People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Phil Gibbons
Phil Gibbons was the founder of Bristol’s first full-time community radio station, BCfm, which is celebrating its tenth anniversary this year. Phil now heads up all the media and communications for Clifton Diocese, the Catholic Church in the West Country.
Here are Phil’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Bristol Hippodrome
is needed now More than ever
https://www.instagram.com/p/BLdefthDya0/
“For me, Bristol Hippodrome offers a unique escapism for an hour or two. A great Bristol landmark and institution, the Hippodrome – along with the many other theatres we are blessed to have in our city – brings us lots of visitors and saves us traveling further afield to see West End and cutting edge performances. A standing ovation to you all.”
Cascade Steps at the Harbour Festival
“Not only are these steps a joy on a summers’ day, they really come into their own over the weekend of Bristol Harbour Festival. Bristol is awash with superb musical talent and much of it is celebrated on this stage courtesy of Jelli Records. I am lucky enough to compere this stage each year and it’s a pleasure to showcase local artists. Bristol really does the Harbour Festival well, and when the water is not cascading down these steps, it is a joy to sit on them and be so entertained (by the music and not so much by me).”
North Street
Inkie painting during Upfest – photo by Paul Box
“Maybe an obvious one here, but living just off this street it always surprises me that North Street is still changing sufficiently to make me stop and experience a new shop, cafe or restaurant every so often. North Street is an absolute gem and embraces local markets, lantern parades and graffiti artists, alongside some great pubs, shops and coffee drinking establishments.”
Bristol Balloon Fiesta
https://www.instagram.com/p/BJGVRFpB0MR/
“Balloons, balloons and more balloons. They are what has put Bristol on the map. I seem to be on the flight path at my house in the mornings and evenings when they fly over with their blasts of hot air. It’s great just to sit in the garden and admire them. Bristol Balloon Fiesta is always a thrill to visit and experience the mass assents while listening to the music from the stage. Last year I remember Meet Your Feet playing to the back of people’s heads as the crowd had all turned round to look at the arena and mass assent!”
Clifton Suspension Bridge
https://www.instagram.com/p/BStSGJfDxhh/
“Another obvious one here, but the Clifton Suspension Bridge makes me proud every time I go over it, either walking or more often driving. I work just over the bridge in Leigh Woods, so use the bridge many times a week. I love the fact that it is such a mecca for tourists and I always smile when I see many people trying to get that ultimate picture!”
Read more: BCfm marks 10 years of broadcasting
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