Outcry Culture heavyweights urge council to restore Bristol Nights

ABOUT 100 representatives from Bristol's nighttime economy and cultural sector have signed an open letter urging the city council's leader to reverse a decision to scrap the Bristol Nights project.

- Adam POSTANS

As reported, the Green-led local authority decided behind closed doors to terminate the partnership, which has introduced a series of successful public safety campaigns, including anti-spiking measures, drug safety, Bristol Rules, Women’s Safety Charter and Thrive at Night.

The council's nighttime economy advisor is also being made redundant.

Opposition Labour branded the move “outrageous” and demanded a rethink and a full debate in public.

Now about 100 organisations and individuals have joined the outcry and put their names to a letter to council leader Councillor Tony Dyer demanding the continuation of Bristol Nights.

They include many local heavyweights from the industry, such as Lakota, Love Saves The Day, FORWARDS, Watershed, Trinity Community Arts, Thekla, Bristol Old Vic, and the 02 Academy Bristol.

Their letter said: “We write collectively as representatives of Bristol’s nighttime economy, including Bristol’s venues, restaurants, promoters, festivals, freelancers, suppliers and cultural organisations who contribute to the life of this city after dark.

“We are concerned and shocked by the attempt to quietly close down Bristol Nights and silently make redundant the position of Bristol's nighttime economy advisor with absolutely no engagement with, or involvement in the process from, any stakeholders or business within the city that the position represents.