Christmas Chalk Walk

We're getting very excited about the all-new Christmas Chalk Walk coming to East Street Christmas Fair.

The Christmas Chalk Walk is a great chance for families and friends to get creative and make their own festive floor mural. Using all the festive imagery and inspiration you can muster, we want you to create some spectacular chalk murals... just like the one above.

Taking place at St Catherine’s Way, Christmas Chalkwalk will also feature a competition element, as the three best designers will each be awarded a streetart workshop for themselves and a friend with Upfest and renowned local street artist SPZero76.  

The amazing folk at Toyville have also donated some prizes for little ones, with street art packs up for grabs for the best kids murals.

North Street Winter Fair

This Saturday 11th November sees the North Street Winter Fair hit the streets of Bedminster.  

There will be plenty of local business stalls to grab a festive bargain, lots of live music, dancing and delicious food to sample. With plenty of children's entertainment, rides and more this is a perfect day for all the family.

Head on down to North Street  this Saturday from 10:30am till 5:00pm for your dose of Bemmy festive fun.

Caspers Bristol

This month sees the opening of an all new independent home wares on North Street as Casper is coming to town.

Casper's grand opening takes place on Thursday 6th October and kicks off from 5pm, with free drinks and 10% off everything all evening. Shoppers and visitors will have the chance to meet local artists, find original artwork, prints, home wares, lighting, cards, gifts and plenty more.

Check out there wares at: https://www.casperbristol.com/ and be sure to give them a big like and a follow of Facebook, Twitter & Instagram

World Musicians On The Run

Musicians On The Run is back!

On the 2nd August in Bedminster we're celebrating musical talent from across the the globe with the annual evening of World Musicians on the Run.

We've got amazing acts lined up across the best venues South of the River and in true Musicians on the Run style, they'll be singing and playing for your votes, in a bid to be named the top Musician on The Run.

A mixture of solo artist’s and bands will visit 12 pubs, cafes and restaurants throughout the evening between 7pm-10pm to entertain audiences who will then vote for their favourite.

For punters it’s always an entertaining evening as they can stay in one place and the artists will bring the music to them. Each session lasts 15 minutes and at the end of the night the most popular act will take home a £175 cash prize and the honour of being the winner of Musicians On The Run 2017. The second-placed act will win £50 and the third-placed act £25 with one member of the public winning a free meal for two and a bottle of wine at The Steam Crane.

Among the places you can catch an evening of free entertainment tomorrow night are The Old Bookshop, Cafe Grounded, the Hen and Chicken, The North Street Standard, El Rincon, The Lounge, The Hare, Viva La Mexicana, the Steam Crane, Rope Walk, La Mediterranean and Mezzaluna.

Bedminster invites artists to make street signs for shops

Bedminster BID are inviting  artists to submit ideas for sculptures (metal or other appropriate material) for outside of the shops of North Street.  Following on from the success of last year's pilot in which 5 signs were made including the project's favourite on El Rincon – representing the ethos of Bedminster - big, bold, creative and unorthadox. 

The artist brief

Scope

£4000 has been identified for the four sculptures. The purpose of the project is to create a more interesting and stimulating shopping environment that is different from anywhere else, encourages more visits, longer stays and thus more spend. This project and all our projects seek to do this within our stated vision...

Exploit and eventually explode the gap between art, advertising and entertainment, high street retailing and real estate development’ drawing on some of the lessons of Shoreditch which has reinvented itself as the UK government’s vision for the ‘largest concentration of creativity, media and technology in Europe’.

The place/site and context

North Street, BS3. Clearly most of the buildings are Victorian. North Street is already a successful shopping street being recognised in national awards (such as the Academy of Urbanism).

Project management and time frame

The project will be managed by George Grace of Bedminster Town Team reporting to the Marketing & Arts Group (sub group of the Town Team). The selection process is

1.       A short written submission supported with images sent by email by 20th July detailing past relevant projects, ideas for the signs. 

2.       A shortlist of a maximum of three artists based on the above submissions will be asked to present their ideas to the above sub-group at 6pm on 24th July at the Tobacco Factory. The final selection will be made by 31st July for delivery of the project by no later than 30th September 2017.

