Features / Better Bristol
Celebrating a Better Bristol
People came from across the city to celebrate #BetterBristol at Bambalan on Wednesday, July 31. The sold out event was a resounding success, with over 400 attendees that were entertained by DJs, fed by the Square Food Foundation and enjoyed free drinks from local breweries.
The event began with free prosecco as the queue looped down the venue’s stairs and into the streets.
With public members and Better Business supporters invited, as well as anyone interested in #BetterBristol, guests included Thangham Debbonaire MP, staff from Bristol City Centre BID and people who simply wanted to enjoy a drink in the sun.
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Enjoying drinks from Cocksure, which were labelled with #BetterBristol branding from Workbrands, Bristol Beer Factory and Zazu’s Pubs, guests mingled and found out more about the #BetterBristol initiative from Bristol24/7 staff in bright yellow shirts.

#BetterBristol beer from Cocksure and designed by Workbrands. Phoot by Josh Kendall
Before the music kicked off at 7pm, guests were treated to a film showing the true breadth of work that #BetterBristol does in the city.
After a short speech by Bristol24/7 Managing Director Ben Wright, Indian street food, including samosas and dahl, was served by young people who have recently graduated from the How To Be A Chef course, supported by the Square Food Foundation.
As Ngaio took to the DJ decks, businesses headed to a stand full to bursting with information on how to become a #BetterBusiness member and how to support the initiative’s projects.
As the evening turned into the night, Colston Hall lit up with the Bristol24/7 and #BetterBristol logo.
Later on, Addison Groove played an excellent set as guests spoke to Bristol24/7 staff and learnt how far a £5 monthly membership can go to support disadvantaged people in the city, as well as the free perks they can receive throughout Bristol, such as free pints in Arnolfini.
Before long, all attention turned to Bristol-based Addison Groove, as everyone danced long into the night. The team at Bristol24/7 want to give a big thank you to all the businesses that supported the event and all of the people, musicians and chefs that came along and made the event so worthwhile.

A big thank you from the team at Bristol24/7! L-R: Josh Kendall, Hannah Cornford, Adam Burrows, Ann Sheldon, Amy Gardner, Ruth Morris, Ben Wright
Sign up to become a supporter member at my.bristol247.com
Main photo by Chris Cooper.
Read more: Better Bristol