bristol black history tour

A Black History Tour in Bristol

by travelwest

Go Jauntly have a fantastic walk just for you.

You can check out this walking route on the Go Jauntly app. Your walking app for everyday outdoor adventures.

Download our free walking app and own a pocket-sized encyclopedia of urban walks.

Preview Steps

Download the app to get all the steps for this walk.

Step 1: This walk explores the Montpelier and St Pauls neighbourhoods of Bristol. We reflect on some local African-Caribbean history and feature iconic Black Britons who helped fight against racial injustice in Bristol.

Step 2: Start out at Montpelier Station. Exit and turn left.

Step 3: If you choose to arrive at the start of the walk by bus, buses 5 & 70 stop nearby.

Step 4: Follow the path out to St Andrews Rd.

Step 5: Turn left and head up the hill.

Step 6: During the 1950’s and 60’s, many African-Caribbean migrants, also the Windrush generation, settled in the Montpelier and St Paul area.

Nearby Walks

Montpelier Station Loop

The Montpelier Art, Shop & Food Hop

by sutchfun

The Gloucester Road Tour

Alternative Bristol Trail

by harryknight

St Paul’s & Frome Valley Green loop

Inner Suburbs Green

Cookie consent.

Using our site means you agree to the use of cookies and similar technologies.

Read more and how to disable cookies in our Privacy Policy

Join our mailing list

Want the low-down on all things walking and nature? Pop your email address in the box for fortnightly jaunting inspiration.

Thanks, we'll be in touch soon

By entering your email address you agree to receive updates from Go Jauntly. We always treat your personal details with care and you can unsubscribe to our newsletter at any point and your details will be deleted.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

• Kinetika Bloco Summer Showcase
• Image of The Black at The Wallace Collection
• Killer Mike
• Julian Taylor
• Round Midnight presents Florence Adooni

Bristol Slave Trade Walk

May 23, October 31, 2021

Discover the impact of the slave trade on Bristol and Britain with an informative tour by a passionate Blue Badge Tour Guide.

The walk on the slave trade and its impact on Bristol, will incorporate the 1,000 year history of Bristol as a port, a summary history of Bristol’s participation in the English and British slave trade including the abolition of the slave trade in 1807 and the abolition of slavery in 1833, and reference to Bristol born Edward Colston, an official of the Royal African Company, and his divisive legacy to Bristol. The walk will take in the historic harbour of Bristol including the Floating Harbour, the City Centre, Park Street, Bristol Cathedral, Pero’s Bridge, and John Cabot’s statue by the Arnolfini.

This site has been modified to work in your browser. If possible, visit in a modern browser to get the full experience.

You may need to use your home computer or a smartphone if available.

If you are able to upgrade your browser start here: Browse Happy

• UNISON National
• Join UNISON
• Member benefits
• Cymru/Wales
• East Midlands
• Greater London
• Northern Ireland
• West Midlands
• Yorkshire and Humberside
• Branch Finder
• Quick contact details update
• British Sign Language
• Skills for Schools
• Stars In Our Schools

Contact us online

• South West Home
• Activist Education
• Regional Secretary Updates
• Black members
• Disabled members
• LGBT+ members
• Retired members
• Women members
• Young members
• Learning for healthcare students

Black History Trail

22 October 2022 10:00am–2:00pm

Clifton, Bristol

Guided by Dr Edson Burton, join the regional Black Members Committee on a walking tour of Bristol’s Clifton slavery past.

See beautiful views and learn some of Bristol’s darker secrets regarding its involvement in the slave trade.

Places are limited, so register now to ensure you secure your place on the tour, which will start from St Vincent Rocks Clifton.

Book your place

Resources to advertise this event

Download resources below to advertise this event to members in your branch or workplace.

Black History Trail – Poster

Black History Trail – Social Media Graphic

Print / Translate

• South West regional committee
• South West regional council
• South West UNISON Labour Link
• Health and Safety in the South West
• Branch Comms Hub

UNISON, UNISON Centre, 130 Euston Road, London NW1 2AY.

© Copyright 2024 Terms and conditions Privacy policy

Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour of Bristol

How to get there.

Bristol Cathedral

College Green, Bristol, BS1 5TJ

Select date and session

No booking fees

Similar experiences

The best of bristol bike tour, only fools and horses tour of bristol, harbourside adventure, fully guided bristol ghost tours, bristol's brilliant pubs: a self-guided gps audio tour of the old city, stonehenge and cotswold villages full-day tour from bristol, bristol scavenger hunt: a bridge through time, fun, flexible treasure hunt around bristol with cryptic clues & hidden gems, st. nicholas market and air raid shelter walking tour, waterfront bristol: the views & history - exploration game, discover our top experiences, neon brush: sip & paint workshop in the dark, a night at the opera by candlelight - bristol cathedral, mystery picnic - clifton, the gin to my tonic gin, rum & vodka festival bristol, boundary festival, axe throwing at whistle punks, dizzee rascal kempton, street art bristol city exploration game, related categories.

Sorry, JavaScript must be enabled to use this web app

A Black History Tour in Bristol

Discover some local Black history on this self-guided wander through the Montpelier and St Pauls neighbourhoods in Bristol.

