It’s been almost two years since Sparks completely changed Bristol’s high street. ‘The department store with a difference’, which took over the former M&S in Broadmead in 2023, is now a hub for ethically-minded and money-conscious Bristolians. This May, it’s inviting you to a special two-day celebration marking its second anniversary.
Sparks Bristol has a weekend of free events, alongside a fundraiser championing young sustainability heroes, planned for May 9 & 10. It will celebrate two years of creativity, sustainability and community in the heart of Bristol with a packed programme of performances, workshops and panel discussions. The anniversary weekend is produced by Artspace Lifespace and Global Goals Centre.
Kathryn Chiswell Jones, Company Manager at Artspace Lifespace, said: “Sparks has become a living, breathing demonstration of what’s possible when creativity and sustainability come together. Our anniversary weekend will be a celebration of all we’ve achieved, and an open invitation for Bristolians to shape what comes next.”
What’s on at Sparks for its second anniversary?
On Friday, May 9, No Place Like Home is a panel discussion exploring the role of Indigenous knowledge and the arts in driving global climate action. Visiting speakers from Aotearoa New Zealand include Dr Tia Reihana, Piripi Morunga (Ngāpuhi), Bristol-based community organiser and researcher Cleo Lake and Sparks resident artist MoYah. It’s followed by a performance from Indigenous Afrikan storyteller Kabbo Hue Ferdinand (and to book head here).
Then, on Saturday, May 10, you will find a full day of drop-in activities for all ages from 11am to 6pm. Visitors can expect family-friendly art workshops, walkabout performances and interactive games exploring climate themes, as well as the chance to meet Sparks’ team of volunteers, the Sparklers. A highlight of the day will be the free Fair & Fabulous Afternoon Tea (1:30–3pm), serving ethically-sourced treats in the upstairs café.
Meanwhile, Sparks has also launched a new fundraising campaign. The Global Goals Centre – which co-founded Sparks and has delivered climate education workshops to over 900 young people in the past year – aims to champion young sustainability heroes for the next year. The fundraiser is running until Tuesday, April 29, with Green Match and OVO Foundation, matching all donations.
Since launching in 2023, Sparks has welcomed almost 950,000 visitors and diverted more than 18,000 items away from landfill. The centre has become a space for climate education, creativity and community collaboration, offering an evolving mix of exhibitions, sustainable shopping and cultural events. To learn more about Sparks Bristol head here.