People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Cathy Mager
Cathy Mager is a Bristol artist and curator who has been appointed by Bristol Music Trust to lead their National Lottery supported £4.75m Lantern Project at the Bristol Beacon.
The Lantern Project is part of the transformation of the former Colston Hall and aims to bring to life the story and history of the Hall in an interesting, creative and inclusive way.
Cathy is most recently known for creating and directing Sign Night, a short film that was part of the BBC’s Culture in Quarantine series.
is needed now More than ever
These are Cathy’s top-five Bristol favourites:
A Cappella
A Cappella was opened on Wells Road by husband and wife team Paul and Jennifer Stewart in 2007 – photo: A Cappella
“A Cappella in Totterdown been voted the country’s top pizza restaurant by night, but for me it’s also one of the top deaf friendly cafes in Bristol by day. The staff here are always so lovely. After lockdown was lifted, the first thing my kids wanted to do was to have a milkshake at A Cappella.”
The squirrel in Arnos Court Park
The squirrel was painted by Gage Graphics – photo: Cathy Meger
“During lockdown. I took a daily walk with my children through Arnos Court Park woods which has amazing wild garlic in spring. We’d pass the graffiti squirrel by Gage Graphics on the way and it always made me smile.”
Bristol Beacon
https://www.instagram.com/p/B2oZr26BhpG/
“The historic Bristol Byzantine wing of the Bristol Beacon building amazes me with its many secrets. Its transformation is a chance to reclaim and rediscover lost stories about Bristol’s diverse cultural heritage, and to celebrate the times when performers such as Ella Fitzgerald and the Beatles graced its stages. I’m excited to have the opportunity to bring some of the venue’s history and heritage to life for future visitors to enjoy, through the creative Lantern Project.”
The green bus at M Shed
Used in Bristol, this Lodekka bus was built in 1966 and was withdrawn from use in 1983. The bus type is a Bristol FLF6B, meaning flat floor, long body, front entrance – photo: Bristol Museums
“The iconic exhibit to Bristol’s civil rights movement: the Bristol Bus Boycott. My family visits the M Shed multiple times a year and the kids always make a beeline for what they call the ‘big green bus’.”
Jubilee Swimming Pool
Jubilee Swimming Pool in Knowle was previously saved from closure in 2017 (when this photo was taken) – photo from Jubilee Pool campaign group petition page
“We love this pool, which has so many happy memories with our children and their friends swimming here. It is at risk of closure which would be a huge loss to the local community.”
Main photo: Cathy Meger
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