Montpelier Station

Accessible by public transport, Dogs on leads welcome, Family friendly, Refreshments available to purchase, Walk/event repeated during the festival

Walk organiser

• 2024 Walks and Events
• 2024 Walk Providers
• Bristol Walk Fest 2024 Programme
• Year Round Walks
• Privacy Policy
• Cookie Policy

Bristol Walk Fest 2024 is coordinated by Active Ageing Bristol and hosted by our lead partner Age UK Bristol with funding from Bristol City Council.

Our sponsors are Bristol Ramblers and Ellis Brigham. Bristol Walk Fest is supported by Bristol Walking Alliance, Doveton Press, Go Jauntly, Sustrans, Visit Bristol and Your Park.

Website by Zonkey

Bristol's Free Museums and Historic Houses

• Bristol Museum & Art Gallery
• The Georgian House Museum
• The Red Lodge Museum
• Blaise Museum
• Bristol Archives

Bristol’s Black history stories: have your say

Posted on July 10, 2018 by Fay Curtis.

by Finn White, Engagement Officer – Communities

We want Bristol’s Black history to be better represented, reflective of our communities and open to all. That’s why we’ve been working with Liverpool Museums and their Sankofa project. Sankofa seeks to investigate Black social history within the city of Liverpool, their museum collections and beyond.

Illustration from the ‘One Vibration: Voices of St Pauls Carnival’ display at M Shed © Jasmine Thompson

Sankofa has so far helped us fund our new display One Vibration: Voices of St Pauls Carnival at M Shed. The project involved training volunteers and gathering stories from Bristol’s African-Caribbean communities. Head down to M Shed now to hear these tales of Bristol’s greatest street festival.

Bristol’s Black history stories – what do you want to read about?

We’re now working on our next Sankofa collaboration. We’re developing a series of new web pages dedicated to Bristol’s Black history. We’ll work with external partners and local experts to develop an accessible resource for anyone wanting to research Bristol’s Black history or unlock the buried stories in our museum collections. Central to this project is the fact that the content will be co-developed by external partners from Bristol’s African and African-Caribbean communities.

We want to know what you think about Bristol’s Black history – what do you want to read about and who do you expect to be represented?

Take our survey and have your say

We want to bring in new voices, interrogate our collections and write a new history for Black Bristol.  Watch this space to find out more.

UPDATE: See the  Bristol’s Black History stories  we’ve published so far.

One comment on Bristol’s Black history stories: have your say

A childs perpective on growing up in a family who parents arrived in 1950s and 60s. How those children felt those who were born and raised im the city and the ome who came over once parents had settled. Generational changes in behaviour attitudes believes and life at home and the balance of values brought by Carribean parents when grown up in a changing Britain and how these chdren who are grown up and now parents tbeselvrs now understood those parents values.

Leave a Reply Cancel Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

The ultimate walking tour of Bristol – From Blackbeard to Banksy. With over 1000 5 star trip advisor reviews, our guided walking tour is a fun and fact filled way to explore the story of the wonderful city of Bristol.

Continually voted the U.K’s number one city to live in Bristol offers a vibrant mix of old and new. From it’s ancient roots to becoming the capital of Street Art, Bristol has to be experienced to be believed.

Join us on College Green for a tour through Bristol’s old town and beautiful harbourside where local historians and artists will guide you through 1000 years of Bristol’s history!

Hours & Pricing

Tours run most days of the week.

Click “book a tour now” To view our availability

£12 adults £5 children

ULTIMATE BRISTOL WALKING TOUR

Join us on the Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour and explore the city’s rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture. Our expert guides will lead you through the must-see landmarks and hidden gems, ensuring you have an unforgettable experience.

• Map Marker 2 Miles
• Hour Glass 2 Hours
• User Ages 3+

Stroll along the route of the Saxon town walls taking in Pirate haunts and the highlights of Bristol’s Street art. See Long John Silver’s Inn and Robinson’s Crusoe’s first port of call. Observe evidence of Blitz damage, storm the Norman castle listen for Underground rivers and hear bizarre echoes.

Whether you are spending the day or have lived here all your life, this unique walking tour will tell you all you need to know about Bristol’s fascinating past, and exciting future along with hints and tips to make the most of your stay in the city.

Local artists and historians will share their knowledge, passion, and enthusiasm for this wonderful city.

This unique walking tour will introduce you to all aspects of this magical city leaving no stone upturned. There is no better way to get an instant feel for all aspects of Bristol, leaving you with plenty to revisit and lots of ideas for your remaining stay. You will feel like a local ready to bring friends and family back with an insider’s knowledge of the cities delights from Street Art to the best restaurants in town.

Experience the historical charm of Bristol! ★★★★★

Yesterday’s tour was a perfect combination of learning about street art, history, and architecture. Peter was knowledgeable about the city and it’s culture. We walked away with a better understanding of Bristol and lots of ideas about how to spend the rest of the day.

Pete gave a really interesting and engaging tour - the combination of history and street art, combined with local knowledge and a love of the city was excellent.

We enjoyed Luke’s Walking Tour immensely!! He had such enthusiasm for the Street Art of Bristol it was contagious. Luke’s booming voice was crystal clear that we could hear every word even with a large group of 28! Plus we learnt lots about the colourful character, Blackbeard! Thoroughly recommend this tour.

