CITYIST

THE CITYist

BBC searches for local heroes

Every day heroes who make a difference where they live will be recognised in a new community award scheme run by every local BBC radio station in England and they need your help finding people who should be honoured. It will be part of the BBC's Make A Difference awards to recognise remarkable people; marking their achievements and contributions to lives in their communities. Make A Difference was first set up at the start of the first pandemic lockdown and is a virtual notice board for those offering help and those needing support. To date over 8 Million people have interacted across all 39 local BBC radio stations. Categories cover the unsung heroes of every community from great neighbours, inspirational teachers, awesome volunteers or even outstanding key workers. There are eight award categories, nominations are now open and will close on the 29 April 2022 at 11pm. The winners will be announced at the Make a Difference awards hosted by your local BBC radio station at a ceremony in September. Chris Burns, Head of Audio and Digital for BBC England said: “The last two years have been challenging for everyone. Listeners have contacted us to share the stories of how people have helped each other and we wanted to find a way of celebrating those unsung heroes and telling those amazing stories.”

My BRISTOL

Meet Vivek Gurav, founder of the environmental group, Bristol Ploggers

What’s your connection to Bristol?

I am in love with this city. I come from Pune, India and am currently pursuing my MSc in Environmental Policy and Management at University of Bristol. For me, Bristol gives me those Pune vibes –I have been feeling at home in the city since day one.

For anyone that doesn’t know, can you briefly explain what plogging is?

Plogging is a simple act where you pick up litter while jogging. It aims at making an individual multitask while jogging and focuses on both personal fitness as well as environmental fitness.

How did you get into plogging?

I first started plogging in Pune. Rivers in Pune are very polluted. After speaking to my friends and youth in the city, I personally felt that government action wasn’t going to solve the problem. After a successful 30-day plogging challenge, I found a lot of friends liked the idea and later joined me in the daily activity.

Now, it has transformed into a nationwide community-led initiative for sustainability. Pune Ploggers is the world's largest community plogging campaign and has attracted more than 10,000 members.

How many plogging missions have you been on in Bristol and how much rubbish have you picked up in the city so far?

Since February 2022, I have completed 45 plogging runs in Bristol. A team of 15 of us have picked up more than 500kgs of rubbish.

Tell us about your new group, Bristol Ploggers...

Bristol Ploggers will be open to collaborations from all kinds of communities aiming at exploring the city, promoting the idea of individual activism to fight climate change. Through plogging, we will talk about the real facts influencing and driving climate change. Readers can find all relevant details of Bristol Ploggers on my Instagram.

What are you reading at the moment?

At the moment, I am currently reading Atomic Habits: An Easy & Proven Way to Build Good Habits & Break Bad Ones by James Clear. It has been a life-changing book for me. Plogging in Bristol was one of the things that I started doing after reading this book.

If you could have dinner with anyone from any era, who would it be and why?

Send me to a dinner with heads of all the governments across all countries –I want to know who is at the decision making end and what is it that’s preventing them from switching to greener ways of living.

What is your philosophy in life?

My philosophy in life is: be in the moment. Let’s be aware of how much of an importance we all carry in someone’s life.

Bristol Sounds announces biggest ever line up

Bristol Sounds has announced its return to the city's much-loved harbourside, with the event expanding to six nights for the very first time. Bringing a landmark bill of live music to the heart of the city, the open-air summer concert series will take place from 22 June to 27 June.

The weekend will kick off with Noel Gallagher's High Flying Birds and Confidence Man. Newly added to the bill is Paolo Nutini on 23 June and Elbow on 24 June. It's the first time since 2014 that Paolo has played in Bristol after a sell-out show on the harbourside that summer.

Saturday 25 June will feature electronic pop duo Jungle with just announced support act, Welsh electronic musician, and producer Kelly Lee Owens. Sunday 26 June will see First Aid Kit and Katy J Pearson serving up a headline show for Bristol and wrapping up the 2022 edition will be The War On Drugs.

• Tickets are available for purchase from: seetickets.com

St Nick’s night market returns

Market traders are set to light up Bristol’s Old City again as the city welcomes the return of St Nicholas night market on 8 April.

Located next to St Nicholas Market (St Nick’s), the event will be spread across St Nicholas Steet, Corn Street, Exchange Avenue and All Saints Lane, bringing the Old City to life.

From 5pm to 10pm visitors will be able to enjoy a wide selection of stalls selling food and drinks from local producers and suppliers. The market promotes sustainability and intends to build on Bristol’s Gold Sustainable Food City status.

There will also be a host of familyfriendly entertainment throughout the evening, including a fantastic musical line-up featuring local musicians and DJs, dance classes, circus performers, light installations, a garden party, lantern workshops and more.

Many shops within the neighbouring streets are also expected to stay open for late night shopping in support of the event.

Image credit: Rebecca Noakes Photography

Live music at Rainbow Casino

This April, Rainbow Casino is supporting the best local talent from Bristol and the surrounding areas. From guitarists and jazz soloists to saxophonists and singers, the live music events every Friday and Saturday night are offering something for everyone. Music starts at 8pm, so make sure to get there early to get a good seat. On 9 April, look out for Luke Greenhalgh. For those of you who like a little bit of swing, jazz and pop music to liven up your Saturday night, then Bristol based Luke is the entertainer for you. On 15 April, Chile-native Silent Garden will be taking to the stage and on 16 April, Jukebox James –an exciting solo act from Swindon –will be performing a range of pop classics and rock favourites with his guitar. Ultimately, whether you’re a Bristol-based musician looking to gig at one of the city’s most lively venues or simply looking to ring in the weekend with some live music, these events are for you.

• For more information about the line-up at Rainbow Casino, visit: rainbowcasino.co.uk