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BRISTOL Museum of the Moon at Ely Cathedral 2019. Photo: James Billings
Meet the new West of England Metro Mayor, Dan Norris.
What’s your connection to Bristol?
Dan Norris with Angel aboard the SS Great Britain
I’ve lived in the West of England my whole life. I grew up in Bristol, South Gloucestershire and Bath and North East Somerset and went to local schools. I’m a life-long Bristol City supporter whose ups and down are a perfect training for politics. What is so special about the city to you?
MOON LANDING One year after its postponed exhibition, Bristol Cathedral is set to host Luke Jerram’s celebrated Museum of the Moon in August 2021. Measuring seven metres in diameter, the moon features 120dpi detailed NASA imagery of the lunar surface. At an approximate scale of 1:500,000, each centimetre of the internally lit spherical sculpture represents 5km of the moon’s surface. The installation is a fusion of lunar imagery, moonlight and surround sound composition created by BAFTA and Ivor Novello award-winning Bristol-based composer Dan Jones. The moon will be on display in the crossing of Bristol Cathedral from 11 August to Bank Holiday Monday 30 August, with opportunities to book to experience the artwork in the evenings as well. Donations and proceeds from the display of the artwork will go towards the work of Bristol-based charity St Mungo’s, who work towards ending homelessness and rebuilding the lives of those affected by it. To deepen your experience of this exceptional artwork, the cathedral will be offering a curated programme of events, run in collaboration with other Bristol institutions, including concerts, recitals, children’s craft events, and more. The full programme of bookable events and evenings will be available from the end of June. • bristol-cathedral.co.uk
10 THE BRISTOL MAGAZINE
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JUNE 2021
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No 199
I love Bristol, it’s an amazing location – a jewel in the crown of the West that is surrounded by beautiful countryside and thriving towns and villages. We are a city of culture and heritage: in fact I officially became Metro Mayor aboard the SS Great Britain. We are the place that produced street artist Banksy, social reformer Mary Carpenter and Hollywood’s greatest, Cary Grant. We have quirky independent shops. The city's diversity is its strength. What can the people of Bristol expect to see while you are the West of England Mayor? Well, people can expect to see a lot more of me than my predecessor! I was delighted to win the election but whether you voted for me or not I’ll be a Metro Mayor who listens carefully and aims to do the best for you and your family. My manifesto laid out a whole series of plans including for 23,000 new green jobs and to make our part of the world the bee and pollinator capital of the UK. How will the green recovery plan affect Bristol? I'm a former environment minister so this is a subject dear to my heart. Like many in Bristol my politics have always been both red and green. After Covid, we can't go back to business as usual which is why I’m launching my Green Recovery Plan. I also want us to explore more working from home which can have environmental benefits. We need to hit those ambitious targets for net zero by 2030. With COP26 coming up this is a really big year. Who deserves a shout-out to for their efforts during the pandemic? When the first lockdown hit I was blown away by the response of Bristolians as mutual aid groups sprang up around the city. Of course it is terrible that we need them at all, but the generosity of people giving to food banks really
makes me proud. What we really need is food justice for all. What have you been reading/watching/listening to during lockdown? Madam Secretary, Match of the Day (that’s a must!) and plenty of briefing notes – I have been in a campaign! If you could have dinner with anyone dead or alive, who would it be and why? John Lennon. He marries art and politics. He was a visionary. Plus, he clearly had a good sense of humour. He’d be a fascinating dinner companion. What is your first action now you have been elected as the new West of England Mayor? I’ve already been talking to local businesses and trade union leaders – and the best of those visits have been in person – making the most of the easing Covid restrictions and seeing what amazing things cities like Bristol have to offer. I’m also planning my jobs and skills summit that I pledged to hold in my first 100 days. What are your hobbies? You might have seen Angel my dog on some of my Zoom calls. I love taking her for walks in the countryside. And Bristol City of course. What is your philosophy in life? To get things done while challenging assumptions and respecting those around you.