The tour was really informative and I learnt a lot about the city and parts I had overlooked. The guide was passionate and really friendly and helpful

UK museums prepare to celebrate Black History Month

Image: A visitor and statue of Olaudah Equiano by Christy Symington (c) Gareth Jones

October sees museums across the UK host new exhibitions, talks, tours, and events in celebration of black history.

UK museums are gearing up for Black History Month this October, as they reveal their plans for exhibitions and events in celebration of African and Caribbean culture, arts and history.

National Museums Liverpool has announced its 2022 programme, which includes a special after-hours event at the Walker Art Gallery on 14 October, developed in partnership with The Goddess Projects.

It said the event will encourage visitors to consider some of the artworks in the Walker’s collection and “how we can reclaim the space today through life drawing”.

Participants in the event will take part in life drawing sessions with models who it said are “more representative of contemporary bodies and society – aimed at reflecting the power and strength of Black women”.

Other events include family crafting across Museum of Liverpool and Maritime Museum , a new exhibition of artwork by Merseyside schoolchildren celebrating great Black Britons at International Slavery Museum, and explorations into medical racism at Museum of Liverpool.

Matt Exley, Participation Producer at National Museums Liverpool, said: “Our yearly celebrations for Black History Month are an important part of NML’s calendar and help us to continue building on our year-round activism – from our work on Slavery Remembrance Day, to LGBT+ History Month, to International Women’s Day, it is of the utmost importance to NML that we continue to advocate for and represent voices that often go unheard.”

Bristol Museum & Art Gallery will begin to show ‘Mimesis: African Soldier’ from October until early next year as part of its Bristol Museums’ Black History Month programming.

The film was jointly acquired in partnership with Glasgow Museums in 2019, and uncovers the undiscussed story of the Commonwealth soldiers who volunteered to fight in World War I. A series of online talks are also taking place, hosted by M-Shed and Bristol Museum & Gallery.

The Museum of London will celebrate the event with a programme of readings, talks, tours, and activities.

The museum has said this year’s programme will spotlight Black British Female history in collaboration with The Heritage & Honour Collection, a creative social enterprise documenting and collecting content on Black British Female History from 1500-1999.

Producer and Founder Winnie Imara will be running adult and family workshops on Saturday 15th and Saturday 22nd October about inspiring London-based Black women in history, linked with creative writing and arts and crafts.

A series of short talks, tours and poetry readings will be held at the museum throughout the month, highlighting individuals and histories, including Dido Belle, Mary Seacole, Windrush stories, the Brixton riots, Punk and more.

The museum is also hosting an after-hours curator talks programme, exploring different eras in the city’s history, from Prehistoric times to the present day, which will feature Senior Curator Francis Marshall and Senior Curator Rebecca Redfern.

Into November, the museum will host writer Yomi Sode and poet and director and inaugural young people’s laureate for London Caleb Femi for an evening of poetry readings, a screening and a discussion connecting poetry and grime.

Celebrations to launch Black History Wales will take place at St Fagans National Museum of History on 1 October 2022. Amgueddfa Cymru in partnership with Race Council Cymru mark the celebrations with a day of events on the theme of Young People, the Time is Now! The day will celebrate the history, culture and contributions of people of Black-African and African Caribbean heritage, through music, performances and art. There will be a Black History Wales marketplace with produce for sale and food tasting from African and Caribbean pop-up stalls.

Nia Williams, Director of Learning and Public Programmes, said, “We’re delighted to be working in partnership with Race Council Cymru to host a day to showcase the best of Black History Wales at St Fagans.”

A free tour of Thomas Stuart Smith’s black portraits will be available as part of The Smith’s Black History Month tour series at The Stirling Smith Art Gallery and Museum on 7th and 21st October. The tour is part of Black History Month Scotland.

Exhibitions and Events Officer Heather Carroll will lead a tour of Thomas Stuart Smith’s portraits of black sitters, including the stories behind the paintings of three unknown black men and how they represent complex portraits of race in Victorian Britain.

The Jewish Museum London will celebrate two important women in the Tanakh – Zipporah, wife of Moses and the Queen of Sheba. From 23rd – 27th October, those booked will bake bread inspired by Black Jewish cuisine, handle objects linked to Black Jewish Communities and find out more about the history behind these objects. The museum is also offering a tour that will reveal objects in its collection that reflect Black and Jewish history, “exploring the role of ‘Blackness’ in religious texts, the impact of allyship between communities, the intersections of Black and Jewish identities and much more.”

At the British Museum , a Black History tour will be led Black History Studies. Taking place 16th October, the tour is designed to ‘inspire, engage and educate the community on the artefacts held in the British Museum on African History with the aim to inspire interest in this area of study for future generations.” Highlighted during the tour will be the Bronzes of Benin and artefacts in the Egyptian Gallery.

The Bank of England Museum will hold an event on 20th October to open its exhibition ‘Slavery & the Bank’, which will explore the history of transatlantic slavery through its connection with the Bank of England and the City of London. The event will feature an archive table of original documents, a curator-led tour and a talk from Dr Michael Bennett, exhibition researcher for the exhibition.

The David Livingstone Birthplace Museum will host an event organised by Scottish-Zimbabwean artist and researcher Natasha Thembiso Ruwona in a two-day event over October 22nd – 23rd. ‘Our Stories Between the Myths and Memories’ brings a host of creative practitioners from the African Scottish diaspora to the Museum for storytelling through fiction, history, poetry, dance, music and workshops.

