Ashton Court to host final NYE party before major refurbishment

Six themed rooms, live music, aerial performances and surreal fantasy unfold inside the historic mansion for one final, unforgettable New Year’s Eve celebration

This New Year’s Eve, one of Bristol’s most iconic buildings will come alive for a final night of magic, music and mayhem – as Ashton Court Mansion hosts its first New Year’s celebration since 2019, and its last before closing for major refurbishment in May 2026.

Led by Artspace Lifespace in collaboration with Contraband Circus, Invisible Circus and Vookoo Collective, the party promises a once-in-a-generation experience across six curated spaces. For Bristol’s creative community and nightlife lovers, it marks a rare chance to see the Mansion reimagined as an immersive playground – before Artspace Lifespace’s residency ends in April 2026.

Drawing inspiration from the 1980s cult classic Labyrinth, the Mansion will be transformed into a fantastical goblin king’s castle, complete with enchanted forests, masked ballrooms, fire-lit corridors and surreal walkabout performers. Each room offers a new chapter of the story, from thumping dancefloors to dreamy, otherworldly hideaways.

At the heart of the event, the grand Ballroom will showcase headline performances from electronic future-dub duo Omega Nebula and Bristol favourites Dr Meaker, known for their explosive fusion of soul vocals, live brass and drum & bass. They’ll be joined by genre-defying act Woody Woodpickaz, whose blend of dub, trap and downtempo includes live bouzouki and banjo, as well as the high-energy global rave sounds of Gypsyndicate and an opening party set from DJ Miss Firefly.

In the Lounges, Contraband Circus brings a high-octane mix of jungle, hardcore, Balkan-tek, donk and speedbass, with sets from Kyermic, Cytokine, Vinyl Junkie, DJ Safe N Sound and Dirty Chronic. Meanwhile, the Great Hall and Snug will be taken over by Invisible Circus and Vookoo Collective – filling the spaces with aerial artists, stilt walkers, fantasy creatures, lush décor and immersive soundscapes. DJs Heni C and CDQ will keep the energy flowing deep into the night.

“This is our last New Year’s at the Mansion, so we’re going all out,” said Jenna Graves, Venue Manager at Arts Mansion. “Guests can expect fantasy, a line-up most festivals would be impressed by, lots of bass and pure Bristol energy. There won’t be another night like it.”

Under Artspace Lifespace’s creative stewardship, Ashton Court Mansion has become a hub for bold, community-driven art and performance. This final New Year’s Eve party is both a celebration and a farewell, marking the beginning of the end for the Mansion’s era as a rebellious, visionary arts venue before its long-awaited transformation.

Tickets start at £38 (Early Bird) and are available now via Headfirst: https://hdfst.uk/e139654 The event is 18+ and expected to sell out.

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