Gig Review: The Fifth @ Ashton Court Mansion (Below The Belt x Community Jam Collective), 5th Nov 2025
One thing about Bristol: there will always be an excuse to throw a party, and Bonfire Night is no exception to this rule. Below the Belt Productions and Community Jam Collective, two Bristol-based collectives currently taking the city’s creative scene by storm, joined forces again to bring a night of bands, DJs, drinks, food, and all round great vibes to Ashton Court Mansion. Following their summer solstice collaboration at the same location (Midsommar Mansion), ‘The Fifth’ played out as a bonfire night celebration that I will definitely remember, remember.
On arrival, I’m greeted by the towering entrance of Ashton Court Mansion lit up red, pink, orange, and already bursting with life. You know when you get somewhere, you’re not even inside yet, and you just know you’re in for a good time? The line-up was split between three rooms (Main Stage, Folke Fort, and The Lounge) all decked out in psychedelic lighting to contrast the classical paintings and decadently, arched ceilings. Some may say (I do) that a historical building built in the 11th Century that has been transformed by bright lights and folk music is the perfect Bristol venue for an event celebrating an attempt to overthrow the government. It was an overwhelmingly great place to host a Bonfire Night party.
Bristol-based artists such as wych elm, Eve Appleton Band, Oscar Jones, Yo Hablo and Dozmary were among the many I checked out, all knocking out stellar performances. Every room had a different but coherent feel, which to me is a sign of a perfectly curated night. Dozmary brought accordions (underutilised instrument by the way) and poetry, a wistful set, and a few hours later in the adjoining room Yo Hablo broadcast some incredible post-punk tunes. The energy was thick, no matter what way it swung.
After the live music, DJ’s from La Bomba, Radio Martiko and Souma Records, as well as Juan Arbonez, transformed the space once again. The switch from live music to DJ sets felt the opposite of jarring, as it might anywhere else. Walking into the main stage - a cavernous room adorned with grand windows and Edwardian portraits - to hear soulful world music felt completely natural. Everyone in attendance embraced whatever was thrown their way, in the form of a great collective boogie.
The lack of fireworks due to deer-related reasons did not hinder any sort of Bonfire Night vibe. I can’t remember the last time I was so excited to play with a sparkler than on 05/11/2025 outside of a big manor house, on top of a hill, looking over this great city. I must have seen about five full-sized firework demonstrations in about ten minutes because of the great view, so when I say the vibe wasn’t hindered by there being no actual fireworks at The Fifth, what I mean is it actually worked out better.
The entire feel of The Fifth was one of warm and embracing community. All ticket sale profits from these nights are split equally between artists and running costs, meaning Below The Belt and Community Jam Collective can continue putting on such great events. Everything about this event felt inclusive / accessible and at the same time like a private party for and about the pulsating and ever-growing Bristol creative scene. I would love to see more events like this - mixed-media celebrations in quirky and unexpected venues are looking to be a powerful vehicle for bringing people together and uplifting creatives in what can only be described as a really trying time for artists.
Find out more about Community Jam Collective here and Below The Belt here.
Written by Katie Coxall
Katie is an all-round creative, specialising in music journalism for Everyday. Coming from a background of opinion-pieces and culture essays, she weaves contemporary context into her writing.
Opinion