At the Horniman , a range of displays and events during October include its free display, Intimate Archives. Running until November, the display is said to offer “a window into African diasporic social experiments, rituals, and practices of hair care” with an assemblage of personal and found collections, Horniman Museum archives, and artistic collaborations.

Related Content

Plans approved to open historic Liverpool docks to public

Walker Art Gallery gifted Monet and Degas masterpieces

Plans to demolish former Museum of London site paused

National Museums Liverpool strikes set to continue at weekends

• Industrial Action

Stay up to date with our weekly Advisor newsletter

Sign up to our weekly newsletter to stay up to date with all the latest news, opinions and features from the cultural sector.

Your browser is not supported for this experience. We recommend using Chrome, Firefox, Edge, or Safari.

Win a mega prize package for Bristol Cocktail Weekend

Enter our competition for your chance to win a break to celebrate Bristol Cocktail Weekend this September.

More to explore

Special Offers

Summer in bristol, enewsletter sign up, theatre shows & performances, bristol walking tours.

Take a walking tour in  Bristol  and discover why much of the city is best seen on foot. Learn about  street art ,  history , culture,  food  and art and see some of Bristol's best sites too.

Street Art and Banksy

Bristol has a world-famous street art scene. There's a few different walking tours that celebrate and explore Bristol's rich street art connections and specifically our infamous son Banksy. You can see the latest murals with  Bristol Street Art Walking Tours  and  Banksy Bristol Trail . Explore the latest street art where the walls change weekly, and celebrate Bristol's unique creative culture with  Graft  who offer unique graffiti tours,  The Ultimate Bristol Walking Tour  take in many of the city-centre's best pieces as well as looking at Bristol's unique and fascinating history and the  Banksy Walking Tour  is a free, self-guided tour of the city.

Explore the extensive artworks in Bedminster on a Upfest Stories And Street Art Walk, or download the Banksy Bristol Trail app to go on a self-guided street art stroll.

History and Hidden Tales

The  Blackbeard to Banksy - The Ultimate Walking Tour  gives a fascinating insight into the city, and you can learn more about the history of Bristol’s Old City in the St Nicholas Market and Air Raid Shelter Walking Tour . 

Take an actor-led walking tour by Show of Strength Theatre Company and explore the ‘ Blood and Butchery of Bedminster ’, ‘ Crime and Crinolines in Clifton ’ among many others, or try their new tour for 2024, ‘Raising Cary Grant – The Bristol Footsteps of Archibald Leach’.

Discover the geology and history of Bristol on a walk with Steps in Stone , who offer a range of guided walking routes including a meditative stroll along Bristol rivers, or a four-hour walk taking you through the city (and Earth's) deep history.

Food and Drink Tours

Discover some of Bristol's best independents on the Hotspots & Hidden Treasures food tour in the city centre, sample delights from the best Wapping Wharf restaurants with Food Tours of Bristol , or learn more about the city's breweries and top bars with Craft Beer Tour Bristol .

Self-Guided Tours

Set your own pace on a self-guided tour with Treasure Hunt, Mystery Guides or GoQuest Adventures.

The  Banksy Walking Tour  is a free self-guided tour of the famous graffiti artist's work in Bristol – you're welcome! You can also join free tours of Clifton Suspension Bridge at 3pm every Saturday, Sunday and Bank Holiday from Easter to October.

Ghosts and Myths

Hear ghastly tales on the Bristol Ghost Tours , or if you’re after something tamer, learn about the Bristol Giants of the  Mythical Bristol Giants Walking Tour.

Our top walking tour picks...

Searching for something....

Searching for something in particular for your trip to Bristol? We can help you...

Not sure what you are searching for? Why not let us choose for you.

More tours & sightseeing....

The best way to get to know the Floating Harbour, Harbourside and River Avon is by taking…

Download free MP3 audio tours of Bristol to guide you around the city.

Audio Tours of Bristol

Make the most of a longer break in Bristol with a trip to a grand castle, lunch in a country pub or…

Day Trips from Bristol

We know that everyone likes to see famous landmarks and in Bristol we have plenty for you to tick…

Get a taste of the West while you’re visiting the area, and one of the best ways to try the…

Food & Drink Tours

You may also like....

Plan your trip to Bristol with these ideas.

Find Bristol street art by famous graffiti artist Banksy and many other artists who have painted the city in every colour and hue. 

A visit to Bristol doesn't have to be an expensive one. We've got so many great free attractions, activities and events for you to enjoy.

Sports & Active

From spectator sports to fun outdoor activities, Bristol has it all! Enjoy a round of golf or cycling in our amazing city – adventure awaits whichever way you turn.

Attractions

When it comes to attractions, Bristol has plenty to offer! Click here to browse the huge range of attractions in Bristol and get the latest information on opening times and prices. 

From vintage and retro, to the latest in high-street trends, we’ve got it all in both the department aisles and our famously independent districts.

Food & Drink

Looking for places to eat in Bristol? Come get your fill! We’re a real foodie city, just as renowned for our creative street eats as our fine dining scene.

Show us what you're getting up to in Bristol by tagging your photos #VisitBristol on Instagram!

#VisitBristol

E-newsletter sign up.

