With decades of executive-level experience spanning independent, corporate, and public sectors, specialising in Marketing, Operations, Licensing, Logistics, and System Implementation. Holding significant positions at Luminar Leisure Plc, Rank, Northern, The Drinks Group, University of East Anglia, and currently as Chief Executive of the Night Time Industries Association. He has led high-level initiatives with local and national governments and key stakeholders, focusing on best practices for venues, bars, pubs, festivals, and live venues, as well as a high-level media advocate for the nighttime economy throughout the pandemic, featuring in central Government strategy and over 20,000 media interviews during this period.

After working as a filmmaker and campaigning for a change in the drug laws, Cara was elected to Bristol City Council in 2024. Having spent years trying to affect change from the outside, she is now focussing on what can be done inside the system. This includes working with stakeholders in Bristol including drug users, drug treatment workers, public health officials and the police about how we can improve harm reduction within the confines of the law whilst lobbying central government to recognise the additional harms and risks that prohibition of some drugs creates. Cara firmly believes we cannot police our way out of the various drug-related crises we face and drugs should be a health matter, not a criminal one. She would also like to end the use of the false dichotomy, 'alcohol and drugs' commonly used in the public health arena.

Grace is Head of Music Minds Matter, a charity working to put positive mental health wellbeing centre stage in music. Prior to joining Music Minds Matter, Grace led the Music for Dementia campaign and co-authored the Power of Music report having previously worked as a music therapist for over 10 years in adult psychiatry, education and the NHS, having trained initially as a bassoonist. Grace is passionate about working with all those in music to ensure the industry can be a beacon for positive mental health. Grace also holds several trustee roles, including Chair of Our Dementia Choir.

Mark joined the Avon and Somerset Constabulary in May 1995, fulfilling his childhood ambition of becoming a police officer. Building on his foundations as a patrol officer, Mark then became Bristol’s Community Safety Sergeant, a move that was the starting point for what became over 20 years of working with local and particularly minoritised communities across the City. In addition to his core roles, Mark has worked as a Tactical Firearms Commander, overseeing the deployment of armed officers. He is one of the Constabulary's Silver Public Order Commanders. This role brings responsibility for planning and managing policing operations for protests, disorder and large-scale public events, including St Pauls Carnival and Bristol International Balloon Fiesta. Mark has been a police negotiator for over 15 years and leads the Constabulary's team of officers trained to deal with crisis intervention and hostage-taking. As Avon and Somerset's Drugs Strategy lead, Mark shapes the local police's policy for drug-related issues and has supported harm-reduction initiatives including drug safety testing. In his current role as Bristol Police Commander, he is sits on the Keeping Bristol Safe Executive and Chairs the Community Safety Partnership and Youth Justice Partnership Board. Through specialising in Neighbourhood and Community Policing, Mark has developed an extensive network of local contacts, who are invaluable to the partnership working he is committed to. Away from work Mark is a proud father of two and enjoys running (slowly) and following his favourite teams in rugby (Bath) and football (Crystal Palace)

Michele is Pro Vice-Chancellor (Global Engagement) of the University of Bristol, where he is also Professor of Urban Resilience in the School of Geographical Sciences. Michele is also a managing editor of Urban Studies. A keen researcher and practitioner of urban governance, not least at night, Michele is a renowned voice on the international dimensions of city leadership and currently leads several research programs centred on urban politics and how cities tackle ‘global’ challenges – including how this plays out after dark. He is the chief investigator for the Australian Research Council project "Night Shift", investigating the management, design and planning of the spaces that night shift workers inhabit, and co-author of "Managing Cities At Night" for Bristol University Press. He has also advised and worked on night-time economy policy and urban design at the local, regional and national levels, for instance, by serving on the City of Melbourne’s Nighttime Economy Advisory Committee. Before joining Bristol, Michele taught Studio N (night) at the University of Melbourne School of Design and produced the "Cities After Dark" podcast miniseries.

Carly is Bristol’s first Night Time Economy Advisor and chair of Bristol Nights. Carly designs people-centred solutions to support businesses, workers and audiences who enjoy the city from 6pm-6am. Her efforts with Bristol Nights have been at the forefront of Night Time Economy innovations, such as the UK's first city-wide Harm Reduction policy, the establishment of a Women’s Safety Charter, and Thrive-At-Night, which concentrates on the wellbeing of night workers.

Amy has a long and successful track record as a leader and collaborator in culture and creative industries, communities and broadcasting. She served as London’s first Night Czar from 2016-2024, and is now founder and CEO of 24hr Cities, a global consultancy. She co-founded the legendary Olivier award-winning queer club night Duckie and hosted it for over 25 years. Amy’s passion for music can be heard on her weekend morning shows on BBC Radio 6Music. Her debut book, From Prejudice to Pride: A History of the LGBTQ+ Movement – the first LGBTQ+ history book for children – was published by Hachette in June 2017. She has an Honorary Doctorate from the University of East London, is an Honorary Professor at University College London, and was recognised as a National Treasure as part of the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee. Originally from New Jersey, Amy has been a proud Londoner for 30 + years.

