LET’S FAST FORWARDS TO SEPTEMBER FOR THE RETURN OF BRISTOL’S NEWEST MUSIC FESTIVAL

Ahead of FORWARDS returning to Bristol Downs, the Capture FORWARDS exhibition will see emerging talent present their take on the inaugural edition next week at Trinity Centre

Harnessing the power of live events and bringing people together for incredible live music and positive change, FORWARDS festival will make its highly anticipated return to Bristol Downs on Friday 1 - Saturday 2 September 2023.

Following the success of its inaugural edition, audiences can expect the platform for social purpose and timely debate to return to Bristol Downs alongside a lineup of the biggest names in international music. As festival-goers eagerly await the announcement of the line-up, dropping soon, fans can get their FORWARDS fix with the Capture FORWARDS Exhibition at Trinity Centre on Thursday 23 - Saturday 25 February.

As part of the 2022 edition FORWARDS invited young aspiring photographers to apply to take part in Capture FORWARDS. A project that ran in collaboration with Big Team CIC, it aimed to provide entry into the music, events and festival industry to those who historically haven't been able to access it.

As part of this, four up-and-coming photographers took part in a workshop and mentorship programme with professional photographers, which culminated in a paid placement over the weekend of FORWARDS 2022, working as part of the media team. Since this project, every one of the participants is now working as a photographer in the industry.

Naomi Williams, Megan Tsz Kiu Ip, Jade Ayino and Ismael Abdi make up the emerging talents who will present their work as part of the Capture FORWARDS Exhibition. Presented by FORWARDS and Big Team CIC at Trinity Centre, the people of Bristol are invited to explore the works and experience the festival through the eyes of the Capture FORWARDS cohort.

Megan Tsz Kiu Ip, said of the experience: “Capture Forwards was my first opportunity at festival photography and it was the perfect platform for me to stretch my photography skills and connect with fellow creatives. After Capture FORWARDS, I have gotten more opportunities to photograph events and I’m grateful to those who made the program possible.”

Championing grassroots and supporting new talent is an integral cog in Big Team CIC's ethos and this exhibition is the ultimate opportunity to showcase the encompassed investment in the four photographers.

Phoebe Holamn of Big Team CIC, said: ‘Big Team’s goal is to create accessible pathways into the creative industries and we are utilising Team Love's flagship events as the perfect place and route to create these opportunities. Capture FORWARDS was born out of a need for more diverse representation in the photography world. Through this programme we’ve been able to develop skills, and create an environment in which applicants can meet other professionals, learn and connect. It’s been an amazing project to see grow and build a legacy for.

With line-up announcements to follow in the coming weeks, the first weekend of September should be highlighted in Bristol’s cultural calendar as an event not to be missed.

The Capture FORWARDS exhibition will be held at Trinity Centre for three days. With the private view on the evening Thursday 23rd and it open to the public on Friday 24th & Saturday 25 February from at 10am -5pm.

This year’s Window Wanderland takes place from 11th March to 13th March from 6pm until 9pm each night in Shirehampton. It originally featured local residents doing their own designs displayed in their front windows but this year Shirehampton Window Wanderland is expanding. Shirehampton Window Wonderland

They are working with several local artists – Annelies, Juliet & Sarah – who will work with local schools and groups as well as individuals who will contribute to our High Street shops and business window designs to make the area as bright and welcoming as possible, following the footsteps of Shire Christmas Illuminations.

Some shops will feature daytime themed designs and others will have night time Window Wanderland designs shining brightly on our very own High Street.

There will be opportunities again for workshops providing ideas and materials for all people and families who’d like to participate in this year’s event.

You don’t have to be artistic, just an idea that can be turned into reality for your home windows.Shirehampton Window Wonderland

In the meantime there are workshops taking place every Thursday from 3pm until 8pm at the JTE Hub based at the Methodist Church that faces the High Street in Shirehampton.

You could be helping with the High Street window art which will be a hive of activity or just need advice for your own home window design. This is an event to bring our community and High Street together.

“I am hoping that our artwork will brighten up our high street and make people smile. I also hope the publicity will bring people from other parts of Bristol to enjoy it too.” said Juliet Le Feuvre

Whilst Sarah Trigg said “Our community and our High Street are really worth celebrating and this is a brilliant, creative way to do it. I hope loads of people feel welcome to contribute and many more have fun spotting all the art.”

Meanwhile Annelies Egli concluded: “This project is a great opportunity for local creatives to collaborate and share their ideas and experience with one another and the public. I hope that this one off event will light the way to future events and exhibitions which bring together, showcase and celebrate local talent.”

John Hastings has been co-ordinator for Shirehampton’s Window Wanderland event and can’t wait to see all the window displays that have been made in recent weeks not only for homes but the local shops as well. “Shirehampton’s Community Plan Committee decided that the High Street would really benefit from a pick me up at the end of a long winter. Following the previous success of BS11 Window Wanderland, grant money form the High Street Funds were allocated and some local artists have stepped forward to help decorate the windows of many of the local businesses. Let’s hope it’s a great success for everyone involved”.

You can still sign up for Window Wanderland in Shirehampton by going to: www.windowwanderland.com/event/ shirehampton-2023/

You can also email: shirewindowwanderland@gmail.com if you have any questions and don”t forget to join and follow their Facebook

Group: www.facebook.com/groups/shirehamptonwindowwanderland and their Instagram Page: shirewindowwanderland