Sign up for our free e-newsletter to receive exclusive offers, news and inspiring ideas.

Special offers

From restaurants to shopping, explore the fantastic special offers available for your trip to Bristol right here.

Itinerary tripbuilder

Start exploring the site for all there is to do. Then, click "Add to Trip Builder" or the heart icon to start planning your adventure.

• Collections
• Listening Room

19 Black Bristol Women Who’ve Made a Difference

Pioneering, passionate and powerful, these women have helped change our city for the better. From artists to activists, from councillors to carnivalistas, these are names you need to know.

Compiled by the Bristol Museums Black History Steering Group. With thanks to volunteers Imogen Clarke and Harvey Folkes.

Our list starts after the 1950s. We know there were women of colour living and working in Bristol before then, but most were excluded from the public arena. Though these women were crucial to their communities, history books have not acknowledged their contributions.

Carmen Beckford

As a figurehead for race relations in Bristol and one of the founders of St Pauls Carnival, Carmen’s incredible community work led her to become the first Black recipient of an MBE in the South West.

Born and educated in Jamaica, Carmen was instrumental in setting up the first Carnival. She later became Bristol City Council’s first community development officer. She was the first Black person to be employed in such a high profile position in the city, and she worked to improve race relations in Bristol.

Michele Curtis

Artist, illustrator and graphic designer Michele Curtis is also the founder and director of Iconic Black Bristolians, now evolved into  Iconic Black Britons . The artist behind the 2018  Seven Saints of St Pauls murals project , Michele aims to celebrate the contributions that the African-Caribbean community have made to Bristol. Michele grew up in Easton and is the daughter of Jamaican parents; her mother came to Bristol from the West Indies in the 1960s.

Image: Michele’s mural of Carmen Beckford in St Pauls

Hyacinth Hall

Hyacinth Hall was Bristol’s first ever Black headteacher, becoming head of St. Barnabas in St Pauls in 1985. To understand how rare this was, even in 2018, only 26 out of 1,346 teachers in Bristol were Black.

Hyacinth fought against the poor standards of teaching for Black students in the community. She lived locally because she believed it was important for teachers to live in the communities in which they taught.

She was awarded an MBE in 2004 for her school and community work.

“It was the guiding principle behind my deciding to live and work in this country – to make a contribution to the country and also to Black people and to Black children.” Hyacinth Hall

Fahma Mohamed

When still a teenager, Fahma was the face of a national campaign to raise awareness of female genital mutilation (FGM). She was awarded Outstanding Young Campaigner of The Year by the Guardian in 2014.

As a member of the charity Integrate UK, she has continued to campaign for gender equality and an end to violence against women and girls. She became one of the youngest people in the UK to receive an honorary degree, when she was  presented with a doctorate by Bristol University  for her work against FGM.

 “… there are many people who have said that our work has broken the cycle of abuse in their family. I am so glad and thankful to everyone I have met on this journey, [who] has been willing to listen to me and others doing this work and given me the opportunity to help young girls out there.”

Cleo is the first Black woman to be Bristol’s Lord Mayor. She has fought tirelessly for community cohesion and social justice as an artist, activist and local Green Party councillor,

In her mayoral acceptance speech in 2018 she said:

“It is an absolute honour for my elders and community at large to see me here as the first citizen of Bristol, especially in the year that marks 50 years of St Pauls Carnival and 70 years since Windrush docked…It is a testimony to the distance travelled.”

Marti Burgess

Marti is a club and restaurant owner, business expert and current chair of St Pauls Carnival. She learned her trade from her parents who ran pubs and clubs, including the Tropic Club and the Bank.

Marti bought and ran the legendary Lakota nightclub with her brother Bentley. It was the first club to tour South Africa after Apartheid where they played to mixed Black and White audiences. Her impressive CV also includes managing DJs, running both a record label and numerous restaurants, and advising businesses.

Born to parents of Somali origin, Sado Jirde moved to the UK in 1999. Sado studied at the University of Gloucestershire, and started working at Black South West Network (BSWN) in 2007. She became the Director five years later.

Sado has worked to raise the profile of race equality both nationally and locally in Bristol. Shes believes that effective economic inclusion can play a role in rebalancing economic inequality. She’s also spearheaded many of Bristol’s cultural events, including the production of a timely film, #ThereISBlackInTheUnionJack in 2016. Sado was awarded The African Achievers Award.

Sherrie Eugene-Hart

Born in Bristol in the 1960s to Caribbean parents, Sherrie learnt to communicate with her deaf sister through British Sign Language and went on to continue to study language. She graduated from the University of Bristol in English Literature and British Sign Language. This led the way for her career, becoming the first black news interpreter for deaf people, working for HTV West and ITV West Country. She presented on regional TV, campaigned for signing for the deaf and received several national awards for her work.

Sherrie has won a number of awards, including one for her documentary about the Windrush generation.

Helen Wilson Roe

Helen is a painter, installation artist and filmmaker. Her work has been exhibited in Bristol, London, Birmingham and Brighton, and her paintings tell astonishing stories such as the Rwanda genocide. She has created murals for the Bristol Eye Hospital, the Bristol Children’s Hospital and a school in Easton. She has worked in the arts for Bristol Museums, Watershed and Kuumba in St Pauls.

