Stokes Croft Calling was a two-day celebration, created in partnership with local people and businesses, celebrating Stokes Croft – the creative beating-heart of Bristol.
On Sunday 27 October the street came to life with performance activations, workshops, and activities exploring the area’s history of resistance, fierce independence, outsider culture and creativity.
Escapees from Banksy’s Mild Mild West graffiti mural danced capoeira in the street, as crowds cheered a teddy bear in combat with riot police.
Performances from the likes of Edson Burton (storytelling) and Muneera Pilgrim, (spoken word) rolled throughout the day, as well as synth composition workshops in local business Elevator Sounds, and a chance to learn about stencil graffiti as part of a large mural composition in PRSC. There was circus performance with fire eating, juggling and acrobatics, a kids’ story-telling drum circle, and vogueing from live mannequins in shop windows courtesy of Bristol Ballroom Community.
On Saturday 9th October audiences went on a promenade performance around the street, led by characters from history, to experience a curated walk of performances and experiences.
Stokes Croft Calling was part of the City Centre and High Streets Culture and Events Programme, funded by Bristol City Council and the West of England Combined Authority. The initiative aimed to attract more visitors to the City Centre, boosting local businesses and the economy.
The project was created in partnership with the businesses on the street, and in consultation with local people. All of the artists and creative team had direct links to Stokes Croft, either historical or current, and for Compass it was a huge honour to work creatively with the legacy of The Croft.
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