Aysha is a dedicated advocate for safety, inclusivity, and wellbeing in Bristol's nightlife and the wider events scene. Since 2022, Aysha has been a pivotal figure in Bristol Nights' women's safety campaign. They began by delivering anti-sexual harassment training to nightlife organisations across the city before moving to co-produce Bristol's Women's Safety Charter and redevelop the training to meet industry needs. Aysha has personally trained over 200 industry professionals, empowering them as active bystanders and Champions of safety. In 2024, Aysha was appointed as Night Time Economy Officer, a role in which they continue to upskill and support the sector and push forward the work of Bristol Nights and others working to the same goal. Beyond Bristol Nights, Aysha has spent most of their career immersed in live music, starting out at much-loved Bristol venue Trinity, with an ambition to increase diversity and inclusion within technical production. Aysha left Trinity in 2023 to pursue her ongoing freelance career as a lighting designer, sound engineer, and stage manager. Their experience spans spaces from The Jam Jar to St Pauls Carnival to Glastonbury, working with artists such as Waldo's Gift, CASISDEAD, and Erykah Badu. Aysha's commitment to community and safety extends to their volunteer work, serving as Trustee for SARSAS (Somerset and Avon Rape and Sexual Abuse Support) and Bristol Pride, advocating for the rights and safety of marginalised communities. With a blend of professional expertise and a deep-rooted passion for welfare and belonging, Aysha is a driving force in making nightlife and events safer and more inclusive for everyone.

Jono’s background comes from over 35 years of working in the music entertainment industry. He was formally a professional freelance Musician for 15 years, including session work at the BBC. He went on to develop and run a unique national music student network of events and award ceremonies, which was a launchpad for numerous up-and-coming talent at the time including Ed Sheeran. He retrained as a Health and Safety Advisor specialising in noise and hearing health working at festivals and events across the UK. Due to loud music exposure in his early career, he unfortunately has music induced Tinnitus and hearing loss and is now very passionate about raising awareness on hearing conservation in the music industry. Jono sits on the Board of Directors at the world’s leading custom hearing protection company ACS. In 2014 he launched a campaign called Play Safe Now - Hear Tomorrow on hearing conservation issues, which has received support from acclaimed names in the music industry and music education institutions worldwide. He lectures on this subject at most of the top music conservatoires and universities in the UK. Jono sits on the Musicians’ Health Advisory Board for the charity Help Musicians UK and was involved in helping set up the Musicians’ Hearing Health Scheme. He’s been an advisor for the Association for Electronic Music’s Health Working Group and was an active contributor for the Tinnitus UK (British Tinnitus Association) Plug’em campaign. Jono is now working closely with the Night-Time Industries Association supporting the Listen For Life campaign and has also been invited to join the board of Trustees at the charity Last Night a DJ Saved My Life.

Paul Broadhurst is the manager of the 24 Hour London initiative for the Greater London Authority (GLA). He leads a team that researches, develops policy, and tests projects to make London a more sustainable and fairer 24-hour city.

Lydia has worked in the drug and alcohol sector for 15 years. Starting her professional life working in a mother and baby rehab before working her way up through team leader and service manager roles before eventually becoming Director of Operations with us. Lydia is a passionate harm reductionist committed to building non-judgmental and non-coercive services that prioritise quality of life and well-being as successful outcomes.

Katy is a nurse and worked in HIV services (Mildmay Hospital), substance use treatment (South London & Maudsley NHS Foundation Trust, City Roads Crisis Intervention, Cranstoun Drug Services) and homelessness (Thames Reach), both as practitioner and in senior roles, as manager and director. Katy has also taken on voluntary roles related to mental health and homelessness as Governor for Camden & Islington NHS Foundation Trust, and for the past 7 years, and continuing, as Trustee/Vice Chair for Depaul UK. With extensive experience in working across health & social care services, collaborating with a broad range of stakeholders from voluntary sector partners, to Public Health, Local Authorities, and newly formed Integrated Care Systems, Katy is committed to developing and expanding the services and reach of The Loop to ensure our drug checking service and harm reduction advice and information is accessible and available nationally.

Christian Sayer is Senior Policy Officer (Night-Time Economy) at West Midlands Combined Authority, where he has led on NTE policy in the region since the role was created in 2023. He has 8 years of experience working in regional economic development policy and holds an MSc in urban studies from UCL. He also co-owns a sports-based NTE business and has previously owned a number of culture-based NTE businesses.

Gareth Williams is a Principal in the Culture and Night Time Economy team of the Greater Manchester Combined Authority (GMCA). He focuses on the night time economy of Manchester, and is passionate about the role of public services in urban areas. He was also the co-founder and former Director of Hive Urban Farms, an urban farm in Manchester.

Mike is Belfast's first night czar, leading the initiative to boost the night-time economy in the city centre, appointed by three organisations Belfast One, Linen Quarter BID and Destination CQ. With decades of experience in hospitality, Mike works to bring together bars, clubs, transport operators, restaurants, police and volunteers to work collaboratively.