In 2018, Lord Mayor Cleo Lake hung Helen’s portrait of Henrietta Lacks in place of a portrait of the MP Robert Nugent. Nugent had supported Bristol’s merchants in their demand for free access to the ‘African’ (slave) trade.

Peaches Golding

Lois Patricia (Peaches) Golding is the only Black woman to be appointed Lord-Lieutenant of the County and City of Bristol, and was the first Black female  High Sheriff of Bristol . Peaches was awarded an OBE for services to minority ethnic people.

She has served on dozens of public bodies, from mental health trusts to universities.

 “I am interested in listening to and understanding other people’s perspectives and in seeking peace and harmony.” Peaches Golding

Olive Osborne

Olive worked tirelessly for the community and fought for the least privileged in society. Among her many awards, she received the British Empire Medal in 1992 in recognition of her work.

Olive trained as a hairdresser, and became involved in politics in the 1970s by lobbying on behalf of the many people who were victimised by pyramid selling scams. A ‘quiet activist’, she worked mainly with children and older people.

She started a day centre for older Caribbean people in the 1980s. She also supported women with mental health and housing issues and founded a hostel to provide them with housing and care.

“It’s important to draw strength and support from your elders to guide you through life.” Olive Osbourne

Asher Craig

Councillor Asher Craig was elected as one of Bristol’s two Deputy Mayors in 2017 and has always been passionate about getting the voices of the underprivileged heard.

She was one of only two Black girls at her school where she experienced blatant racism from pupils and teachers. Teachers told her she couldn’t take O-levels, but Asher succeeded despite this. At 19 she became the youngest member of the Bristol Council for Race Equality.

She went on to play a key role in the creation of the Black Developmental Agency, whilst also securing government funds for Bristol’s communities. She joined the Labour party in the late 1990s, and was elected as a Labour councillor in 2016.

“I’m tackling discrimination on a whole lot of levels, but I have been fighting for too long to let the little prejudices and the ‘isms’ get in the way of me making a difference.”  Asher Craig, Bristol 24/7, 2018

Nura Aabe has been campaigning in Bristol for better recognition and treatment of Children with autism within the Somali community. She founded Autism Independence, an organisation aimed at improving the lives of children with autism, helping families and working with local authorities.

Nura is a pioneer in this area bringing culturally sensitive support and positive change for the future of autistic children and their families.

“Who is normal? We’re all different – I have quite odd behaviour sometimes. And I don’t see myself as different. I see myself as a powerful woman and that’s what we need to recognise as human beings.”

In 2017 Nura spoke at TedX Bristol on disrupting attitudes to autism:

Valda Jackson

Valda is an artist whose work has been shown at the  National Portrait Gallery , the  RWA  and many other galleries.

It’s important to Valda to make real and honest pictures of Black subjects, so that art is more representative and inclusive. Valda is passionate about working with children and young people and has taught in numerous schools, colleges and universities.

In 2002 Valda created the beautiful brick mural on St Pauls Learning Centre. It pays tribute to the importance of education and celebrates the diverse cultures within St Pauls and Bristol as a whole.

Valda was encouraged by a comment from a visitor to her first show:

“I feel that the portrayal of the women on the canvas has captured the whole history and feeling of our race… I found it deeply moving.”

Revd Dawnecia Palmer

Reverend Dawnecia Palmer helped reduce violent street crime in Bristol. She was made an Ambassador for Peace by the United Nations and has been awarded many awards including Woman of the Year.

In 2002 she founded the Peacemaker Prayer Patrols. They used prayer and communication as a way of reducing violent crime in Bristol. They proved so effective that she received a special award from the police.

As Dawnecia says,

“Weapons and violence is not an option. Education is a must, not only in subjects like Maths and English but self-awareness and respect for life.”

Primrose Granville

Primrose won  Female Presenter of the Year 2016  for her work on Ujima and BBC Radio Bristol at the National Community Radio Awards. She is also the Jamaican High Commission representative for Bristol.

Primrose has spoken out to encourage more people of African descent to become organ donors -something that’s not common practice. By breaking common misconceptions and trying to open more Black families up to becoming donors, she hopes more lives can be saved in the future by receiving viable organs.

Princess Campbell, 1939-2015

Princess was a pioneer who challenged prejudice in nursing and housing. She received an MBE for services to the community in 2011.

Despite the extraordinary barriers, Princess became one of the first Black ward sisters in Bristol in the 1960s. She campaigned tirelessly for disadvantaged communities and was involved with many other community organisations and Black history initiatives. Self-value, drive and education were important to her achievements

“Use determination and your self-esteem: value yourself and let no one crush you. When you come up against challenges and adversity, don’t run away; stay and fight if you want to change things. Education is a most powerful tool.” Princess Campbell

Barbara Dettering

One of the founders St Pauls Carnival, Barbara helped hundreds of families during her time as a social worker. She was a co-founder of the West Indian Parents and Friends Association which lobbied for better educational provision for children of Caribbean origin.

Barbara, a proud fighter of institutional racism, spent most of her working life with children, helping them overcome prejudices and strive for better.

Cathy Lecointe (née Waithe)

Cathy is an educator and co-founder of the pioneering Hummingbird Books. Cathy was awarded an MBE for her work in education.

Cathy set up a study skills course in St Pauls and was a governor at numerous schools and universities. She set up one of the first supplementary schools for children in Bristol where children could learn about their family heritage.

