November in Bristol was once a season of celebrations and rituals related to Edward Colston and the Merchant Venturers. Early November was Colston Girls School's 'Commemoration Day' held at Bristol Cathedral. Pupils and staff wore a bronze crysanthemum, said to be Colston's favourite flower, to the service. Parts of his will were traditionally read to the congregation.

About a week later 'Charter Day' was marked, a religious ceremony at the cathedral. Attendees were given a 'Colston bun' at the end of the service, in honour of Colston.

'Colston Day' itself was on November 13th. It began in about 1720 and commemorated his birthday (according to the calendar of 1752). The Colston, Anchor, Dolphin and Grateful societies (all associated with Colston) attended a religious ceremony at St Stephen's Church. In 2017 the church refused to host the service, following discussions about Colston's uncomfortable associations. A spokesperson said: “Colston is a divisive figure within the city of Bristol and the PCC (Parochial Church Council) has made the decision that it no longer wishes to hold a thanksgiving service at Saint Stephen’s on or around the birthday, or to the memory, of Edward Colston. Rather than celebrating the past the PCC wishes to focus on learning from the past, reconciliation and positively shaping the future.''