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Now's The Time To Discover Bristol

Not since the opening of Isambard Kingdom Brunel's world-famous Clifton Suspension Bridge in 1864 or Concorde's inaugural flight in 1969 has Bristol anticipated such a momentous year.

But 2008 promises to be just that, as a number of major developments are completed and key milestones for the city's festivals are achieved, placing Bristol firmly in the international spotlight.

Top of the shops

The highlight of 2008 will come in the Autumn, when Bristol's largest city centre regeneration programme since the post World War 2 reconstruction will be completed.

The £500m Cabot Circus scheme will feature an expanded shopping district with 120 new stores - a mix of aspirational fashion retailers and prime high street chains.

The new shopping quarter will include a landmark House of Fraser store and a Harvey Nichols boutique catapulting Bristol into the elite of UK shopping destinations.

In addition, the historic buildings at Quakers Friars will become the centrepiece of a new European style piazza, featuring apartments, shops, restaurants and cafes as well as a brasserie from internationally-renowned French chef Raymond Blanc.

Flying high

The year also marks the 30th anniversary of the Discovery Channel International Balloon Fiesta, Europe's largest hot air balloon festival.

It all began back in 1978 when Don Cameron, owner of the world's largest balloon manufacturer, Bristol-based Cameron Balloons, decided to create an event that would draw together balloonists from around the world.

From this small beginning, the Fiesta has grown year after year attracting over 100 balloons each summer and crowds of over 500,000 people.

Sporting success

Bristol is also attracting its fair share of major sporting events. In 2008, the city will host the UK School games (28-31st August), as well as the National Premier Tennis League Finals (23-27th April) and in the Summer, (21st June) the England cricket team will be playing New Zealand at Gloucestershire County Cricket Club in Bristol.

Other major events in 2008 include:

- Slapstick - Bristol's Silent Comedy Festival - 17-20th January 2008
A celebration of the funniest silent comedy on the planet, with the people most passionate about it, including comedian Paul Merton.

- Inside DNA: A genomic Revolution - December 2007 to August 2008
A unique hands-on exhibition looking at our identity and our evolution.

- EDF Energy Bristol Harbour Festival - 1-3rd August 2008
Features a wide range of entertainment all taking place before a backdrop of hundreds of colourful vessels in Bristol's floating harbour.

- Bristol International Festival of Kites & Air Creations - 30-31st August 2008
An aerial extravaganza featuring flying displays, synchronised routines flown to music and power kites as well as colourful ground-based inflatables.

- The Soil Association Organic Food Festival - 6-7th September 2008
Largest celebration of organic food and farming in Europe.

- Radisson SAS Bristol Hotel - late 2008
Leading hotel group opens its first Bristol property with 150 rooms and suites in a landmark building on Bristol's city centre.

Just around the corner

But, 2008 is just the start of Bristol's renaissance. 2009 sees the completion of the £20million Colston Hall redevelopment, providing bars, restaurants, improved disabled access and rehearsal, recording and education facilities to what is already the South West's leading concert hall.

And, in 2010 Bristol will have a new museum dedicated to the city's history thanks to a £10.2million Heritage Lottery Fund grant.

The final phases of the Bristol Harbourside development will also be unveiled in 2010/2012. This mixed development combines new bars, restaurants, open spaces and apartments with the great attractions like Explore-At-Bristol and across the river, the award winning Brunel's ss Great Britain.

Feisal Khalif, marketing manager for Destination Bristol said: "There has never been such a great time to visit Bristol. There is a real buzz about the city with these key developments nearing their completion.

"There is no doubt that Cabot Circus is going to attract many millions more visitors to the city and that these visitors will also experience the wide variety of attractions that Bristol has to offer.

"The city has a rich history, from the 19th century engineering of Brunel to the studios of Wallace and Gromit's Aardman Animations. Over the next few years another transformation will take place putting Bristol firmly on the map, positioning the city not just on a national level but also as a destination with international appeal."

For more information on where to stay and what to see in Bristol visit www.visitbristol.co.uk or call the city's Tourist Information Centre on 0906 711 2191 (50p/min) or the booking hotline on 0845 408 474.

-ENDS-

Notes to Editor
1. Destination Bristol, formerly the Bristol Tourism and Conference Bureau is a not for profit partnership between Bristol City Council and Business West. Destination Bristol is the destination management partnership for Bristol and South Gloucestershire and leads the marketing of the area as a travel destination. The aim of the organisation is to work with members and partners, to increase business competitiveness, support employment and economic growth, and raise the profile of the Bristol city-region as a European-class travel destination.

For more information please contact:
Kerrie Grist
Marketing Executive
Destination Bristol
Tel: 0117 946 2205
Email: kerrie.grist@destinationbristol.co.uk