Bristol24/7’s top photos of 2021

2021 has been another tumultuous year, and Bristol24/7 has been documenting the action every step of the way. From history-making protests to awe-inspiring artworks, here are our top photos from the last 12 months:

Vois, Redland

Photo by Tom Archer

There is now a limit on the number of Vois that can be parked in a particular area but earlier on in the trial, scenes like this one of the familiar  e-scooters in Redland were not uncommon. Despite calls for the e-scooters to be banned amid concerns over their safety, the coral-coloured vehicles’ trial period has been extended into next year.

The Outlaws’ costume trailer, Bristol docks

Photo by Martin Booth

Not the only object to be famously toppled into the docks, this picture reveals the partially submerged costume trailer from Stephen Merchant’s The Outlaws which was accidentally plunged into the Harbourside’s waters in October. In response, Merchant joked: “because of the HGV driver shortage we had to use some local drivers and the only one we could get available to drive that was my nan”.

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Read more: Lorry crashes into Floating Harbour

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‘Kill the bill’ demonstration, City Centre

Photo by Martin Booth

Here is one of many photographs taken from the myriad of ‘kill the bill’ protests from the spring of 2021. The protests were directed at the Police, Crime, Sentencing & Courts Bill and culminated in a violent protest outside Bridewell Police Station, in which one participant was recently jailed for 14 years.

Museum of the Moon, Bristol Cathedral

Photo by Robin Connolly

After being delayed a year due to the pandemic, Bristol Cathedral was graced by the incredible lunar artistry of Luke Jerram‘s Museum of the Moon. The breathtaking travelling artwork has since been displayed both inside and outside across the world, including at Glastonbury Festival, Strictly Come Dancing and at Milan’s Piscina Cozzi (and in our very own Floating Harbour too).

Smoosh!, Knowle West

Photo by Paul Blakemore

The rip-roaring musical parade through the streets of Knowle West, Smoosh!, gave rise to some phenomenal photographs. Here is one featuring the 70-piece wind and brass band accompanied by a team of dancers that took to the streets for a magnificent musical meander this summer.

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Read more: Smoosh!: a magnificent musical meander through Knowle West

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Miss Conduct, Wapping Wharf

Photo by Martin Booth

An unlikely visitor moored next to Wapping Wharf in early December. The 40m long Miss Conduct has allegedly been previously used by Donald Trump, but today belongs to two anonymous Bristol businessmen who want to bring “a little glamour” to the area.

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Read more: Yacht with helicopter on board moors next to Brunel’s Buttery

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Snowy Bristol, Cliftonwood

Photo by Doug Jewell

Bristol was enveloped by a thick blanket of snow at the beginning of 2021, and the snowy scenes were gleefully captured by many. Here is one picturesque panorama taken from Cliftonwood looking like a scene straight out of Switzerland.

The Fountain Cafe, St George

Photo by Chris Arnold

After a saga of pandemic-fuelled closures in the hospitality sector, here was the first customer to enjoy a meal served inside The Fountain Cafe in St George. This man opted for a medium fry-up and then went home. His meal was later featured on Have I Got News For You.

Showtrial filming, Hotwells

Photo by Betty Woolerton

Recently named by the Guardian as ‘Bristolywood’, our humble city has been used for the location, studio space and filming support services for numerous high profile television series this year. Highlights include The Outlaws, The Girl Before, Chloe and The Long Call. Pictured here is the behind the scenes action of BBC’s crime thriller Showtrial on Nova Scotia Place.

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Read more: Four major major dramas begin filming in Bristol

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Balloon ascent, Hartcliffe 

Photo by Ellie Pipe

In a series of mass ascents from secret locations all over Bristol, Hartcliffe took part in the city’s world-famous balloon fiesta for the first time ever. Families turned out on an early morning at the playing field at Bridge Learning Campus to watch the incredible spectacle up close.

The ‘Six Sisters’, Bedminster

Photo by Martin Booth

2021 saw the completion of some magnificent murals in virtually every nook and cranny of Bristol. In Bedminster, one of Bristol’s street art hotbeds, the ‘Six Sisters’ was finally finished to form a series of six female-fronted artworks by local artists supported by Upfest.

Main photo by Martin Booth

Read more: The best quotes from Bristol24/7 interviewees in 2021

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