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OctGood Things Christmas Shop OrganiserGood ThingsDepartmentGiftsTypeShop
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Ethical and sustainable Christmas gifts, decorations, cards and gift wrap. At Good Things we believe our choices can make a positive difference to people and
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Ethical and sustainable Christmas gifts, decorations, cards and gift wrap.
At Good Things we believe our choices can make a positive difference to people and planet. We will be championing ethical and sustainable gifts that give back at our Christmas shop at Sparks Bristol from 21st October. Come and find ethical gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
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Good Things
At Good Things we believe our choices can make a positive difference to people and planet. We will be championing ethical and sustainable gifts that give back at our Christmas shop at Sparks Bristol. Come and find ethical gifts that support charities, empower people and protect our planet.
NovSparks Giving GrottoDepartmentCommunity ChampionsTypeService
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This winter, it’s more important than ever to give back to our community and support those in need – and we’ve made this easier than ever!
Details
This winter, it’s more important than ever to give back to our community and support those in need – and we’ve made this easier than ever!
Simply pop into Sparks and drop off a present at our Giving Grotto donation point and we will make sure it gets to someone who needs it! Our charity partner, Aidbox Community, will distribute your gifts to refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol.
We’re looking for more practical gifts like clothing and household items along with some things that are a little more festive and fun! Check out the lists below for some ideas of what to donate!
Festive gifts:
- Beauty items (new & unopened) – hair oil, moisturiser, after shave balm, hand cream, lip balm, hairbrush, comb, manicure set, hair accessories, cotton pads, nail polish
- Clothes (for adults & kids, all sizes) – scarfs, gloves, socks, slippers, hats
- Toys and art supplies (for kids) – Small toys like yo-yo’s, cuddly toys (new), story books, sticker books, magic tricks, skipping rope, colouring books, colouring pens, note pads, pencil case
- Other items – playing cards, notebooks, pens, purses & wallets
Everyday items:
- Beauty (new & unopened) – shampoo, shaving products, shaving gel
- Clothes – men’s sportswear, joggers and shorts (size S & M), women’s clothes (all sizes), trainers (men & women’s, all sizes), underwear (adult & kids, all sizes, must be new), backpacks (adult & kids)
- Household items – duvet covers (double and single), pillow cases, bedsheets, towels (like new condition), rugs, saucepans, electricals like toasters and kettles, crockery, utensils
- Other items – umbrellas, suitcases, baby buggies
Please bring your gift in unwrapped and drop it off in the Giving Grotto donation bin, located in the centre of Sparks by the cafe.
In partnership with Aidbox Community, a charity providing support, supplies and sanctuary to refugees in Bristol: www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk
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Enjoy a wholesome and fun crafting workshop just packed full of festive delight. Your host Sam will guide you through a relaxed and no-rush
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Enjoy a wholesome and fun crafting workshop just packed full of festive delight.
Your host Sam will guide you through a relaxed and no-rush crafting session where you can go home will all sorts of cards, baubles, and decorations- just in time for Christmas!
All tools and materials will be provided, just bring your merry self! You can decoupage, paint, stick and build your own festive cards, baubles, and decorations.
This workshop is great if you’re flying solo or have brought friends/family. If you come alone you can make new friends if you want, it’s a very friendly bunch!
This workshop is neurodiverse friendly, if you have specific needs that need to be taken into consideration then please make the host aware. This is also a SOBER event, please be aware that alcohol will not be permitted for consumption.
The event will be held within SPARKS, Bristol’s beautiful ethical department store. The store may be open to the public at the time of the workshop but the class will have a designated area for fun.
Age restrictions: 12+
Low income earners £20
Adult (High/medium earners) £30
Those in receipt of benefits/no income £10
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Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a beginner, this festive workshop is perfect for everyone. Join your host Sam from for a creative workshop where
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Whether you’re a crafting enthusiast or a beginner, this festive workshop is perfect for everyone.
Join your host Sam from for a creative workshop where you will build your own snow globe from scratch with a selection of figurines and glittering snow. All tools and materials will be provided and Sam will guide you through the crafting process step-by-step.