In Cork, the new role of Night-time Economy Advisor was awarded to Fiona Collins, the former Chairperson of the Guinness Cork Jazz Festival. She is responsible for delivering the night-time economy strategy alongside a dedicated stakeholder forum representing cross-business sector and community interests.

Anna combines a scientific mind (PhD Biochemistry) with the creativity of a cultural leader; her unique approach ensures organisations flourish. Anna is driven by excellence & creating positive social change, & thrives on collaboration & building innovative cross-sector partnerships. She develops impactful programmes that inspire – transformative examples include founding the current Bristol Pride (2010), Fog Bridge for Bristol Green Capital (2015), Night Songs with the National Trust (2015), The Tale (2017), Bristol Open Doors (2018-21). Outside of Design West, Anna leads Indigo Network (the largest LBTQ+ network in the UK) and Bristol Folk Festival.

Nicola Beech is a former cabinet member in Bristol and Labour's current candidate for West of England Mayor. She's highly experienced in infrastructure and city planning as a core element of her roles within local government and the public sector.

A proud public planner and a self-confessed Junglist, who has worked in local and regional government for 20 years. Alex is the Director of Economy of Place at Bristol City Council, responsible for regeneration, climate emergency, economic development, planning and strategic transport.

Ellie is Associate Professor in Urban Innovation and Policy at UCL's department of Science Technology Engineering and Public Policy, where she is co-director of the Urban Innovation and Policy Lab. She is also an outspoken advocate and campaigner for increasing the quality of Women's health services.

Bethan serves as the Business Engagement Officer at Bristol City Council, with a mission to ensure every entrepreneur in Bristol is aware of the available business support. Having run her own retail business for five years, she understands first hand the highs and lows of entrepreneurship. Driven by this experience, she was inspired to transition into a role where she could connect businesses with the resources and support they need.

Katie is an accomplished Senior Event & Venue Manager with over 15 years' experience in the sports & events industry, and a huge advocate for women in sport. She recently took up the position Bristol Venue Manager for the Women's Rugby World Cup 2025. Bristol is one of 8 host cities around England which will host 2 quarter-final and both semi-final games 🏉.

Daniel Palmer is a dedicated advocate for social inclusion, gender equity, and community well-being, with a career spanning consultancy, leadership, and strategic engagement. Currently serving as Civic Partnership Manager at Everyone Active, Daniel leads on social value and community engagement initiatives across Bristol. By fostering robust civic partnerships, he champions inclusivity in sport and physical activity, ensuring accessibility for all communities and promoting meaningful engagement with diverse groups. Daniel’s professional journey reflects a deep commitment to creating equitable opportunities and nurturing talent within underrepresented communities. His consultancy work with Dearbump, focused on gender equity in the workplace, highlights his dedication to supporting women’s health and equality. Similarly, his advisory role with Babbasa, a social mobility enterprise, demonstrates his passion for empowering young people from marginalized backgrounds to achieve their aspirations. As a mental health advocate, Daniel has undertaken Captain’s Training with Talk Club, a men’s mental health charity, equipping him to facilitate safe spaces for open conversations about mental well-being. His leadership extends to serving on the Board of Trustees for Wesport and acta Community Theatre, where he drives strategic initiatives that amplify social impact and celebrate diversity in the region. Daniel’s commitment to allyship and advocacy was further recognised when he was selected to join the inaugural cohort of the Allyship Ambassador Programme. This pioneering initiative equips influential leaders to stand with and for marginalised groups, challenge inequality, dismantle systemic barriers, and create spaces where everyone feels valued and heard. At the heart of Daniel’s work lies a belief in the power of collaboration and inclusivity to build safer, thriving communities. His multifaceted experience positions him as a key voice in advancing safety, equity, and opportunity within Bristol and beyond.

Ian is the Business Crime Reduction Manager for Cardiff Against Business Crime embedded within FOR Cardiff BID. He is also the Purple Flag coordinator for the Cardiff Partnership managing the evening and night time economy and has led on submissions for the accreditation since its first grant in Cardiff in 2018. He spent 30 years with South Wales Police retiring as the Community Safety Inspector for the city in 2011. During his police career he was seconded to the Home Office to join the Tackling Knives Action Programme (TKAP), where he was responsible for promoting the sharing of hospital assault attendance data with Community Safety partnerships across England and Wales following the Cardiff model of data sharing.

Shell is a hospitality veteran with 18 years FOH experience, focusing primarily on operations, training, and business development. She has worked for some of London's best restaurant groups including Hawksmoor, Gaucho and Polpo. Having suffered a life changing burnout late 2020, she has changed her focus to improving the mental health working conditions of people in the industry by forcing difficult conversations out into the open, specifically concerning the hidden epidemic of addiction. Her podcast We Recover Loudly offers a platform for people with experience of drug and alcohol addiction, in the industry to discuss what we can do to change the systemic culture of excessive substance use we have. The episodes also highlight how it is possible to break these habits and still work within the industry, having a thriving career while in recovery. Shell's work continues to look beyond high levels of addiction we have and ask, "if alcohol/drugs were the solutions to a problem, what problems do we have in our industry that we need to change?” The services she provides include onsite workshops promoting a safe and inclusive drinking culture in the workplace, small group coaching for managers to help them better support team members, and as a qualified recovery coach she also runs 121 mentoring for hospitality leaders who want to change their relationship with drugs and alcohol.

