News / Bristol24/7
Bristol24/7’s most-read stories of 2024
A high tide, the return of a crocodile and far-right protests are some of this year’s most-read stories.
Sneaking into the mix is Bristol’s love for independent shops as people couldn’t bear the news about the closure of a store that had been on Park Street for more than a century.
A noteworthy mention to Castle Park’s free party where hundreds descended to celebrate 4/20.
is needed now More than ever
Here are some of our website’s most-read stories of 2024:
1. Bristol Crocodile returns to the docks
Either Bristol loves art or crocodiles – it’s one of the two. The story of the crocodile sculpture returning to an alcove in the docks garnered the most attention.
The sculpture was the latest from Getting Up To Stuff, others including a bear at the top of Jacob’s Wells Road, a Day of the Dead-themed Catrina next to the partly-demolished Grosvenor Hotel and a protester on College Green.
Getting Up To Stuff’s crocodile sculpture showed up at the docks in September – photo: Mandy Jones
2. LIVE: Bristol local elections result 2024
Election count days almost always mean sleepless nights. Our small team puts in every ounce of effort and energy to make sure the results reach you first.
At this year’s local elections, the Green Party won 34 seats in City Hall – just a few seats short of an outright majority.
Labour won 21 seats, the Lib Dems now have eight and the Tories seven.
Green Party co-leader celebrates with some of the victorious Green candidates – photo: Martin Booth
3. Bristol neighbourhood named one of the world’s coolest
Stokes Croft and St Paul’s were named sixth in Time Out’s World’s Coolest Neighbourhood 2024 list, with other names including neighbourhoods from across the world including Notre-Dame-du-Mont in Marseille, Seongsu-dong in Seoul and Kerns in Portland.
Stokes Croft is one of the two neighbourhoods in Bristol that have made it to the coolest neighbourhoods list – photo: Megan Foulk
4. Martin Clunes and James Buckley spotted filming in Bristol
Our city loves spotting and reading about well-known actors filming out and about in the city.
In August, Martin Clunes and James Buckley were filming scenes for Mother’s Pride outside Bristol Aquarium which was transformed into the venue for Great British Beer Festival.
Towards the end of the year, we also saw scenes for the Amazon Prime series Young Sherlock being filmed in the heart of the city.
The stars were seen filming in Bristol in August – photo: Film Hub South West
5. The highest tide Bristol has seen for years
A high tide in March caused several roads to be closed, as water made its way over the lock gates next to the Pump House. Parts of the Chocolate Path besides the New Cut were also completely submerged.
6. Shop to close after 116 years
More than a century of memories were built at Bristol Guild on Park Street.
Many people across Bristol were heartbroken to learn that the doors of the shop that first opened in 1908 would finally shut.
The higgledy-piggledy shop now remains empty with a question mark looming over its future.
The once bustling shop has now closed down for good – photo: Bristol Guild
7. Immigration lawyers named as far-right’s next target in Bristol
When far-right protesters gathered in Castle Park for a protest that soon turned violent, many immigrants across the city were left feeling vulnerable.
A second anti-immigration rally was later announced, this time outside the office of immigration lawyers in Old Market.
In reality, the far-right never showed up. Instead of hate, the streets were filled with love.
The day ended with a street party with people dancing into the early hours.
The anti-immigration rally was to take place on West Street in August – photo: Martin Booth
8. Bristol get its first ‘beer bike’
We truly can’t put a price on experiences.
A £450 hour-long ride from St Jude’s to Queen Square and back, while chugging down as many beers as one can – that’s what the Beer Bike brought to Bristol.
There were many unique offerings that could be purchased at an extra cost, including a “pretty waitress” and a “handsome waiter”.
The price has now dropped to £370 according to the Beer Bike’s website – photo: Martin Booth
9. Hundreds descend on Castle Park to celebrate 4/20 day
Castle Park was buzzing with sound systems, food, stages and hundreds enjoying 4/20 Day.
The annual event takes place on April 20 every year and gives cannabis smokers the chance to unite and celebrate all things marijuana.
Whether that be a rave in the corner of the city or a party to save Turbo Island, Bristol will always assemble for a free party.