Make some festive memories and a unique keepsake that captures the magic of Christmas at this magical snow globe making workshop!
Please be aware that this workshop uses hot glue guns. Attendees under the age of 16 must be accompanied by a supervising adult. Workshop facilitators accept no responsibility for the misuse and potential injury of using said equipment.
Click learn more to book now!
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Learn the art of book binding and create your own hardcover sketchbook that lies perfectly flat. Join No Small Thing in the Department of
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Learn the art of book binding and create your own hardcover sketchbook that lies perfectly flat.
Join No Small Thing in the Department of Reuse & Resources and discover the joy of making your own hardcover sketchbook that lies perfectly flat using the beautiful Coptic stitch binding, an ancient art that date backs to early Christians in Egypt!
This workshop uses common tools and plain language so that anyone can get started in the art of bookbinding, whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter. The session is run by Will Wassenarr, an independent artist and maker creating delightful things using natural inks and discarded materials. Click here to see his work.
Don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn to make a unique and practical journal or sketchbook to use or to gift. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!
What to expect:
- All tools and materials provided – you won’t need to bring anything special with you unless there is a favourite card or paper that you want to incorporate into your books.
- A selection of paper and card to create your sketchbook from
- Learn the ancient skill of bookbinding
- There will be some sharp tools so participants under 16 should be accompanied by an adult.
How to book:
Tickets are £22 for adults or £18 for concessions and children under 12 years. To book onto a session, please click here.
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No Small Thing
DecBoardgame SwapDepartmentDiscoveryTypeService
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Come and trade your old board games for something new! Got a game that you don’t play enough? Ended up with three scrabbles from well-intentioned
Details
Come and trade your old board games for something new!
Got a game that you don’t play enough? Ended up with three scrabbles from well-intentioned relatives? Or are you just looking for something new to play with loved ones this festive season?
Bring along an old game (in good condition with all the pieces still in the box please!) and trade it for something new at our boardgame swap in the Sparks cafe!
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Sun10Dec1:00 PMSun5:00 PMBike Sale OrganiserFixX BikesDepartmentTravel AgencyTypeShop
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Shop for a new bike at our bike sale! FixX helps young people build confidence, purpose and resilience through bike mechanics and mentoring.
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Shop for a new bike at our bike sale!
FixX helps young people build confidence, purpose and resilience through bike mechanics and mentoring.
We are selling secondhand bikes that young people have worked on to help fund our work.
All bicycles are fully stripped down, rebuilt with new parts where necessary and checked over by an experienced, professional mechanic.
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Sat16DecAll DaySally Hare Hypnotherapy OrganiserSally Hare HypnotherapyDepartmentGiftsTypeService
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Relax and chat with a qualified therapist in our wellbeing therapy pod! Take a break and de-stress for just £10 in my magic chair, buy
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Relax and chat with a qualified therapist in our wellbeing therapy pod!
Take a break and de-stress for just £10 in my magic chair, buy a gift voucher for a loved one, or come and talk about your best hopes for therapy, and how I can help you live your best life.
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Join your host Sam for a wholesome and joyful wreath-making workshop. Lush evergreens, gorgeous dried florals, and fabulous ribbons have been handpicked by the floristry
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Join your host Sam for a wholesome and joyful wreath-making workshop.
Lush evergreens, gorgeous dried florals, and fabulous ribbons have been handpicked by the floristry masters to infuse your holiday season with a dash of DIY delight. Join this workshop for a day of festive fun and crafting!
Sam will guide you through each step and you’ll go home with a masterpiece that’s a true reflection of your style. In the true holiday spirit, make memories and maybe even some new friends as well!
Click learn more to book now!
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Make mini journals using found materials and tools you already have at this creative workshop. Join No Small Thing in the
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Make mini journals using found materials and tools you already have at this creative workshop.
Join No Small Thing in the Department of Reuse & Resources and discover the joy of making your own mini journals. Using a simple tool set and materials found at home (no need to buy anything new!) you will be guided step-by-step through the process, making something beautiful by repurposing existing materials and discovering a love for sustainable crafting.