Ellie is a live sound engineer with 6+ years experience working at festivals and venues around the country and abroad. Currently part of the in house technical team at the recently reopened Bristol Beacon (FKA Colston Hall), she also delivers regular live sound courses for wxmen on behalf of Saffron, and writes produces and DJs under the newly launched alias Rose Holland (FKA Dutchie).

Martin Booth is the Editor of Bristol24/7, the city’s leading news and entertainment website and magazine. Martin is the author of the bestselling guidebook '111 Places in Bristol That You Shouldn’t Miss' and has written for publications including The Times, The Guardian, The Telegraph and Time Out. Martin leads regular walking tours of Bristol, and in his spare time enjoys cycling and drinking locally-brewed beer. Follow him on Twitter for all things Bristol and more at @beardedjourno.

Jamell Ackford is an accomplished arts professional with 14 years of experience, dedicated to fostering inclusivity and vibrancy in the arts. As the Director of Culture at Trinity Community Arts, Jamell has played a pivotal role in shaping the programming at this historic music venue and community hub, bringing his vision for accessible and impactful cultural experiences to life. A champion of diversity and emerging talent, Jamell's programming highlights underrepresented voices and fresh perspectives. His work includes producing for St Pauls Carnival since 2022, where he has contributed to spotlighting up-and-coming talent and creating a celebratory space that reflects the rich diversity of the community.

Hadie Abido is the co-founder and director of The Jam Jar, an independent creative space in Bristol that began its journey 10 years ago. The Jam Jar aims to support local talent and promote inclusivity in the arts, whilst being a key component of national & global touring infrastructure. Under his leadership, the venue has become internationally recognised creative institution and an essential part of Bristol’s cultural identity. Hadie has recently been funded by Arts Council England to explore the music of the Middle East & North Africa. This year he has been looking at heritage & identity through the lens of music.

Poppy Stephenson is a seasoned sustainability leader with a track record in delivering world-class events and pioneering green initiatives. She began her career in Bristol, where she managed large-scale shows like Brisfest, Tokyo World, and Boomtown, and took an active role in the local arts scene before going on to manage the event control centre at Glastonbury. As a founder of Bristol Festivals and a board member for the Beacon and the Bristol Music Industry Network, she raised essential funding for sustainable practices, contributing to Bristol’s Green Capital project to help Bristol events lower their environmental impact. Her expertise in sustainability evolved further through her work with international experiential events for global brands, where she sought to bring the ethically minded initiatives of the festival world into the corporate space. At isla, the events industry’s sustainability body, she led the development of leading tools such as the TRACE carbon calculator, Proseed, and the Progression Pathway, designed to guide the industry toward net-zero goals. Now with Sustainability Simplified, Poppy translates complex concepts like Net-Zero roadmapping and Carbon Neutrality into practical, actionable strategies for organizations and events, driving real environmental change. Her background as an award-winning CEO, charity trustee, and university lecturer has shaped her into an effective strategist, facilitator, and leader, engaging stakeholders to secure buy-in across the board. Known for her ability to translate industry jargon into pragmatic actions that drive real change, she continues to advance sustainable practices within the global events industry.

Elahe is a an architect, urban researcher and educator, with experiences of working and teaching in different cities and sectors, dedication to contextual values, and passion for equitable futures of cities and their public and cultural life. She has been critically exploring spatial practices that challenge normative values and imaginaries of public places and urban spaces, and highlighting multiple stories, temporalities and approaches through which different forms of exclusions and dominations are resisted. Elahe is an academic at UWE Bristol, and a member of Board of Trustees at Bristol Women's Voice.

Katy joined Bristol Women's Voice in November 2020. She has worked in the violence against women and girls sector for 15+ years in practitioner, leadership and consultancy roles. She continues to provide independent consultancy in the specialist women’s sector.

Lorri joined SARSAS in 2020 as Head of Services before becoming CEO in 2024. Since joining the team, she’s been instrumental in helping to develop our service delivery teams, including our counselling, specialist support work and pathway navigation teams, as well as our helpline services. Lorri’s career began in the Civil Service, where she worked for 15 years, before she retrained as a counsellor and worked as manager for a counselling charity.

With a background in education, mental health and support, Meggan speaks from a place of lived experience of sexual violence and male violence - this experience and expertise inform the many ways in which she works within SLEEC. As a project manager and facilitator, Meggan works with men and those most likely to perpetrate harm and violence to explore how we collectively dismantle male violence and rape culture that centres compassion, accountability and transformative justice. Through co-curating learning spaces that provide men with the opportunity to unpack their internalised relationship to patriarchy, sexism and masculinity, Meggan understands how (un)learning, action and community are essential in challenging and changing the current male violence epidemic.SLEEC is a survivor led organisation that changes conversation, supports survivors and dismantles the roots of male violence by working directly with men. We fight for collective liberation, and for those with lived-experience of trauma, harm and oppression to inform and influence all work on misogyny and rape culture, across the UK. We exist to find real ways to reduce harm caused by male violence and misogyny on a national and international level.