Hummingbird Books was set up in St Pauls by Cathy and her husband Frank in 1985. It was a place where people could access positive stories about Black people and their achievements.

Cathy has since done innovative therapeutic work on trauma and dislocation with people of African-Caribbean ancestry in Britain.

Bristol’s Black History

When did Bristol’s Black history first begin? We may never know, but the earliest records show a ‘blacke moore’ gardener (or maybe watchman or security guard) living and working in the city in the 1560s. Bristol later wrote itself indelibly into African history by becoming one of the major players in the Transatlantic Slave Trade. At least […]

Bristol’s Windrush Generation

An ex-Nazi troopship renamed the Empire Windrush brought this first wave of Caribbeans in June 1948. The term ‘Windrush generation’ is usually applied to the many African Caribbeans who came to the UK after the Second World War and up to the 1970s. These new arrivals were subjugated to colour bars, housing discrimination and outright […]

The summer of Taylor Swift and whether going to the Eras tour three times was really worth it

I spent hundreds of pounds seeing Taylor Swift's Eras tour this summer

• 16:09, 21 AUG 2024

Whether you're a fan of Taylor Swift , or not at all, chances are you've been unable to avoid hearing people raving about the singer all summer, as the record-breaking Eras tour has caused Swift-mania to sweep the UK, writes Sarah Lumley.

With hours of time dedicated to meticulously crafting Swiftie-themed friendship bracelets, and putting together the perfect outfit based on your favourite album - or 'Era' - the tour has been about so much more than simply the three hours Taylor spends on stage each night, celebrating the last 18 years of her career.

But when it comes to the show itself, aside from a brief segment near the end during which she performs two 'surprise song' mash-ups - which change every night - the setlist has remained unchanged, even down to the same speeches being made to the audience each night in between songs. So was it really worth shelling out hundreds of pounds to see the Eras tour multiple times this summer?

All new Taylor Swift Eras Tour merch and full price list

Victoria Beckham to star in new Netflix series after success of David Beckham show

As someone who went to see it three times - I can tell you that pretty much any Swiftie would tell you yes, it 100 per cent is.

This is only the second time I have ever seen an artist more than once on the same tour - the other being Taylor's bestie, Ed Sheeran, on his Divide tour in 2018 - and even as someone who has been a die-hard Swiftie for half my life, I did have a brief moment of wondering whether I would still be as excited by the time my third Eras tour show rolled around, as I was for my first.

But I needn't have worried - as it turned out, each show I went to just made me more excited for the next one, and by the time I went to my final show last Saturday (August 17), I found myself overcome with emotion at more than one point that I wouldn't get another chance to scream my favourite lyrics live at the Eras tour, surrounded by tens of thousands of fellow Swifties.

So what is it about the Eras tour that make it an extra-special show that keeps making you want to go back for more? Here's what I thought were the top moments that really stood out at each individual show...

The surprise songs

First and foremost, of course, is the acoustic set - which changes every night as Taylor plays a mash-up of two - or more - songs on the guitar, and the same on the piano.

With 11 albums' worth of songs in her repertoire, spanning almost two decades, the singer obviously can't include every track in her main Eras tour setlist, and so she challenges herself each night to surprise fans at this point in the show with hits that they don't hear every night - which are often more deep-cuts from her albums that were never released as singles.

These surprise songs can be from any of her Eras - meaning if you're a Speak Now fan, like me, you spent each night hoping and praying for an extra track from this album to be played during the acoustic section, after just one Speak Now song is performed during the main part of the show.

While I didn't actually get a single Speak Now surprise song at any of my three shows (booo), I'd be lying if I said I wasn't absolutely delighted with the selection of songs that I did get - especially the Tis The Damn Season/Daylight mash-up I was treated to at my first show in Edinburgh back in June. (Incidentally, now I need to go and get my ears pierced, which was what I said I would do if Taylor played Tis The Damn Season as a surprise song).

And beyond hoping for Speak Now surprise songs for myself, it was a really special moment at my final London show to witness my friend's reaction when Taylor started singing I Did Something Bad for the first time on the Eras tour - a moment I know my friend had been waiting for for a really long time, being a huge fan of the 'reputation' album.

The surprise song set is also a chance for Taylor to surprise the crowd by bringing out a special guest to perform one of her songs with her - she doesn't always do this, but during my second show at Wembley Stadium back in June, Taylor welcomed Gracie Abrams to the stage to perform the duo's brand new track, Us, which had been released two days previously, which was an awesome moment to experience.

Celeb spotting

In among the thousands of fans flooding into the stadiums to watch the Eras show, there is also a dedicated VIP section for celebrities who attend the show each night - and knowing you're in the same room as big names such as Paul McCartney and Jon Bon Jovi makes the experience all the more surreal.

From scouring Twitter on the nights that I was at the shows - as well as just squinting hopelessly down towards the celebrity tent from my nosebleed seats, and using my friend's phone camera to zoom right in and try and spot who was down there - I was able to discover just some of the famous faces enjoying each show alongside me.

These included Paul McCartney and his fashion designer daughter Stella McCartney; Cate Blanchett; Ellie Goulding; Jon Bon Jovi; Sharon Osbourne; Meg Ryan; Channing Tatum; Jason Isaacs; and Fleabag stars, Andrew Scott and Phoebe Waller-Bridge.