The session is run by Will Wassenarr, an independent artist and maker creating delightful things using natural inks and discarded materials. Click here to see his work.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced crafter, this event offers a relaxed and informal environment to explore your artistic side. So don’t miss this opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and learn a new skill at our afternoon of creativity and self-expression. We can’t wait to see what you’ll create!
How to book:
Tickets are £14 for adults or £10 for concessions and children under 12 years. To book onto a session, please click here.
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No Small Thing
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Queers of Bristol and beyond, welcome to a wholesome and fun-filled Christmas decoration workshop hosted by your host Sam from the Ethical Gift Shop. This
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Queers of Bristol and beyond, welcome to a wholesome and fun-filled Christmas decoration workshop hosted by your host Sam from the Ethical Gift Shop.
This workshop and social meet-up is a relaxed approach to making Christmas decorations, crafting cards and making ornaments. All of the materials will be provided, just bring yourself, a friend, your polycule, or just your mum.
This event is for all and is neurodiverse-friendly and sober. People coming solo will be more than welcome, you will feel included and hopefully make some new friends as well! If you have specific needs that need to be taken into consideration then please make your host aware.
The event will be held within Sparks, Bristol’s beautiful ethical department store. The store may be open to the public at the time of the workshop but the class will have a designated area for fun.
Age restrictions: 12+
Adult (High/middle income earners): £30
Click learn more to book your place now!
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DecFestive Food Bank OrganiserBusy V BakeryDepartmentFood & DrinkTypeService
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Donate your festive treats like mince pies and christmas puddings to our festive food bank and we’ll make sure it reaches a family in need this winter.
Details
Donate your festive treats like mince pies and christmas puddings to our festive food bank and we’ll make sure it reaches a family in need this winter.
All food must be new, unopened and have a sufficiently long shelf-life (i.e. best before date is after the new year).
In partnership with The Julian Trust, a night shelter for homeless people and rough sleepers in Bristol: www.juliantrust.org.uk
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Come and decorate some gingerbread Santa biscuits at Busy V Bakery in Sparks, Bristol! This child-friendly workshop is the perfect festive activity for your family
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Come and decorate some gingerbread Santa biscuits at Busy V Bakery in Sparks, Bristol!
This child-friendly workshop is the perfect festive activity for your family this winter. Each child will be given four vegan gingerbread biscuits to decorate with icing and sprinkles will be provided.
Make your designs as simple or complicated as you like! Your host will provide guidance and ideas but the final masterpieces will be up to you and your imagination!
Adult + child ticket (3+) £6
Additional child ticket (must be accompanied by an adult) £4
Click learn more to book now!
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Welcome to a new kind of department store. From fashion and food, to nature and energy, our departments are packed full of exciting things to explore, including a huge range of shops, installations, events, creative spaces and more! Visit us now to shop, create, discover, recycle, learn, and repair.
NovSparks Giving GrottoDepartmentCommunity ChampionsTypeService
Details
This winter, it’s more important than ever to give back to our community and support those in need – and we’ve made this easier than ever!
Details
This winter, it’s more important than ever to give back to our community and support those in need – and we’ve made this easier than ever!
Simply pop into Sparks and drop off a present at our Giving Grotto donation point and we will make sure it gets to someone who needs it! Our charity partner, Aidbox Community, will distribute your gifts to refugees and asylum seekers in Bristol.
We’re looking for more practical gifts like clothing and household items along with some things that are a little more festive and fun! Check out the lists below for some ideas of what to donate!
Festive gifts:
- Beauty items (new & unopened) – hair oil, moisturiser, after shave balm, hand cream, lip balm, hairbrush, comb, manicure set, hair accessories, cotton pads, nail polish
- Clothes (for adults & kids, all sizes) – scarfs, gloves, socks, slippers, hats
- Toys and art supplies (for kids) – Small toys like yo-yo’s, cuddly toys (new), story books, sticker books, magic tricks, skipping rope, colouring books, colouring pens, note pads, pencil case
- Other items – playing cards, notebooks, pens, purses & wallets
Everyday items:
- Beauty (new & unopened) – shampoo, shaving products, shaving gel
- Clothes – men’s sportswear, joggers and shorts (size S & M), women’s clothes (all sizes), trainers (men & women’s, all sizes), underwear (adult & kids, all sizes, must be new), backpacks (adult & kids)
- Household items – duvet covers (double and single), pillow cases, bedsheets, towels (like new condition), rugs, saucepans, electricals like toasters and kettles, crockery, utensils
- Other items – umbrellas, suitcases, baby buggies
Please bring your gift in unwrapped and drop it off in the Giving Grotto donation bin, located in the centre of Sparks by the cafe.
