My Bristol Favourites: Ben Banyard

Ben Banyard has recently published his second poetry collection, We Are All Lucky. The launch event for the collection is taking place at The Arts House on Stokes Croft from 7.30pm on Thursday, April 12, with Ben joined by fellow poets Melanie Branton, Stephen Daniels, Dominic Fisher and Claire Walker.

Here are Ben’s top-five Bristol favourites:

Bristol Doors Open Days

The vaulted crypt of St John on the Wall Church, built into Bristol’s medieval city wall – photo courtesy of Visit Bristol

“I’ve lost count of the number of truly remarkable places I’ve visited in Bristol thanks to this brilliant initiative, which usually happens in mid-September. My favourites from Bristol Doors Open Days over the years include St Mary Redcliffe Church, Bristol Old Vic (which included a backstage tour), Redcliffe Caves (wellies and a torch are essential!) and St John on the Wall Church. Definitely a must for every Bristol resident, even if you think you know the city like the back of your hand, and the ideal source of inspiration for writers.”

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery

Bristol Museum

“There’s something special about this stunning building. We’ve had many a happy family day out at Bristol Museum, exploring the Egyptology and natural history exhibits. The art collection is also impressive, especially the pieces which have a local connection.”

Ashton Court

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“This is a wonderful asset to the city. My wife and I first met at university down in Devon, but being a Portishead girl she wanted to move back this way after she graduated. As a taster of what Bristol’s all about she took me to Ashton Court Festival in 1999, and I was immediately sold. It’s so sad that the festival is no more; it was such a fantastic celebration of Bristol culture. Ten years later, in 2009, we held our wedding reception in the mansion, and I’ve lost count of the number of times we’ve visited for a walk around the grounds.”

Bristol Hippodrome

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“My wife has written about entertainment for the Bristol Post, with a special focus on theatre, for nearly 15 years, so it often feels as though our lives revolve around the Bristol Hippodrome. We’ve really enjoyed taking our children to watch the panto at this glorious old place, sneaking glances at them as they sit transfixed. You can’t beat the atmosphere, energy and magic of live theatre, and with Bristol Old Vic and the Tobacco Factory Theatres as well as the Hippo, the city’s got something for everyone.”

Portishead

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“I love everything about this little town. Before our twins were born in 2012 we lived in Southville and Bedminster, because it suited our lifestyle to be close to town. But of all the areas around Bristol, we decided this was the perfect place to raise our family. A thriving high street with lots of great independent shops, an incredible community spirit, the famous Christmas lights, Victorian evening, the annual carnival, the Lake Grounds, lido, our own little beach, the marina and of course all of our lovely friends and family. Small wonder that so many of the poems I write seem to be inspired by the place!”