Ojay McDonald is the Chief Executive of the Association of Town & City Management. He works with government ministers, parliamentarians, UK Cabinet Office, economic development professionals, business leaders and place managers across the UK and Ireland to support town and city centres. He works on a range of policy issues including adaptation to an industrial revolution, tax reform, local government finance, transport, housing, planning, retail, crime, urban regeneration, COVID recovery and the climate emergency.

Ali is a project manager who is passionate about physical activity and sport and how it can improve both physical and mental well-being and also support personal development. Supporting programmes that recognise that people’s health and well-being are determined by a range of social, economic, and environmental factors and seeking to address people’s needs holistically. Working for Wesport, a sports charity that is passionate about helping people become more physically active and enjoy the benefits that an active lifestyle can bring. As one of 43 Active Partnerships across the country, we work collaboratively to create the conditions for an active nation and use the power of sport and physical activity to transform lives. Advocating for the importance of physical activity to improve health outcomes for our communities. Bristol Girls Can is the local activation of the widely acclaimed Sport England National 'This Girl Can' campaign. All about inspiring women and girls to access physical activity and movement across the city. Through the ‘Let's Lift the Curfew’ National campaign, the research found that almost half (48%) of women prefer not to be active outside after dark and six in 10 (60%) women worry about the risk of sexual harassment or intimidation when exercising. Bristol Girls Can aim to address these concerns of local women, working together with our partners to understand these challenges and create a safer and more inclusive environment for women and girls to be active.

Emerging from Bristol's underground queer rave scene and making big trans-femme moves is the party powerhouse K-RUSH. She is one of the organisers and resident DJs for Crotch, Conqueer and Dons Of Disco as well as a disk jockey, poet and rapper in her own right. K's sets are the definition of high-energy, each time pushing through her unique mix of eclectic and electrifying Techno, Electro, 140, and Hardcore. K-RUSH's first three years behind the decks have taken her to some of the best parties and gatherings including Glastonbury, Boomtown, Noisily, Bristol Pride, Culture Calling/Save Our Scene not to mention the countless club nights in Bristol, appearing alongside Mandidextrous, Paranoid London, Pxssy Palace, Nightmares of Wax and Grove.

Multifaceted freelance music professional who has worked across event management, music programming, production, stage management, advancing and logistics, brand representation, and artist liaison. Their career has allowed them to collaborate with leading festivals, venues, artists, and brands, including Boomtown, Glastonbury, The Roundhouse, Dance Corp, and more. Founder and director of X2X Music Agency, a Bristol-based booking agency dedicated to empowering and representing female DJs and producers. At X2X Music, they focus on fostering genre-fluid, experimental sounds while advocating for gender equality and creating inclusivity and safety riders in the electronic music industry.

Mike Ind has been a cornerstone of Bristol's nightlife for over 30 years, with an impressive career as a promoter and booker for some of the city's most iconic venues, including The Depot, Blue Mountain Club, Lakota, and currently Dare2Club. Known for his visionary approach to nightlife, Mike has been instrumental in defining Bristol’s club culture, bringing diverse sounds and vibrant events to the city’s music scene. With a passion for music that spans decades and genres, Mike has consistently championed events that reflect Bristol’s eclectic tastes, supporting everything from underground electronic music to experimental and genre-blending performances. His work has helped shape the city’s reputation as a thriving hub for live music and club culture, bringing together generations of music lovers. In the upcoming panel on Bristol nightlife and culture, Mike will bring his wealth of knowledge to the discussion, offering insights on the evolution of Bristol’s club scene, the importance of inclusivity in nightlife, and his ongoing efforts to create spaces that celebrate diversity and community."

Spiney is a Bristol-born DJ and event promoter with deep roots in the city's vibrant music scene. Raised in St Pauls, he has been an influential figure in Bristol’s underground community for over 20 years. Driven by his love for UK underground dance music through the 90s, Spiney turned his passion for genres like jungle and UK garage into a dynamic career that has helped shape the local music landscape. Known for his versatility and genre-spanning knowledge, he has been at the forefront of Grime, Bassline, UK Funky, and UK House, contributing to their growth and recognition within the Bristol community. Spiney’s dedication to championing these genres has made him a respected figure within Bristol's music culture. With a reputation for forward-thinking DJ sets and a commitment to creating energetic spaces, he has played an essential role in establishing Bristol as a hub for UK underground dance music. In the upcoming panel on Bristol nightlife and culture, Spiney will share insights from his decades-long career, discussing the evolution of UK underground dance genres, the importance of community-driven events, and his ongoing commitment to supporting the local music scene.