Taylor's parents, Andrea and Scott Swift, were also frequently seen walking through the crowds at each show, handing out bottles of water to fans on nights when it was particularly hot out - and always eliciting shrieks of delight that we could hear from far below us as fans got up close and chatted with Mama and Papa Swift.

Trading friendship bracelets

However you feel about Taylor Swift and her army of Swifties - it's got to be said, we're a very wholesome bunch. In 2022, on the bridge of her 'Midnights' song, You're On Your Own, Kid, Taylor sang the lyrics: "Make the friendship bracelets"... and boy, did Swifties run with it.

For months now, fans have been buying up friendship bracelet kits from Amazon or stores like Hobbycraft , and stringing fiddly beads together, spelling out their favourite song titles or lyrics - all to give away to fellow Swifties at Eras tour shows.

For me, some of my favourite moments from the tour were when adorable young Swifties, no older than about 10 years old, would come up to me and my friends outside the stadiums, all dressed up in amazing Swift-themed outfits and with arms full of bracelets, and ask if we wanted to trade bracelets with them.

Even once we had taken our seats and the show had started, we would be chatting to other fans around us in between eras, asking what their favourite albums were and swapping bracelets with them accordingly.

The result was bringing home a haul of brand-new bracelets after each show, each one a special memory of the experiences we all shared together - and I can't wait to figure out some way of displaying them as a lasting memento of the Eras tour.

The '22' hat

No matter how many times I saw this - both live in the stadium, and watching from home via a grainy livestream - it never failed to make me a bit emotional.

During the 'Red' era of her tour, when Taylor sings her hit song '22', she always comes out on stage wearing a black fedora hat - a replica of the one she wore during the 2013 music video for the song, which was designed by haute-couture hat designer Gladys Tamez.

However, by the end of the song, the fedora is no longer on Taylor's head - as each night, one lucky fan gets picked out of the crowd and taken up to the front of the stage, where Taylor comes to meet them in the middle of the song, and places the hat on their head for them to keep.

The adorable tradition usually sees a young child gifted the '22' hat - and they are usually left overwhelmed as their favourite singer gives them a big hug and has a little dance with them, before getting up and rejoining her line-up of backing dancers on stage.

It has become a key part of the show for those in the crowd to look out for the lucky recipient being led up to the stage by security before the song starts, and every night it is so heart-warming to see their reactions as they get the once-in-a-lifetime chance to share an embrace with the singer.

The show of a lifetime

Again - no matter how many times I heard the same setlist and saw the same choreography performed on stage, I will always be astounded by the show Taylor has managed to put together.

If you'd asked me prior to the Eras tour being announced - as someone who had already seen Taylor Swift live five times at that point, on previous UK tours - what my dream concert was, I would have said this. A compilation of all the Taylor Swift tours I had already seen - and more - and of the music I have been listening to and that has shaped my life since I was 15.

Taylor Swift has broken multiple records on her Eras tour - from putting together the highest-grossing concert tour of all time, to playing more nights at Wembley Stadium than any other solo performer. And getting to be even a small part of that has felt like it has really meant something.

Additionally, for me personally, with Swiftie friends dotted all over the country and even around the world - all of whom have a different favourite album - it's been such a highlight of the tour getting to text or message multiple people each night who I know will share my excitement over the surprise songs, or analyse little costume changes during the show and wonder what Taylor might be hinting at.

I think we've all been left wondering how we're going to fill that void now that the Eras tour is over in Europe, and almost over for good!

Special mention: Travis Kelce

Another moment for the history books, which happened to take place during my second Eras tour show on June 23 at Wembley Stadium, was the moment that none other than Taylor Swift's beau, Travis Kelce, made a surprise appearance on stage during the intro to I Can Do It With A Broken Heart, the final song of The Tortured Poets Department set.

The transition into this song is the same every night, with two of Taylor's back-up dancers getting her ready and trying to hype her up to go out on stage and perform the fun, cheery song to the crowds, while Taylor acts as though all she wants to do is slump onto a comfy-looking red couch and have a rest from performing.

However, what no-one saw coming on this particular night was American football star Kelce leaving the celebrity tent, where he had been spotted supporting Taylor and dancing along earlier in the night - and re-appearing up on stage alongside the usual dancers.

Never before has Taylor gone so public in such a big way with any of her previous relationships, and Wembley Stadium absolutely erupted with cheers and shrieks as Kelce looked like he was having the time of his life playing his own little role in the show.

As fun as this was to witness, I kind of hope it's not something she repeats at any of her remaining Eras tour shows in the USA or Canada later this year - as I'd love to be able to say I was part of the only crowd that got to see Travis Kelce joining in on stage!

Official Eras Tour merch

If you - like me - are already missing the Eras tour, and you want something to remember it by, official Eras tour merch is already popping up for sale on eBay, including the tour t-shirts in various colours, which are available for just £11.39 each, compared to £40 on the Taylor Swift website.

And this blue crewneck sweatshirt , which cost £65 from the merch stands at the tour, is available on eBay for just £38.60.

You can also buy collections of pre-made friendship bracelets from Amazon, for as little as £10 for 14 bracelets , or £12.89 for 23 bracelets .

• Taylor Swift
• Most Recent