Destination Old Market

An artistic project reimagining Old Market through music and performance will be a voyage of discovery for audiences.

The area’s artists, history and businesses will be brought to life through sound and theatre as creative types take to the streets for a performance extravaganza.

Destination Old Market: A Sound Odyssey will see Bristol musicians including Hiphoppapotamus, t l k, Mossfellow and James Storm playing in makeshift venues and non-typical gig spaces, while the Theatrical Promenade will feature the writing of Old Market resident and theatremaker Tom Marshman combined with the work of historian, “Afrofuturist and gadfly” Edson Burton and performers across many art forms.

“Old Market is one of my favourites places in the city,” Esther Afikiruweh, Trinity’s combined arts producer told Bristol24/7.

“It’s a melting pot, with its queer history, and all the amazing architecture. The area and its surroundings have an almost bohemian feel because they’re left to their own devices. They attract a lot of interesting people and leave a lot of room for artists to make them their own. There’s a great sense of community here.”

The Sound Odyssey, which takes place on October 12 and November 2, will be “abit of a quest” for those that take part, said Esther – they will be given a list of artists playing along with a map of venues, but will not be told which acts are playing where or when.

“You might stumble across acts you know, you might not, but that’s the fun of the event!” she said; “We want to encourage people to check out new music, so they realise the sheer talent and diversity of independent artists in Bristol. That’s how our taste in music and love for it grows and develops.”

The project is also designed to showcase the diversity and brilliance of independent businesses in the area, with shops and unusual spaces like Bristol Vintage, Coven Hair Studio and Old Castle Green transformed into pop-up venues for the event.

 

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The Theatrical Promenade – taking place over the next four Sundays – will, in particular, highlight the rich history of the local buildings and businesses.

“Edson has chronicled a lot of the history of Old Market,” explains Esther. “Merging that with Tom’s show will give a comprehensive, curated history in a nice fun way. It will highlight spaces, places, people and independent businesses that you might not necessarily have ever looked at as you walk past.

“The Stage and Hounds, for example, is one of the oldest pubs in the city. The Gin Palace has an amazing history as well.”

Theatre maker Tom Marshman has been described as ‘a tour de force’ and ‘evocative’ – photo: Vonalina Cake

Tickets for both parts of Destination Old Market are £5 which comprises a deposit that attendees can either get back at the end of the event, or convert into a voucher to spend at a local independent business.

“Unlike with chains, money spent in local businesses stays in the neighbourhood – we should shop local and invest in local people,” said Esther.

Find more information, including full lineups, and book tickets at www.trinitybristol.org.uk/about/news/Latest/old-market-set-for-a-vibrant-takeover-this-autumn

Main image: Khali Ackford

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