Following the success of last year’s Gromit Unleashed sculpture trail, Bristol’s famous animation studio – Aardman – is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2026.
To mark the occasion, and keep the joy of hunting for Wallace and Gromit characters at local businesses and landmarks, a number of celebratory events are taking place in the city. These include a mini hunt of sorts, re-screening of films, a museum exhibition in its honour, and even a concert!
Here are the Aardman 50th anniversary events in Bristol taking place in 2026, which have been announced so far…
Cracking Exhibition, Gromit! 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol
When: June 20 – September 13
Where: MShed
In this exhibition, visitors will be able to ‘step behind the scenes’ and discover how Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, and Morph come to life. They’ll be able to explore rarely seen models, sets and secrets of Aardman’s iconic stop-motion magic.
Tickets cost £10 for adults, £6 for concessions and children aged 4+, with children 3 and under going free. Family tickets cost £24 each. Find out more and book your spot here.
Bristol Museums and Aardman come together to celebrate 50 years of animation magic with “Cracking Exhibition Gromit: 50 Years of Aardman in Bristol”
Mini-museum hunt! 50 Years of Aardman at Bristol Museum and Art Gallery
When: February 13 – September 13
Where: Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
Families and curious explorers of all ages will be able to pick up a detective map from Bristol Museum & Art Gallery to help them track down and tick off when they find tiny treasures from the beloved animation studio, which have been hidden around the museum for visitors to discover.
More Aardman artefacts will be added to the Bristol Museum & Art Gallery ‘Mini museum hunt – 50 years of Aardman’ throughout the year. What’s more, entry is free and you don’t need to book in advance.
Aardman in Concert
When: June 11
Where: Bristol Beacon
The whole family are invited to a big-screen celebration featuring Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Timmy Time, Morph, Creature Comforts and more, all accompanied by a live world class orchestra, at the Bristol Beacon.
Described as a ‘joy filled journey through five decades of British creativity blending classic characters, iconic humour and unforgettable music’, the event will culminate in a full performance of ‘A Matter of Loaf and Death’ with a live orchestra.
Suitable for all ages, tickets cost between £20.52 and £31.92 including booking fee. Book yours here.
Wallace & Gromit received a special recognition award at last year’s National Television Awards -Credit:Aardman/PA Wire
Cinema Rediscovered
When: July 22-26
Where:Watershed and other venues in and around Bristol
For its 10th edition, Cinema Rediscovered – the UK’s leading celebration of newly-restored films, forgotten gems and classic revivals – will include a celebration of Aardman’s 50th anniversary to coincide with the M Shed exhibition. More information is still to be confirmed.
Early bird festival passes are on sale priced at £95 (£75 for concessions, £60 for those aged 24 and under) with each pass granting access to a choice of more than 60 events taking place at venues including Watershed, the Bristol Megascreen and the historic Curzon Clevedon.
You’ll also get priority booking access from May 27 when the full programme will be announced. Public sales will open to non early bird pass holders on June 1. Register your interest on the ‘coming soon page’ here to be notified when the full programme goes on sale.
Wallace & Gromit’s A Grand Way Out escape room at Locked In A Room
A Grand Way Out is for three to five players -Credit:Locked In A Room
When: Always (it’s a permanent feature in the city)
Where: Locked In A Room, Building 11, Explore Lane, Harbourside, Bristol, BS1 5TY
Another Wallace & Gromit themed activity that’s here in Bristol constantly, is the ‘Grand Way Out’ escape room at Bristol’s Locked In A Room on the Harbourside. You’ll need to book in advance – and this escape room is usually VERY popular – by checking the calendar online.
It usually costs around £25 per person and there are around five time slots to choose from (between around 12-8pm each day). Find out more here.