'Breaking the Chains', a ground breaking exhibition about Britain and the slave trade, opens Monday 23 April 2007 in Bristol's Empire and Commonwealth Museum. Planned to coincide with the 200th anniversary of the abolition of the slave trade, the £1 million Heritage Lottery funded exhibition will act as the centrepiece of the former major slave trading port's commemoration programme. Breaking the Chains will be a major exhibition at the museum and has been developed in partnership with Bristol City Council's Museums, Galleries and Archives service. It will pay tribute to the resilience and courage of those who were enslaved and the tireless abolition campaigners. The exhibition will run for two years. For more information visit www.empiremuseum.co.uk or call 0117 925 4980.

This exhibition in the Central Library tells the fascinating story of how Bristolians lived in 1807 ranging through trade, education, holidays, entertainment and crime. Designed to complement and build on the Abolition 200 year, it uses historical sources to capture a snapshot of Bristol as experienced by local people.

As our Bristol-in-1807 project continues, we are delighted to announce a short story competition. Budding writers everywhere are invited to create a 500-word piece for a chance to win one of these prizes: 1st Prize - £75 book token; 2nd Prize - £50 book token; 3rd Prize - £25 book token. The theme is 'The Time-Traveller's Life' - what would Bristol have been like if you lived here in 1807?

Pricing Notes: The competition is free to enter.

Booking: View full competition rules at the Event Web Site. Pick up an Entry Form at any library or download from the Event Web Site (below). The judges decision is final.

Further details: Closing date: 12 noon, Friday 5 December 2008. Word length: 500 maximum.

Voices is a diverse selection of artwork by emerging and established contemporary African and African Caribbean artists displayed together at the museum for the first time. Including artists from the Bristol area and around the UK, Voices celebrates the power of expression through art and encourages us all to respond with our own voices. Explore themes of relationships, politics, immigration, life and love through ceramics, paintings, photography and video. There will be a programme of associated events taking place. Voices is funded by Bristol City Council and The Legacy Commission.

Pricing Notes: Free entry

Screen reads: exploring the diversity of reading and writing scripts, TV and films. Visit your local and central library to find out about initiatives relating to this month's theme. This forms part of the National Year of Reading.

German Style Christmas Market & Big Wheel Consisting of a number of chalet huts selling a range of products from foodstuff to gifts, with a traditional Bavarian 'Beer House'. The Christmas Market at Castle Park is ideally placed for shoppers and visitors to Bristol City, complemented perfectly with Big Wheel situated alongside St. Peter's Church.

Pricing Notes: The entry cost is free. Big Wheel: Adults £3.50 Children £2.50

Parking: No Parking available on site but numerous car parks within immediate walking distance.

Getting there: Public transport, cycling and ferry drop off point at Castle Park.

A night of music and comedy featuring: Jane Taylor - The Domestics - Tarquin Invincible - Anna Keirle - Dimitri Deach - Pat Gallagher. Raffle with fantastic prizes!

Parking: On street parking available

Booking: Contact Mark Parry on 07791 355845 or mark.parry@bristol.gov.uk

Further details: Any remaining tickets also available on the door. All proceeds will go to the Wish Domestic Violence Project (www.wishforabrighterfuture.org.uk)

Sunday 23rd November10.30pm meet outside the Café, Blaise Castle Estate. Free A unique opportunity to explore those hidden parts of the Blaise Estate.Some paths are quite steep and uneven, suitable footwear is recommended and wheeled access may be difficult. Telephone the Estate Office for further details 0117 3532266

Awe-inspiring performances have gained the Boyan Ensemble an International reputation and their concert tours of the UK are now an eagerly awaited annual event. A programme of sacred chants in the first part reflect the grandeur of the Orthodox Liturgy, all sung a capella, while in the second, a striking change of mood transports the audience into the exciting folk culture of Ukraine. Here the choir performs in traditional embroidered shirts and some of the songs are accompanied on the Bandura, a beautiful many-stringed instrument banned under the Soviets. Some Press quotes: ''The standard of musicianship is breathtaking.'' ''I have never head such....soft control, such delicate high singing, such intense precision of harmony..'' ''How did the basses attain a low B flat so effortlessly?''

Pricing Notes: Adult costs: £16 to £18 Concessonions: £14 - £16 Bath Festivals Box Office: Telephine and online bookings: 01225 463362

Parking: N/A

Getting there: Clifton Cathedral website: www.cliftoncathedral.org.uk

Booking: Online bookings: 01225 463362 www.bathfestivals.org.uk And from Providence Music, 1 St. George Road, Bristol, BS1 5UL Tel: 0117 927 6536