In partnership with Aidbox Community, a charity providing support, supplies and sanctuary to refugees in Bristol: www.aidboxcommunity.co.uk
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Thu30Nov6:30 PMThu9:30 PMUrban Hosts OrganiserUrban HostsDepartmentImaginationTypeEvent
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Urban Hosts is a programme of events, which provokes and promotes practices and approaches to how we live in and govern cities. The programme brings together people who
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Urban Hosts is a programme of events, which provokes and promotes practices and approaches to how we live in and govern cities. The programme brings together people who are actively producing alternatives to our existing city infrastructures, norms, and perceptions.
This year marks the 10th anniversary, which has taken place in Berlin, since 2013 and Bristol, since 2016. Bringing together practitioners from across both cities, this edition focuses on designing mass participative actions for urban, social and environmental change. Drawing on approaches from media art, civic tech, theatre making and climate action, invited guests give a short 10-min presentation about their work.
With presentations intentionally kept short, the aim of Urban Hosts is to generate conversations between and among guests. The purpose of which is to explore what it means to host and regularly rehearse, conversations that scaffold, the co-creation of collective, equitable urban futures.
Agenda & Guests:
- 18.30: Doors Open & Poster Exhibtion, BA Graphic Design Students
- 19.00: Welcome Teresa Dillon
- 19.10 Markus Bader [DE]. Co-founder of the architecture group raumlabor‘s Markus Bader, connects thinking on contemporary urban praxis with learnings from the groups role in co-designing large-scale civic projects.
- 19.20 Marcus Smith [UK]. Bridging location based storytelling, with more inclusive urban visions, broadcaster and media producer Marcus Smith, discusses accessible technology, listening and community histories.
- 19.30 George Lovesmith [UK]. Reimagining buildings use, architect and educator, George Lovesmith shares insights from processes developed through his working practice.
- 19.40: Open discussion. Moderation Teresa Dillon.
- 20.30: Drinks and Music by Rhys Ostler-Watts.
- 21.30: Close
Poster Exhibtion:
As part of the 10th anniversary programme in Bristol, we connected the key locations in which Urban Hosts takes place, Bristol and Berlin through a residency programme. Inviting practitioners whose work sits across design, art and media practice, scholarship, public discourse and education. From the 16-20th Oct, film maker, broadcaster and co-founder of Tactical Technology, Marek Tuszynski joined us. With Markus Bader our second resident (28th Nov-1st Dec). Showcasing the outcomes of Marek Tuszynski and Teresa Dillon’s workshop with third year, BA Graphic Design Students at UWE on digital society and the city. Outcomes of this two-day workshop will be exhibited as part of the evenings programme.
Support and Thanks:
This edition of Urban Hosts will take place at Bristol’s new art and culture venue, Sparks. With support from Goethe Institute, London, Digital Culture Research Centre and School of Art and Design, University of the West of England.
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Urban Hosts
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By Re_Thrindle. Every Thursday, Meret from Re_Thrindle is hosting a garment repair and alteration service in the sustainable fashion workshop space. Come by with your
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By Re_Thrindle.
Every Thursday, Meret from Re_Thrindle is hosting a garment repair and alteration service in the sustainable fashion workshop space. Come by with your garms to get them fixed or transformed!
There is a fee for this service. As every mend and alteration is different, all garments will be examined and quoted individually on the day.
Organiser
Re_thrindle
DecBoardgame SwapDepartmentDiscoveryTypeService
Details
Come and trade your old board games for something new! Got a game that you don’t play enough? Ended up with three scrabbles from well-intentioned
Details
Come and trade your old board games for something new!
