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My Bristol

Local people share their thoughts on the places and things they love about Bristol.

Prime-time television actor James Redmond moved to Bristol as a child and after travelling around the world for work he returned to the city he calls home. Off screen, James enjoys visiting music and comedy clubs

I think there's loads to be proud of as an adopted Bristolian...Work took me away in my twenties but I've moved back now and can't believe how much the city's changed, for the better. There's a lot to do for all ages now. Usually I work 6 days a week, but when I get time off I try to take advantage of the city and all it has to offer.

I'm a big film buff and I try to get to as many music or comedy gigs as possible. We have loads of great small and medium sized venues here...I'm obsessed with sport - football, tennis and running specifically - and I help run a 6-a-side team.

Julie Jones is a born and bred Bristolian and works as a Retail Assistant at Bristol City Museum and Art Gallery shop.

I love Ashton Court Estate because it has lovely old trees and great views over the city and I enjoy visiting the city docks with friends and family, especially on a Sunday morning to have a bacon sandwich on the harbourside.

There's nothing quite like going to the allotment on a summer's evening for wonderful views of the Clifton Suspension Bridge or enjoying a family game of football in Greville Smyth Park.

Avril Baker organises Bristol International Festival of Kites and Air Creations which takes place every September in Ashton Court Estate. She loves spending time in the city with her husband and two children.

When we're not kite flying, our children like to visit the City Museum and Art Gallery...We also like popping into the Arnolfini and the Architecture Centre to see what's new and a bit further afield the Tobacco Factory.

I love the hustle and bustle of the regular markets in Corn Street and the narrow alleyways and streets around the Old City. Having lived in Clifton as a student, I love wandering around some of the old haunts and my children love the unusual shops there.

Ben Taylor works at Bristol Blue Glass Factory in Brislington, where you can see him blowing glass and pick up a unique Bristol souvenir.

I chose to live here for the rich and diverse cultural mix of people and interesting things to do... I like shopping at the Mall Galleries and Park Street, which reminds me of being in America. The shops are fantastic and the coffee houses are the best in town!

I really enjoy eating out on the waterfront - Watershed is a particular favourite. On a sunny day it's great to watch the boats sailing by and relax with a meal by the water.

Gene Joyner is Managing Director of Bristol-based company Bart Spices. As well as knowing a thing or two about food, Gene is also Chair of St Pauls Carnival.

Much of my childhood was spent in the Easton and St. Paul's area of the city - I love the vibrancy and cultural mix here, especially during Carnival weekend. It's such a unique event for the City, a real celebration of Afrikan Caribbean art and culture.

On a sunny day in Bristol with the family, we take pleasure in kicking a ball around and enjoying an ice cream on the Downs or a maybe a visit to Bristol Zoo. With three boys aged 13, 11 and 9, I'm usually getting wet watching them play football for their local teams, but for a rainy day outing, Explore-At-Bristol or The British Empire & Commonwealth Museum are always popular choices.

Caryn Davies moved to Bristol just over a year ago to become Events Co-ordinator at Slimbridge Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust. In her spare time she loves exploring new parts of the city with friends.

When my friends visit I take them to St Nicholas Markets with its fab food markets and I recently went on a pirate walk which was great fun... I enjoy going to see bands and Bristol is great because you can see lots of up-and-coming bands in intimate locations. Thekla and Cooler can always be relied upon for a good night out and the Academy hosts many well-established bands.

The Gloucester Road is one of my favourite parts of Bristol. I love the variety of shops selling everything from retro clothes to second-hand books and the friendliness of the people who live and work in the area.

Carmen Johnson opened Sianna's Cakes and Sugarcraft four years ago on Stapleton Road,a part of Bristol that she loves living and working in.

"Round here there are so many different cultures, people and types of businesses and there is always something new to see. You can buy every single type of Asian food - it's a great part of the city if you're curious. The St Marks Road street party is a great event too."

Cormac MacMahon is GWR fm's News Editor, so he definitely knows what's going on in Bristol. His favourite part of the city is Southville, where he lives with his wife and children.

"North Street has plenty of restaurants, bars and cafes, there's theatre at the Tobacco Factory and there are still proper pubs...and it's only a 10-minute walk into town. My kids enjoy the parks and, as a City fan, it's great to have Ashton Gate just down the road."

Caroline Ripper works at Explore-At-Bristol; one of the city's premier attractions. She enjoys spending time with friends in Bristol.

"I love spending time in Clifton - it's such a pretty part of the city with lots of culture, unique shops and a chocolate cafe! I often have friends to stay in the summer and we go to the Balloon Fiesta and Ashton Court Festival. A ferry boat trip on the harbour is the most unique way to show them the city."