News / Turbo Island
Exploring the heritage of Turbo Island
The phrase, “if you know, you know” is often associated with cryptic messages displayed on billboards at Turbo Island in Stokes Croft.
Deciphering them has become pastime for some.
However, a billboard has recently appeared at Turbo Island which requires little decoding.
is needed now More than ever
Danny Stewart, a Bristol-born graphic designer, is the creative hand behind it.
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The billboard heralds the arrival of Turbo – a free, limited edition newspaper.
The publication will delve into the history of Turbo Island which has so far resisted gentrification despite neighbouring areas radically changing over the years.
Speaking to Bristol24/7, Danny Stewart, who this year graduated from a graphic communication course at Cardiff Metropolitan University, said: “Seeing my billboard up above Turbo Island was so awesome.
“It’s still hard to believe that what started out as just another uni project, is now spread across Bristol, along with a massive billboard shouting its message in the heart of Stokes Croft.
“I’m super proud of how far it’s come and how it’s turned out.”
Stewart is not just the designer of the billboard but the force behind the upcoming newspaper.
On this, he said: “I’m so grateful for everyone who’s helped bring it to life – from the printers to the promoters – the creative community in Bristol seems to have really got behind it.
It’s clear that the newspaper’s message really hits home with a lot of Bristolians, and I’m stoked to be part of it.”
“Make Bristol Sh*t Again” is a play on former American president Donald Trump’s famous slogan, “Make America Great Again.”
Stewart continued: “Of all the spreads in the newspaper, ‘Make Bristol Shit Again’ is the one that always seems to catch people’s eye and why it had to be the centrepiece of the billboard.
“Maybe it’s the rather blunt nature of it, or the comical spin on MAGA, but whatever it is it gets people curious – and that’s exactly what I hope for because underneath the humour, there’s a more serious message I wanted to share through my newspaper.”
Turbo Island has so far resisted gentrification despite neighbouring areas radically changing over the years – photo credit: Milan Perera
Stewart wants his newspaper to celebrate Turbo Island. He said: “Looking past its late-night shenanigans and instead delving more into Turbo Island’s history, you find that there’s more than meets the eye to the seemingly unremarkable triangle of land.”
“Right at the heart of Stokes Croft, it’s become a symbol of the area’s struggle against gentrification and its threat to cultural identity. I wanted to celebrate Stokes Croft’s vibrant history and its visual landscape – raw, bold, and full of energy. My newspaper, with its ‘Make Bristol Sh*t Again’ spirit, is all about showcasing the imperfect beauty of the city.”
Turbo Island was tarmacked in October 2022 by landowner Wildstone after Bristol City Council issued a community protection order. Mayor Marvin Rees at the time said: “We welcome the landowner taking action to prevent further anti-social behaviour at this hotspot.”
Main photo: Milan Perera
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