150 Years of The Clifton Suspension Bridge Brings Village To Life

As Brunel’s famous Suspension Bridge gears up to celebrate its 150th birthday later this year, people from across the South West are being invited to explore its place of birth in a new three day event, Discover Clifton Village.

In just a few days, the village’s diverse array of shops, restaurants and businesses will join together to showcase one of Bristol’s most beautiful suburbs with a weekend of music, entertainment and in-store events.

Discover Clifton Village, which will be held between Friday 26^th and Sunday 28^th September, is the first of its kind in Clifton and shall give people the chance to see what the village has to offer as this key milestone in British history approaches.

People from Bristol and beyond shall be able to pick a new autumn/winter wardrobe with their very own personal shopper, watch live illustrative art in the shop window of Made, enlighten their tastebubds with a range of cheese and wine tasting,s and they can try their hand at pottery painting in the Mall Gardens.

Visitors can also enjoy a variety of music, street entertainment and a pop-up driving range, plus numerous activities for children and families.

Discover Clifton Village is going to be hosted by BID Clifton Village, the Business Improvement District formed in 2012 to support organisations within the area and enhance Clifton’s already broad offering. The team behind the BID will announce the full programme in early September.

Andrew Morgan, chair of BID Clifton Village, said: “This is a great opportunity for people from across the South West to explore the wonderful, Chelsea-style ambiance the Village has to offer.

“It’s a real chance for people to feel part of the community, engage with the traders and spend time visiting the eclectic range of shops, businesses and eateries on offer, whether it’s the high-end exclusives or the Boy Scouts Saturday morning stalls. Come along and soak up the atmosphere!”

People will also be encouraged to take in Clifton’s extraordinary setting with a stroll around its beautiful Georgian architecture and up to some of its most famous attractions, particularly the Clifton Suspension Bridge in its anniversary year.

A full programme of activities can be found at www.discoverclifton.co.uk.

The 150^th anniversary of Clifton Suspension Bridge will be on the 8^th December 2014. To mark the event, BID Clifton Village will also host a Victorian-themed Christmas market later in the year.

Contact Rosie Joseland on rosie_j@blueyonder.co.uk for more information.