Please send submissions to:

George Grace; george@towncentred.com; 0780179064

August is World of Bedminster Month

August is a special month south of the river as the Bedminster BID is planning a special series of global themed events and promotions... the World of Bedminster.

From world musicians running between venues, a host of workshops and classes celebrating international influences to one massive street banquet showcasing flavours from around the globe, August will highlight the international diversity south of the river.

The celebrations start on Wednesday August 2nd with the ever popular Musicians on the Run, a unique musical event that sees performers dash to and from numerous venues across Bedminster and Southville, in a bid to be crowned the top Musician on the Run.

Previous Musicians on the Run events have gone down a storm and have seen a hugely diverse array of music from folk to pop, rock, soul and jazz. However this year Musicians on the Run will have a slightly more global feel and event organisers are now on the lookout for music from all corners of the globe to perform at this year’s event

Musicians on the Run organiser Tom Beard, said: “This will be the fifth Musicians on the Run and we wanted to do something a little different, that would tie into our World of Bedminster theme. We want to see people with guitars, banjos, bongos, sitars, accordions and maybe even a few instruments you’ve never even heard of.”

Throughout the month a range of classes, workshops and participatory events will take place throughout the region. However, the jewel in the crown of World of Bedminster will be the Big Bedminster Banquet.

On August 20th the lower end of North Street, from Hebron Road to Cannon Street, will be closed for the Big Bedminster Banquet. This is no ordinary banquet as 500 meals will be served up for free,  as part of a wider initiative to honour the hard work and dedication of some of the areas’ unsung heroes and the BID are asking people to nominate those who they feel deserves a seat at the table this August.

Nominees will receive their free meal ticket for the event on August 20th, as lower North Street will be transformed into a globally inspired dining destination. Local traders will serve up special one-off dishes and those from a little further afield will be joining in with stalls and pop-ups, to add to the market feel. However, you don’t have to be a ticket holder to get in on the fun, the Big Bedminster Banquet will be open to all and people are encouraged to come on down and get a flavour of Bedminster.

Simon Dicken, BID Chairman explains:  

“We want 500 people who have made a difference in the area through voluntary and community work to join us to enjoy a community meal for free as Bedminster's' way of saying thank you. If you know someone who deserves to be nominated, then please visit www.bedminster.org.uk for details on how to nominate.

“However this event isn’t just for a few of people, everyone is welcome to come on down and there’ll be plenty of food and fun for all. So we invite everyone across Bristol to join us for what promises to be a very special day"

As well as the massive banquet the street will be filled with live entertainment. There will be live music, displays and demonstrations from community groups and kids activities all inspired by international influences.

To get involved as a food outlet, community group or to find out how to nominate a star from your community visit www.bedminster.org.uk and be sure to follow the Bedminster BID on Facebook and Twitter for all the news and updates related to the celebrations.

Comedians on the Run is back in Bedminster

Bedminster is set to host ‘Comedians on the Run’, the biggest free gig south of the river, for an evening of side splitting comedy.

On Thursday 18th May, 20 different acts will be showcasing their talent in 10 minute slots across 14 Bedminster venues. From 7pm-9pm, locals are invited to head to their preferred venue, grab a seat and prepare to be entertained by the brightest and best of comedians from Bristol and beyond.

The most popular act of the day, as voted by the audiences, will scoop up the £200 cash prize and second place will receive a £50 prize. The winning comedian will also bag themselves a paid warm up slot for the talented George Rigden at his next Bristol show.

This year’s run boasts an impressive line up that includes;

●     Riordan Deehan Jackson - winner at the Gloucester Comedy Festival New Act competition and winner of the Bristol heat of the Chortle Student Comedy Award

●     Cardiff’s Chris Chopping - a familiar name on the local comedy circuit

●     Costas Lukaris - 2015 Welsh Unsigned Standup Award semi-finalist and 2016 Gloucester Comedy Festival new act competition Finalist

●     Alf (Chris Leworthy) - ‘So you think you are funny?’ at the Edinburgh Fringe semi-finalist

Other confirmed acts that will be battling it out to win the coveted ‘Comedians on the Run 2017’ title include past performers such as previous runner up Bob Wildlife, Matthew Costin and Stewart Gamble.

