event credit.
Please do not consume hot food in the Screening Room.
Please take care when walking to and from the Observatory, particularly after dark - light levels are low and the paths to the venue are steep.
We strongly encourage all guests to take a lateral flow test before attending this event, for the safety of other guests and event staff.
FAQs
Is there a non-alcoholic alternative available? Yes! Please select the non-alcoholic option when purchasing your ticket.
Can I buy food at the venue? Snacks will be available to purchase at the venue.
is this event indoors? Yes, this event will take place in the William Weston Room at Clifton Observatory.
I have a BuyAGift/Red Letter Days/other voucher. How do I redeem this for this event? Head to this page for more information about redeeming Gift Vouchers.
Is my ticket refundable? We operate a no-refunds policy; tickets may be exchanged for event credit to the same value of your ticket up to 48 hours before the start of an event. To request an event credit, please complete our event credit application.