Marley Small aka Medis is an active player in Bristol's bustling underground scene. Event promoter, Producer, DJ and Saffrons radio broadcast tutor, she's a born creative always looking for the next cultural endeavour. Marley has been praised by some of the biggest in the underground such as Om Unit, Kahn, Alix Perez, Fabric and Rinse.fm who have all supported her rise within the industry. Recently, Marley launched her new brand, DVL6 Recordings, which further strengthens her commitment to supporting up-and-coming artists. Her distinctive taste and passion for music is evident through any project she's involved in, her artistic expression has grown with her craft as she continues to build and work with influential cultural projects within the city."

Ty is a dynamic event promoter based in Bristol, known for his innovative approach to nightlife through his signature event, Kick and Play. This unique event stands out in the Bristol scene by blending music with interactive group games, creating an inclusive and unforgettable experience for all attendees. At Kick and Play, Ty curates a lineup of talented DJs who bring high-energy sets across a range of genres, ensuring a lively and engaging atmosphere. The games component is a defining feature of the event, designed to bring people together and encourage new connections on the dance floor. These group games add a fun, social layer to the experience, making Kick and Play a refreshing alternative to traditional club nights. Ty’s dedication to merging music with social interaction has helped Kick and Play become a staple in Bristol’s nightlife, attracting a diverse crowd that appreciates its unique, community-driven approach. He's passionate about creating memorable spaces that foster connection and bring people together in ways that go beyond the typical club experience. Ty will share his insights into crafting engaging events, discussing the importance of community-focused spaces and how events like Kick and Play contribute to a vibrant, inclusive nightlife landscape.

HazDNB is an emerging DJ and freelance creative, bringing fresh energy and perspective to Bristol’s music scene. Relatively new to the industry, HazDNB offers a unique viewpoint as an up-and-coming creative navigating the challenges and opportunities of Bristol’s dynamic music landscape. Her passion for drum and bass shines through her work, where she contributes to livestreams, events, and content that celebrate Bristol’s vibrant bass music culture. At the upcoming panel on Bristol's nightlife and culture, HazDNB will share her journey as a rising DJ creative, offering insights into the experiences of newcomers in the music industry.

Hailing from Bristol, SoundGyal Saf is making her mark on the UK underground dance scene. This 22-year-old DJ and producer began her journey at the age of 14. She soon progressed to producing her own dubplates, developing a distinctive sound that would become her calling card. Saf's growing talent has earned her spots at notable venues and events across the UK and beyond. Her performance roster includes respected names such as E1, Outernet, Dreamland, Motion, Lakota, Sony, BBCRadio 1Xtra, Kool FM and Hospitality. In the aftermath of the COVID-19 lockdowns, Saf achieved a personal milestone as the youngest DJ to perform at Bristol's renowned Love Saves The Day Festival in 2021, aged just 18. Two years later, at 20, she secured a valuable year-long mentorship with Hospital Records, a leading Drum and Bass label. This partnership led to her first international booking at the annual Hospitality on the Beach festival in Croatia. Currently managing the demands of university alongside her music career, Saf exemplifies dedication to her craft. At the upcoming panel, she'll share her insights on the journey so far, the impact of mentorship, and her experience balancing academics with the fast-paced demands of being an up-and-coming artist in Bristol's vibrant music scene.

Harriet Robinson is a versatile TV and online news journalist with BBC News and a cover presenter for BBC Introducing. With a rich background in broadcasting, they bring expertise as a presenter, producer, and live event host, having worked across BBC programs, podcasts, live concerts, and TV productions. They are the founder of The Bristol Music Show (Radio, TV, YouTube) and a sustainability and nature blogger at @wannabe.greener. A former director of BCfm Radio and Bristol Women in Music, Harriet is also an MMG Awards-nominated presenter

Colin Moody, an award-winning photographer known for his captivating work on social environments, has had his photography published in The Guardian, The Observer, Bristol Life Magazine and more. His work, including recent projects like “Portraits of Care” with the Royal Photographic Society and The Great Bristol High Street book, showcases his passion for documenting the vibrancy of city life. He’s also a seasoned TV, radio and live event presenter, bringing nearly 20 years of experience in media to his projects.

"With two decades of professional experience in the music industry, Duncan's career began as a DJ and promoter, before transitioning to full-time roles as a label and artist manager. Noteworthy artists he has collaborated with include Deadmau5, Camelphat, Calvin Harris, Skrillex, DJ Fresh and Swedish House Mafia. At Skiddle, Duncan spearheads the expansion of the company's festival division, while fostering strategic relationships with industry partners spanning technology, healthcare, and culture."

As well as being Bristol24/7's climate and sustainability editor - a first for a regional publisher anywhere in the world, as far as we know! - Ursula is also the independent publication's music editor. Her main focus is on supporting and uplifting the grassroots sector, from artists to venues and promoters, driven by her deep connection with the scene rooted in over a decade as a musician and events organiser in the city.