We are also delighted to have familiar faces from the Bristol scene but new to the run which includes Bahkai Wynter, Jon Matthews, Alex Dunnett, Charlie Barnes, Alice Taylor-Matthews, Dorian Wainwright, Ellen Waddell, Eliza Fraser, Gareth Thomas, Ali Hancock, Lydia Rickards, David Wroe and Tony Chiotti.

Locals can catch a slice of the action in some expected and unexpected locations all over Bedminster with Bagel Boy, Viva la Mexicana, Steam Crane, Hen & Chicken, Grounded Cafe, Tobacco Factory, Southbank Club, North St Standard, Pizza Workshop, The Hare, The Rope Walk, Mezzaluna, El Rincon and The Assembly all hosting performers throughout the evening.

Full list of Comedians: 

1. Mathew Costin
2. David Wroe
3. Becky Bumface
4. James Trickey
5. Bob Wildlife (Ben Thurston)
6. Bahkai Wynter
7. Pedro Leandro Fernandez Gil
8. Alf (Chris Leworthy)
9. Jon Matthews
10. Charlie Barnes
11. Alice Taylor-Matthews
12. Dorian Wainwright
13. Ellen Waddell
14. Eliza Fraser
15. Stewart Gamble
16. Gareth Thomas
17. Ali Hancock
18. Costas Lukaris
19. Lydia Rickards
20. Tony Chiotti

Upfest needs your help!

Europe’s largest free, live street and urban art festival Upfest needs your help to reach the £20,000 crowdfunding target by Sunday 14th May to make this year’s festival happen. The festival is set to return to the streets on 22nd  – 24th July 2017 with its biggest line up of artists painting more than 30 venues and outdoor walls.

Returning to the streets of Bedminster for a ninth year, the festival has launched a crowdfunding campaign through fundsurfer.com/Upfest to raise £20,000 to help the festival team manage the 30,000+ expected visitors at the free festival.

To help raise the funds, the festival is offering incredible rewards from leading street artists for the final fundraising push this week. These include a special limited edition print created by Cheo to celebrate Morph’s 40th Birthday and this year’s festival print by Pahnl. Fans are encouraged to make contributions large or small to play a part in the continued success of Europe’s largest Street Art & Graffiti festival.

New rewards include a mural for your home or office by artist Hannah Adamaszek, well known for her meditation and yoga inspired portraits, and Cheba, whose Futuristic spray can art is instantly recognisable on the streets of Bristol.

Funders will also have the chance to own artwork that has been featured in the Upfest outdoor gallery at Cargo, Wapping Wharf since November. The first mural by Gemma Compton features her recognisably intricate floral designs and the second by Sophie Long features the renowned Bristol cormorants in brightly coloured hues.

Signed and numbered prints are available by artist Andy Colwill, whose work ‘Children in a Balloon’ combines both the street art and hot air balloons which are synonymous with the city of Bristol. For those wishing to learn how to create their own art, there’s also now a chance to have a Graffiti lesson for just a £25 donation.

Every person who donates £10 or more will also be automatically entered into a draw for two nights’ accommodation in the Grand Hotel for the Upfest Festival weekend.

To donate and grab these exclusive rewards please visit fundsurfer.com/|Upfest. For more information visit the festival’s website www.upfest.co.uk or keep up to date on social media by following @Upfest on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

What's On: Breakfast in Bedminster

BREAKFAST IN BEDMINSTER IS BACK ON SATURDAY 29TH APRIL, BRINGING FILMS AND SPECIAL BREAKFAST MENUS TO MORE THAN 20 VENUES THROUGHOUT THE NEIGHBOURHOOD FROM 8AM-12 NOON.

Take a look at the all the different venues we have involved this year and what they have got in store below!

Breakfast at Tiffany's Brunch: This Breakfast at Tiffany’s inspired brunch will be hosted at Margot May's with a complimentary drink from Corks of North Street. Turn up dressed to impress and you can enjoy a delicious afternoon tea of finger sandwiches and baked sweet treats with a glass of fizz whilst watching a screening of the classic film. Don't forget to grab your tickets here.