Got a game that you don’t play enough? Ended up with three scrabbles from well-intentioned relatives? Or are you just looking for something new to play with loved ones this festive season?
Bring along an old game (in good condition with all the pieces still in the box please!) and trade it for something new at our boardgame swap in the Sparks cafe!
more
DecFestive Food Bank OrganiserBusy V BakeryDepartmentFood & DrinkTypeService
Details
Donate your festive treats like mince pies and christmas puddings to our festive food bank and we’ll make sure it reaches a family in need this winter.
Details
Donate your festive treats like mince pies and christmas puddings to our festive food bank and we’ll make sure it reaches a family in need this winter.
All food must be new, unopened and have a sufficiently long shelf-life (i.e. best before date is after the new year).
In partnership with The Julian Trust, a night shelter for homeless people and rough sleepers in Bristol: www.juliantrust.org.uk
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Fri01Dec12:30 PMFri2:00 PMClimate Cafe OrganiserBristol Climate CafeDepartmentImaginationTypeEvent
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A welcoming space where fears & uncertainties about the climate & ecological crisis can be safely expressed. What is a Climate Cafe?
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A welcoming space where fears & uncertainties about the climate & ecological crisis can be safely expressed.
What is a Climate Cafe?
A Climate Cafe is a supportive group space where people can come together to share their feelings about the climate and ecological crisis.
How to join a Bristol Climate Cafe:
- You don’t have to book a place, but you can book on Eventbrite if you want to, that way you will get some handy reminders in your inbox closer to the time, and it helps us anticipate numbers: https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/o/bristol-climate-cafe-collective-67954513973
- Bring a reusable cup of you have one, we’ll provide the tea (we’ll have some spare cups too!).
- It’s free to attend.
- Please arrive on time, as entry to the climate cafe session will not be possible if you arrive more than 10 minutes late. This is in order to make the group a safe and comfortable space for talking about things that can feel difficult, so that we don’t have interruptions once the session has begun.
- We use the upstairs space at Sparks, if you wait at the bottom of the stairs we will come and collect you for the start of the session.
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Join your host Sam for a wholesome and joyful wreath-making workshop. Lush evergreens, gorgeous dried florals, and fabulous ribbons have been handpicked by the floristry
Details
Join your host Sam for a wholesome and joyful wreath-making workshop.
Lush evergreens, gorgeous dried florals, and fabulous ribbons have been handpicked by the floristry masters to infuse your holiday season with a dash of DIY delight. Join this workshop for a day of festive fun and crafting!
Sam will guide you through each step and you’ll go home with a masterpiece that’s a true reflection of your style. In the true holiday spirit, make memories and maybe even some new friends as well!
Click learn more to book now!
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Sat02Dec10:00 AMSat1:00 PMCo-housing CafeDepartmentImaginationTypeEvent
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Are you interested in living in a community in a Rural or City area? Are you wanting to live in a more environmental way? Drop
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Are you interested in living in a community in a Rural or City area? Are you wanting to live in a more environmental way?
Drop in for an open discussion on Co-housing and meet like minded people looking to form groups in both city and rural areas.
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Writing and discussion to find what climate action to take. This workshop will use creative writing exercises and discussion to support you to identify the
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Writing and discussion to find what climate action to take.
This workshop will use creative writing exercises and discussion to support you to identify the role you could play on climate change.
The workshop is modelled around Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s tool of climate action venn diagrams.
You don’t need to be experienced or talented at writing to take part.
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Emma Geen
Sun14Jan3:00 PMSun5:00 AMKnit Repair OrganiserRe_thrindleDepartmentFashionTypeWorkshop
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Clothes Mending Workshop by Re_Thrindle Join Meret of Re_Thrindle for a knit repair workshop that will breathe new life into your favourite cosy clothing. We’ll
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Clothes Mending Workshop by Re_Thrindle
Join Meret of Re_Thrindle for a knit repair workshop that will breathe new life into your favourite cosy clothing. We’ll use yarns and crochet hooks to fix your knits.
Bring a piece of clothing to repair and all other materials are provided. Book through the learn more link below!
