From Brunel to Banksy, Beryl Cook to Blackbeard, Bristol’s past and present is bursting with big names that have inspired millions. And now, to coincide with the launch of its inspirational programme, Bristol’s Big Green Week wants to know what inspires the people of Bristol today and how the city can inspire the next generation of great green ideas.
This international festival of environmental ideas, art and culture takes place from 9th-17th June, with events taking place at venues including The Colston Hall, The Watershed, The Arnolfini, M-Shed, and the mysterious Nowhere Island Embassy.
Tickets are available to buy now, and can be found, with the full programme, at www.biggreenweek.com. The week includes talks from Vivienne Westwood, Deborah Meaden, Kevin McCloud and Caroline Lucas MP, as well as Bristol’s Biggest Bike Ride, the Festival of Nature, Bristol’s Biggest Market, and the transformation of Park Street into a venue for the first ever electric bike world championship. Some events will sell out fast, so booking early is recommended.
Paul Rainger, of Forum for the Future, one of the co-organisers of the week in partnership with Bristol Green Capital, said: “Bristol is an inspirational place with a reputation for innovation and creativity. We’ve worked hard to create an amazing programme of speakers and events to inspire you.”
Bristolians can log on to the Big Green Week Facebook page and post comments, stories, or pictures about what inspires them. Entrants have the chance to win a Green Festival Pass, giving them discounted entry to many of the week’s events.
The week is being supported by Bristol City Council. Council leader, Barbara Janke, said: “Big Green Week is a fantastic illustration of how Bristol is leading the way when it comes to being green, and it couldn’t be more timely when we have just been chosen as the only UK city to make it to the final three in the quest to be European Green Capital 2014. It shows a great collaboration between local communities, organisations and partners to bring together such an inspirational programme – one which uses fun to inform, educate and inspire a greener future for our city, while at the same time putting on some amazing activities that everyone will enjoy.”
Big Green Week is sponsored by Good Energy, Wessex Water, and Triodos. You can find more information on www.biggreenweek.com or by searching ‘Big Green Week’ on Facebook or Twitter.