My name is Ellie or ‘EL-ZE’ which is my music/DJ-ing alias. I am a Bristol born DJ looking to represent the roots and underground cultures of Bristol. My love for the scene began to flourish in my early teens as I became introduced to electronic music and the party scene. I, like many others, instantly fell in love with Bristol's unique feel of connectivity and I am very passionate about the preservation of this community. It is threatened now more than ever which is why I have begun to focus on raising up the underground through events. In my event companies (Bristol Zoo and Rave It Up) we focus on introducing new artists and giving them fair opportunities, which are scarce due to the costs of events. We do this by running an ‘introducing night’ where we find aspiring talent and give them their first paid, professional set. This is key to allow new talent to rise to the top and continue the emergence of new unique and cultural music coming out of Bristol all the while supporting a grassroots venue by hosting the event. The merge of so many cultures in such a small city has resulted in there being a home for any kind of identity and this is shown through the diverse events and music played. Within my DJ-ing I highlight this by playing all sorts of genres ranging from Irish Jigs to Jewish folk to hardcore jungle, the list goes on. In short I am very passionate about the acknowledgement of the history tied to Bristol's music scene and I believe that in sharing that, we can begin to change attitudes of those that are undecided on these matters!

Producer and vocalist Grove fuses dancehall, bass, and hip-hop into a bold new sound, driven by sensual liberation and political defiance. Inspired by the DIY ethos of punk, the catharsis of dance music, and the power of Jamaican soundsystem culture, Grove delivers food for thought on the dance floor, with energy to turn thought into action.

Ngaio Anyia is a versatile live performer, consultant, DJ, and curator whose work reflects her values and life experience as a mixed-race woman. Known for her powerful DJ sets with Boiler Room and Keep Hush, she has also curated performances and stages at Glastonbury, We Out Here, Boomtown and St Pauls Carnival to name a few. In 2019 she founded Booty Bass - a queer all-female/non-binary DJ crew born in The Plough and launched the Halt Harassment dinners and subsequent campaign used a vehicle to push conversations around safety within the nighttime industry - for venues, promoters, performers and audience members to all be a part of calling out violent, disrespectful behaviour. She is also Audio Equity Champion for Yorkshire Sound Women Network where she leads on industry. Delivering intersectional gender diversity trainings and promoting the Volume Up - an 8 strand framework for audio and sound organisations to commit to increasing gender diversity with support from the organisation.

Jonny / DJ Dad started living in 1956 and DJing in Leeds and then London in 1972. He has played at most of the UK’s leading festivals and clubs across Bristol and London. Since 2008 Jonny has been the resident DJ and co-programmer for the Wandering Word now Phantom Laundry, the spoken word/music tent at Shambala. https://www.shambalafestival.org/2020/venue/phantom-laundry/ He has also programmed the live music and DJ nights at the Plough Inn in Easton, Bristol. https://www.plougheaston.co.uk/ He’s dedicated to supporting Bristol’s music scene and co-produced A Bristol Record in 2016. This heavyweight vinyl double featured exclusively Bristol artists who were recording new material that year. https://abristolrecord.bandcamp.com/album/vol-1-red Beyond nighttime and festival economy activities, Jonny’s work has involved designing training and education experiences around anti-bullying work and reducing and dealing with violence and aggression for teachers, social workers, care workers and retail workers.

Tom is a bristol musician who runs the Plough Pub + music venue. He founded CollectiveYes! to bring people together to tackle the harm associated with sexual harassment and misogyny.

Jason Ward is the dynamic director and co-founder of The Cause Bristol CIC, promoting unity, equality, and opportunity within the community. Growing up in the inner city, Jason has a rich background in music as an MC and host, having worked with numerous household names in the scene and thrown some of the most memorable parties. As a radio host, event coordinator, and programmer, he has significantly contributed to Bristol's vibrant nightlife and creative industries. Jason is passionate about elevating the next generation and supporting grassroots initiatives, all while advocating for more diversity, inclusion, and opportunities. Drawing from his life experiences, Jason's innovative approach has positioned him as a key figure in Bristol's cultural landscape. Whether hosting engaging radio shows or curating exciting events, he continually seeks to inspire others to embrace their creativity.

Jordan Davies is a co-founder of The Cause Bristol CIC, and a pioneering figure within Bristol’s music scene, known for his dedication to underground sounds and building community through creativity & music. With a career spanning two decades, Jordan co-promoted Subloaded & Bodynod, which became cornerstones for Bristol’s bass music culture in the 2000s, and helped shape the city’s current-day reputation as a leading hub for electronic music in the UK. Also ,an artist manager, working with renowned Bristol-based artist Emz, Jordan guides talent, contributing his knowledge of the industry and dedication to the principles of unity that underpin his work. His commitment to nurturing a fairer landscape continues with The Cause Bristol CIC, an initiative aimed at promoting unity, equality, and opportunity in the city. Through these combined efforts, Jordan works to uplift grassroots talent and provide platforms for underrepresented voices, ensuring that Bristol’s music and creative industries are spaces where everyone has a chance to thrive.

Priyanka has been a journalist at The Bristol Cable, a media outlet redefining local journalism through community action and cooperative ownership. Her recent investigations have exposed cases of institutional racism in the NHS and social housing. She presents Cable's podcasts: "The Debrief" and "People Just do Something." Priyanka leads on the Cable's diversifying freelancer scheme, aimed at encouraging underrepresented voices to get involved with journalism.

