Other cities are looking at Bristol's new initiative to encourage families to ditch the car for one Sunday in the month and enjoy all manner of entertainment and activities in a car free city centre environment. The event only covers six streets but Bristol East applaud the idea introduced by new City Mayor, George Ferguson and felt it was an ideal opportunity to recruit some more Arctic Defenders as part of the ongoing campaign to Save The Arctic. The idea has already been successful in the cities of Bogata and Bordeaux and now Bristol is trying it out!
Despite the heat a couple of us suited up as polar bear and walrus in a bid to gain attention from the steady stream of people enjoying a car free Corn Street. On this occasion we had to share the limelight with a wide range of weird and wonderful characters who were drafted in to give the day a carnival atmosphere - including colourful stilt walkers, pointy-headed alien tourists, a band of pirates, Mr and Mrs 'Flowerpot' Head, strolling minstrels dressed in all shades of pink, a group of shouty Shakespeare thespians and a couple of lollipop ladies who seemed to disapprove of everything ... er including Greenpeace! In other areas there was BMX bike displays, a boxing ring, a climbing wall, basketball matches, sofas in the street, children chalking on pavements, and samba drumming.
With smiles abound lots of people were in a positive mood and willing to sign up to become Arctic Defenders. So about 250 city street revellers joined the 3.5 million people who agree that the Arctic should become a global sanctuary, free from commerical development. To sign the petition, click here.
We were grateful that our pitch was on the shady side of the street and even our newly purloined lawn (courtesy of B&Q) seemed to have a welcoming cooling effect.
Many thanks to Ian, Natasha, Fi, Carol and Rich B for running the stall and help make Sunday that little bit more special! Three further dates are scheduled for 18th August, 29th September and 20th October, but it will need to be decided whether the group will attend these dates. More information on Make Sunday Special can be located at this Bristol City Council link.
The video below was taken at June's event and gives you a flavour of the enjoyable atmosphere. Further photos are on our Flickr site.
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