M Shed celebrates its first birthday

It’s hard to believe - but M Shed is getting ready to celebrate its first birthday over the weekend of Saturday and Sunday, June 16 to 17 - and there’s going to be a real Bristol party atmosphere with a host of activities, events, exhibitions and fun and games for everyone to enjoy.

Julie Finch, head of Bristol’s Museums, Galleries and Archives, said: “We are all very proud of M Shed and are looking forward to celebrating its first year with a fantastic weekend programme.

“The past twelve months have been incredibly busy - and incredibly successful - with amazing visitor numbers, a string of accolades and nominations for prestigious national and European awards. M Shed is not just a new museum; it’s a new kind of museum, where people’s stories and experiences help visitors to explore and discover for themselves the fascinating history of our city.”

Bristol’s Leader, Simon Cook, added: “M Shed’s outstanding first year is a tribute to all the people, volunteers, staff, trustees and sponsors who have worked hard to ensure its success.

“M Shed’s unique qualities have helped it to secure a place amongst the region’s top visitor attractions. By being amongst the ‘best of the best’ M Shed has given the city a massive cultural and economic boost.”

In addition to the three main galleries, events and attractions over the first birthday celebration weekend include:

• Bristol Urban Sport - Free Exhibition, talks, demonstrations and competitions
  This exhibition explores the relationship between the fabric of the city and sport over the last 200 years. The exhibition uses photography, memorabilia, objects and film to reveal how the people of Bristol have manipulated both the natural landscape and man-made architecture for sporting activity.
  Over the celebration weekend there will also be a series of events in M Shed's Square such as a Skates & Bikes weekend on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 June with competitions and demonstrations by Crucial BMX and Fifty Fifty. On Saturday, June 16 at 2pm Scott Summerhays of Crucial BMX will give a free talk about the current sporting culture in the city.
  
  
• Aardman’s Pirate Ship on display in M Shed's foyer
  M Shed has become a safe berth for the pirate ship from Bristol-based Aardman Animations' new pirate-themed movie -The Pirates! In an Adventure with Scientists.
  
  
• Working Exhibits: John King
  The John King, a Diesel tug, was built to tow cargo ships from Bristol City Docks to the mouth of the River Avon. The John King helped bring the ss Great Britain home in 1970. She towed the ship through the City Docks on the last leg of the journey from the Falkland Isles and helped her into her dry dock home. Trips last 30mins and run between 12noon and 5pm. Ticket prices: £5 Adults & £3 Child/concessions.
  
  
• The Big Make - on Sunday, June 17 from 10am to 1pm and from 2pm to 4pm. A special fathers’ day treat. Artists Refab Arts will show you how to get creative and hands-on with a recycling sculpture workshop
  
  
• Linked to Bristol’s Festival of Nature & Big Green Week, M Shed offers an exhibition of local artists with the chance to buy original prints and illustrations to buy from the shop celebrating all things wild and green.