The Old Bookshop: The Old Bookshop will be hosting 'The BreakFast & The Furious', an extra special brunch menu inspired by the film series. Brunch will feature exclusive food and cocktail combinations from Chef Alex Bluett and Microdistellery mixologist Emilio De Salvo. There will even be a Scalextrics set for the kids (both big and small!) as well as a silent movie screening of The Fast and Furious with some special 4-wheeled guests.

Pizza Workshop: You can grab a Breakfast Bocca and Bucks Fizz for only a fiver from the Pizza Workshop.

Bagel Boy: Bagel Boy will be hosting a bottomless brunch and a secret movie screening in the morning.

Tobacco Factory: The Tobacco Factory are hosting a special breakfast alongside the screening of popular 80s comedy-drama, The Breakfast Club. Get ready to watch a blast from the past with a cuppa and a tasty menu featuring: Sausage sandwich, caramelised onion, wholegrain mustard, Bacon or Halloumi, avocado, tomato, chilli, mayo sandwich or Smoked salmon, scrambled eggs and toast. You can get tickets here.

Hungry Caterpilllar Play Cafe: The Hungry Caterpillar Play Café will be entertaining the kids with the film Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs, whilst serving up breakfast burritos and delicious American pancakes with a toppings station. They will also be serving up veggie, vegan and sausage breakfast burritos.

Eddie's Coffee Lounge: For those bold enough to brave streets in their pyjamas, you will be able to grab a free croissants from Eddie’s Coffee Lounge. 

Thali Cafe: Thali Southville we will be offering our breakfast menu from 9am. Try their delicious Banana Coconut Pancakes which were inspired by Krishna's rooftop cafe in Delhi.

The Steam Crane: A bloody Mary bargain brunch will be available from the Steam Crane with bloody Mary's for only £4.50.

Grounded Coffee: Get a free coffee from Grounded Coffee when you turn up in your pyjamas to the cafe. 

Viva La Mexicana: Viva La Mexicana are bringing a medley of different countries to Breakfast in Bemdminter with Mexican, Colombian, English, American, & Paraguyan options available. Gluten free and Vegetarian options too - get in!

The Lounge: The Lounge will be revealing their new breakfast menu ready for you to sample this Saturday.

The breakfast festivities will span across the Bedminster area, so make sure to celebrate in pyjama style. We'll be adding lots of exciting venues over the coming weeks. To keep up to date with the breakfast festivities follow @BedminsterTT on Twitter and Facebook via www.facebook.com/bedminsterbristol.bs3.

Clean Streets Campaign

We want people in Bristol to do their bit to help spring clean our city and now is your chance

The Great Bristol Spring Clean on 3-5 March 2017 (part of the Great British Spring Clean) is your opportunity to pick up some litter and put where you live on the map. Join in with schools, community groups and other organisations doing their bit to make your part of the city cleaner and tidier.

Even if you just spend an hour or two picking up litter, bag it and leave it in a designated place where Bristol Waste can collect it, that would make a huge difference to the cleanliness of our streets.

To register your interest please drop an email to hello@bristolwastecompany.co.uk and let them know where and when your litter pick will take place. Twitter #bristolcleanstreets

 

Save The Lantern Parade

The future of South Bristol’s most popular community event - the Bedminster Winter Lantern Parade - is under threat due to funding cuts.

A BWL Fundraising Brainstorm Meeting has been arranged to see if the community can come up with ideas to make up the shortfall - and sign up to organise and/or help. This meeting will take place at St Francis Church, the Parade’s traditional starting point, on Monday 20 March starting at 7.30pm.

This year's lantern parade was the biggest and best yet, it would be a terrible shame to allow it to be discontinued so please get involved and do what you can to help us keep this event going.

The Chairman of Bedminster Winter Lanterns, Malcolm Brammar, says “This year is looking particularly difficult. There’s likely to be a large hole in our projected budget which could be critical. So we’re asking the community - individuals, groups and local businesses - to get
involved and help us raise funds to continue this very special local event.

Every effort will count: from tea parties to jumble sales, school disco’s to market stalls. We’ll consider anything as long as it’s legal!”

www.bwlp.org
Twitter: @BemmyLanterns
Facebook: Bedminster Winter Lanterns
Further info: Malcolm Brammar 07909 538315, malcolm.brammar@way-out-west.org