Nightlife / Freshers Week
Spread joy amongst your friends and Bristol will open its arms to you
Listing the things that freshers should look forward to most when arriving in Bristol, the city’s newly appointed nighttime economy adviser couldn’t stick to just one piece of advice.
“Exploring. Making new friends. Discovering new sounds, getting lost and finding yourself again. Remember, the vibe is only as good as the one you take with you. Spread joy amongst your friends and Bristol will open its arms to you.”
Carly Heath, who in her job works closely with the mayor’s office at City Hall, is herself looking forward to being able to visit smaller venues such as Cozies, Crofters Rights and Strange Brew now that they have reopened.
is needed now More than ever
Carly knows Bristol’s nightlife better than anyone and is now paid a pro-rata salary of £50,000 to champion it. Her current focus is mainly on the recovery of Bristol’s nighttime sector, of which the annual influx of over 40,000 students will play a huge part. Students frequent bars, pubs and other evening venues; bringing much-needed cash into the coffers of these local businesses.
Carly Heath – photo by Shotaway.
Carly’s new campaign, ‘Bristol Rules’, will launch as students start to arrive in the city, reminding people of the importance of mutual respect, looking after each other and calling out bad behaviour. Let’s not forget that nights out are meant to be fun.
Posters will be available across 100 venues citywide, from student halls to festival sites, reminding young people of how to look after both themselves and one another.
The rules include:
- Checking in with your friends to make sure you all get home safe
- Calling out inappropriate behaviour
- Make sure you get consent and aren’t a perpetrator of harassment
- Respect one another, and our individuality
- Be careful around bodies of water
- Read up on substance awareness and remember to say no if needs be
If crowded dance floors aren’t for you, there are plenty of other options to explore. Credit: Lakota.
If any students have worries about substance and alcohol use, Carly is keen to remind people of just how important it is to “feel empowered in taking it easy”.
The Take it Easy section of bristolnights.co.uk/bristolrules has more details on how to educate yourself, keep safe and report any issues surrounding looking after your health and wellbeing.
A new facet of going out in 2021 is keeping yourself safe and well post-pandemic, as well as appreciating the anxiety that some people may be feeling as nightclubs and bars reopen.
“The pandemic has been a wild ride for most of us,” says Carly. “Nighttime spaces are there to ensure you have a good night, many venues have Covid policies in place to keep audiences, staff and performers safe, and it’s understandable to feel apprehension going back out into crowded areas.”
“I’ve been hearing of the warm welcome back to dancefloors and those initial moments of anxiety being washed away once the night takes over.”
“I would advise anyone feeling anxious about going out in Bristol to check out the venue’s covid policies. If crowded dance floors aren’t for you, there are plenty of pub gardens and alfresco dining options to explore.”
“We are a kind city, and if you still feel like wearing a mask, no one is going to judge your choices.”
Main photo: Giulia Spadafora | Soul Media
Read more: Carly Heath becomes Bristol’s first nighttime economy adviser
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