Cotham Hill Street Party
1917. Simon Baines
Simon Baines, from Bristol, set up the annual ‘Cotham Hill Street Party’ in 2010, which has since grown into one of the city’s largest community events.
Simon set up the first event as a way to encourage shoppers back to the area, rejuvenate the High Street and promote the more than 50 businesses based in Cotham Hill. Starting out with 125 people, thousands of visitors now attend every year, with this year’s party, featuring live music, market stalls and street food, taking place on Sunday 22 May.
In a personal letter to Simon, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on the success of the ‘Cotham Hill Street Party’. You have created a fantastic community initiative which is supporting local suppliers and our precious high streets to build back better.
It is so uplifting to see the spirit of community return for its twelfth anniversary, which brings people together through live music, local produce and good company!”
Simon said:
“Thank you very much for this award, it is wonderful to have our work recognised. The ‘Cotham Hill Street Party’ came about as a means of supporting the local community, both traders and residents alike. It could not happen without the good will of many people, musicians, traders and most especially the many volunteer stewards who have given their time each year and made the street party possible. A huge thank you to all of them.”
Pictured below: Cotham Hill Street Party in 2018