Ifẹ Grillo is an award-winning writer, producer, campaigner, performer, and educator. They’re a national poetry champion and have written and performed for BBC, Bristol Old Vic, Penguin Books, Mumbai Literature Festival and Wake The Tiger. They’ve produced events for artists and organisations across the UK, focused on creating spaces where people can let go and find themselves They joined the Ballroom scene in 2023, and helped support the running and organising of the Bristol Ballroom Community They’re Vice Chair of the board of trustees for NSPCC, where they’re focused on ensuring children’s liberation sits at the heart of the organisation’s strategy. They’ve also spent years advising organisations on how they can better support marginalised communities Currently, they lead on the University of Bristol’s AntiRacism Strategy, working in solidarity with students and staff to create change.

"Betty Adesanya (she/they) is a live event professional and the Director of Shade Cartel, a vibrant queer POC dance collective. With over 15 years of experience in the live music and festival sector, Betty has curated and produced stages and takeovers at renowned festivals such as Glastonbury, We Out Here, and Boomtown. Their work consistently prioritises Black and minority LGBTQ+ performers, aiming not only to amplify underrepresented artists but also to foster a sense of community and belonging through the power of performance. Throughout their career, Betty has embraced a variety of roles, including event management, music promotion, touring project management, programming, artist management, and record label management. They have worked with a range of festivals in both the UK and Europe, including Shambala, Pride, AfroNation, Gottwood, Outlook, Dimensions, and Love Saves the Day. In 2015, Betty founded Shade, a dance and performance collective that offers a safe platform for marginalised artists to express themselves. Shade specialises in immersive festival animation, DJ stage shows, and music videos, and was inspired by Betty's love of dance as well as the lack of diversity they observed whilst working in the festival sector (both onstage and off). Now regulars across the club and festival scene, Shade has become a vital and fabulous space for underrepresented artists based in the South West to access performance opportunities whilst being supported, paid, and safe.

In 2017, Jake decided to take his involvement in the music industry to a new level by building his own soundsystem, with a focus on creating a platform and pushing messages of upliftment through amplified music. Recognizing the need for a dub style soundsystem in all types of UK 140/Bass and roots music events, he has been performing at major festivals and venues with his Firmly Rooted Soundsystem. Jake's work goes beyond events and music, as he is deeply committed to uniting people through the celebration of soundsystem music and culture. He strongly believes in music's power to effect positive social change and strives to create a space that promotes the betterment of individuals and society as a whole through understanding and communication. He also runs two record labels, Hold Tight Records and Firmly Rooted Records, which blend traditional methods with fresh approaches and ideas to music and events production, cultivating a new wave of sound and appreciation for roots-inspired music.

Vicky leads the Bristol City Centre BID, driving its strategic vision and overseeing successful projects, campaigns, and initiatives that benefit the local business community. A passionate advocate for Bristol’s night-time economy, Vicky champions efforts to make the city safer, more vibrant, and inclusive after dark. She has played a pivotal role in projects like the Bristol Light Festival, which attracts thousands of visitors with its captivating interactive installations. Under her leadership, the BID collaborates with city stakeholders including Bristol Nights on impactful initiatives such as our Drink Spiking awareness campaign, Safety of Women at Night and its Harm Reduction initiative. The TAP for Bristol scheme is also delivered by the BID, enabling contactless donations to support local homelessness services. The BID supports Bristol’s night time venues with events like Bristol Cocktail Weekend, The Bristol Comedy Festival and fringe programming for the Bristol Harbour Festival. Annually the BID deliver winter lights, running October-March and Christmas Lights across the city.

Kathryn Davis was appointed Managing Director of Visit West in 2023, following 23 years working in Destination Management and Marketing in Bristol, Bath and the south west of England. Visit West deliver three Bristol Business Improvement Districts and are a nationally accredited Local Visitor Economy Partnership (LVEP). The LVEP is responsible for a wide range of business services and development opportunities for both B2C and B2B markets, supporting the visitor economy in the region, its destinations, and businesses.

Andy is the Regional Organiser for Wales and South West England at the Musicians' Union, and manages the Union's services, outreach, and campaigns across the region. He has a background in arts fundraising as well as music, and is involved in a variety of groups including the Creative Wales Non-Executive Board, TUC Cymru General Council, Welsh Labour Executive Committee, Cardiff Music Board, and Bristol Nights.

I'll be speaking on behalf of Empire Fighting Chance. A sport for development charity that helps young people through intense mentorship and boxing. As a young woman myself I hope to be able to offer insight on how we create inclusion for women and girls in the boxing gym.

Megan works in the Business Growth & Enterprise team at the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority. Megan's focus is working on the West of England Good Employment Charter, an initiative that aims to raise working standards across the West of England by supporting employers to provide a more rewarding, inclusive and sustainable work environment for their employees.

Charlie Watts is a reporter for BristolWorld and previously worked for Bristol24/7 in various editorial positions including community reporters editor, community reporter and business editor