My Bristol favourites: Ella Marshall

Ella Marshall is a Member of the UK Youth Parliament for Bristol. Earlier this month, she was named by Rife Magazine as one of the 24 most influential Bristolians under 24.

Here are Ella’s top-five Bristol favourites: 

The community and activist spirit

“Being born and bred in Bristol, I have always appreciated the communities that live, work and thrive together. Bristol doesn’t feel like a city, it’s not very often you can walk through town without bumping into people you know or recognise enough to give a warm smile. As I’ve grown older and more politically active, I’ve come to realise just how proactive and passionate the city is and how well these communities are able to work together to campaign. You only have to look at the parliamentary demographics of the South West in order to realise we are an anomaly. This year I attended the National March Against Austerity in London with the Bristol People’s Assembly, and on the coaches I was amazed how all age groups, genders and races came together in solidarity with one another and initiated some thought provoking conversation. Austerity. Refugees welcome. Climate change. Solidarity with junior doctors. Women’s voice. BME representation. Free Palestine. If you have a cause, then Bristol has the platform for you to fight for it. For me, politics would be nothing without activism and I’m thankful to have grown up in what I call ‘The City of Activists’.”

The vibrant music scene

“In the summer there is a festival event (some free) every weekend, and in the winter there are more gigs that you want to go to than you have the time to do so. There are recording and rehearsal spaces free to use to young people at The Station and organisations like Temple Records and Saffron Records who help Bristol talent to get off the ground. Some of my favourite musicians are the buskers who line the pavements and whose music is the soundtrack to goings-on in town. After a day of running around hearing musicians on the streets and in cafes, there is a huge variety of music venues to attend: the Bierkeller, the Fleece, O2 Academy, Trinity and Anson Rooms to name just a few that I have been to over recent months. When you’re at home, it’s always worth tuning in to BCfm as they support local talent.” 

Markets

“St Nick’s, the Harbour Market, my local Sunday farmers market. Every weekend there is fresh local produce, arts and crafts to browse and buy. Food wise I would always recommend Caribbean Wrap in St Nick’s Market and the various Pieminister stalls you can find across the city. The markets in Bristol are the best places for finding charming (although often pointless) trinkets and exploring with friends or family. The people behind the stalls are friendly and an interesting conversation is always free.”

The landscape

“I’d never really appreciated the Bristol landscape until I started visiting other UK cities. Green space is never far away here, and if you walk into Ashton Court it isn’t long before the city is forgotten and you feel very much in the countryside. Whether you’re on a run, commuting to work or simply taking an amble to clear your head, it is always possible to find some pleasant greenery to incorporate in your route. Our green spaces are thoroughly enjoyed all year round too; for yoga and barbecues in the summer, and for brisk winter walks in the winter. I love the harbourside too. There aren’t many cities where you can sit on the water’s edge right in the centre of town. In the summer, the water really glistens and makes Bristol a rather magical place to be.”

The Folk House

“Tucked just off Park Street, The Folk House and its staff are truly charming. I was introduced to it a few summers ago by a friend and since then, I have probably gone back at least once a month – sometimes for campaign project meetings, to sit and work or just to meet with my friends. The pot of tea for two in The Folk House Cafe is a favourite of mine and they offer really delicious but affordable cakes and meals. Their main purpose, however, is as an adult education centre. They offer courses and classes, art exhibitions and mini festivals. Whether it’s languages, dancing, meditation or simply meeting with people in a cafe environment that you want, The Folk House provides something for everyone.”