News / The Downs

Bristol festivals join forces to upgrade internet on the Downs

By Alex Seabrook  Thursday Apr 20, 2023

Organisers of Bristol Pride and Forwards Festival have put forward a plan to upgrade the internet connection on the Downs.

A new fibre line could be installed running underground and connecting to the Downs Cafe, providing better internet service across the parkland.

Both events have suffered from poor internet service in the past, with many people struggling to connect to 4G. This has also impacted staff on the entrance to Pride checking tickets, and traders needing wireless internet access for card machines to work.

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

The Downs Committee, which runs the parkland, is considering paying £4,935 for the initial costs of the works. This would cover paperwork and beginning the process. Pride and Forwards would then split any future costs and annual charges.

Last year the committee, made up of Bristol councillors and members of the Society of Merchant Venturers, received £285,000 in income from events held on the Downs, such as Pride and Forwards. A decision is due on putting up the initial cash for the fibre line on Tuesday, April 25.

A report to the committee said: “The Downs Committee has been approached by Pride, who in partnership with Forwards Festival, would like to improve the internet connection on the Downs. Internet connectivity was an issue at Pride last year, impacting on gate systems and traders.

“Pride has investigated the costs and logistics of installing a fibre line on the Downs to improve internet connectivity. The solution involves digging a 100-metre duct to run the cable to the nearest pole, which BT has offered to do for free. The connection would be run to the café, which would benefit from the connection year-round.”

Bristol Pride Day will be held this year on Saturday, July 8, on Durdham Down. Forwards Festival will be held on Friday, September 1 to Saturday, September 2, on Clifton Down.

Alex Seabrook is a local democracy reporter for Bristol

Main photo: Betty Woolerton

Read more:

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


Tags:

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 meg@bristol247.com. 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.

Featured Perks

  • £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    £10 off tickets to the final week of Disney’s Aladdin at the Hippodrome

    Get whisked away to a whole new world with the cast of Aladdin

    Claim Perk
  • £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    £5 off when you spend £15 at Better Food

    Better Food is offering all Bristol24/7 members £5 off their shopping when they spend £15 between Thursday 16 July and Wednesday 29 July.

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    10% off purchases from the We The Curious online shop

    We\'ve teamed up with We The Curious to offer you 10% off in their excellent online shop. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off stays at Beech House

    10% off stays at Beech House

    Urban Apartments are offering members a discount on a Whiteladies Road stay

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk
  • 10% off your food bill at Nadu

    10% off your food bill at Nadu

    We\'ve teamed up with Sri Lankan restaurant Nadu to offer Bristol24/7 members 10% off their food bill Sunday - Thursday. 

    Claim Perk

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
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
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
Monthly £180/month* Annually £2000/year*
* 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
Monthly £5/month Annually £45/year
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning
Sign up
×

Select Your Membership