All you could see was people having a gala time celebrating 4/20 at Castle Park – photo: Mia Vines Booth
10. Exact location of Bristol’s gallows rediscovered by historian
Several centuries ago, gallows stood in what is today a pedestrian crossing on Cotham Road.
A historian also revealed the precise position of a stone cross – Bewell’s Cross where many convicted of crimes prayed before being executed.
In 1820, the gallows were moved from St Michael’s Hill to the roof of the gatehouse of the New Gaol on Cumberland Road, now part of Wapping Wharf.
A section of Bewell’s Cross makes up part of the wall on Cotham Road – photo: Martin Booth
11. Bristol restaurant loses Michelin star
Paco Tapas lost its Michelin star that it had held since 2017.
Bristol now only has one restaurant with a Michelin star (Bulrush in Cotham) but still has many restaurants that have been awarded a Bib Gourmand, a Michelin Guide award for restaurants with high-quality food at affordable prices.
Paco Tapas in Redcliffe was first awarded Michelin star in 2017 – photo: Dominika Scheibinger
12. Bristol braces for return of far-right
Hours before the second far-right protest, businesses were boarded up, buses were diverted and people were advised to avoid Old Market.
The far-right never made it, however, and the protest became a street party.
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13. Is there truth behind the Bristol Zoo parking attendant myth?
A story that was published in 2021 keeps making its way back to being our top-read stories. The mystery behind the existence (or non-existence) of this parking attendant at Bristol Zoo’s former site in Clifton always raises eyebrows and people want to know the truth.
Bristol Zoo left its historic home in 2022 – photo: Martin Booth
14. Angered drivers take to streets against Uber
Uber drivers took to the streets so they could fight for better wages.
Among their many demands were hopes that Uber would reduce or regularise the “dynamic” commissions charged on every ride so they were able to take home more money.
The drivers showed up outside Uber’s Bristol office in St Paul’s to discuss their demands but were disappointed to find the office closed.
The protesters gathered outside Uber’s office hoping their demands would be heard – photo: Florin Talos
15. Bristol’s oldest ferry-crossing returns
In May, Conham Ferry made a return with people once again being able to get to Beese’s from the Hanham side of the River Avon.
The ferry required skippers to be trained so they could tackle the tidal river.
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16. Demolition finally underway on derelict hotel
When demolition finally started at the once grand Grosvenor Hotel near Temple Meads, former mayor Marvin Rees welcomed the step calling the building an “eyesore” to Bristol. This was on February 3.
By February 7, the hotel’s demolition had been stopped midway with most of the building being reduced to rubble but the 1930s extension still standing.
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17. Bristol bakery named among UK’s most creative coffee shops
Hart’s Bakery, hidden within two railway arches next to Temple Meads, is one of Bristol’s most popular food and drink destinations. An award named it as one of the UK’s most creative coffee shops.
Hart’s Bakery marked a decade at Temple Meads in 2022 – photo: Hart’s Bakery
18. Bristol brewery named UK’s best
In more food and drink awards news, Wiper and True were named the nation’s best brewery at the Brewers Choice Awards 2024.
Additionally, the brewery also won the sustainability champion award with fellow Bristol brewery Lost and Grounded competing closely in both categories.
Michael Wiper founded Wiper & True with Al True, with the pair originally aiming to make cider – photo: Wiper & True
19. Huge new M&S to replace Cabot Circus
Walking by Cabot Circus in the past few months means witnessing the gigantic M&S boards, stretching through the shopping centre’s length and breadth.
Many people (including the team at Bristol24/7) were very excited when M&S announced that they would be returning to the city centre in what was previously House of Fraser.
Bristol is ready to welcome Marks & Spencer back to the city centre – photo: M&S
20. Live: Bristol general election results 2024
Four journalists stationed in pairs at two counts on July 4: that was the team who brought you live updates from the ground on election night.
From long periods when nothing seemed to be happening to the rapid announcement of all constituencies almost simultaneously – Bristol24/7’s journalists managed to keep you up to date with all that was happening on a historic night.
Bristol North West MP Darren Jones and Bristol North East MP Damien Egan at the counts in Redfield – photo: Betty Woolerton
Main photo: Martin Booth
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