Music / News

Singer explores ‘tragedy’ of south Bristol high street in new single

By Issy Packer  Tuesday Nov 7, 2023

The Day the High Street Died is a brand new single from reclusive south Bristol singer-songwriter Alan Stilton.

The music video sees Alan walking past open and boarded up shops along East Street in Bedminster.

Much of the song is sung in the shutter-down entrance to the now closed St Catherine’s Place shopping centre.

Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
Keep our city's journalism independent. Become a supporter member today.

Alan made the journey from his caravan on Novers Hill to Bedminster after visiting the high street to do some shopping.

“I’ve been coming to East Street for years. I’ve never seen so many closed shops. St Catherine’s Place was a vibrant shopping precinct once. Now look at it: a derelict health hazard! I got quite angry at those developers,” Alan told Bristol24/7.

“I was feeling quite upset so when I got back to my caravan on Novers Hill. I picked up my guitar and wrote the song The Day The High Street Died.”

The song is the first release from the singer’s upcoming album, Fresh Eggs, which is yet to have a release date.

Main photo: Howard Purse

Read next:

Listen to the latest Bristol24/7 Behind the Headlines podcast:

Our top newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing Permissions

Bristol24/7 will use the information you provide on this form to be in touch with you and to provide updates and marketing. Please let us know all the ways you would like to hear from us:

We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: