Theatre / Bristol Legends
‘A smorgasbord of all the great things that Bristol has to offer’
Bristol’s creative world is one that shines internationally for its breadth, innovative ideas and production of world-class talent.
Few understand this better than Doug Francisco, the creative director of Invisible Circus and Loco Klub, founder of Artspace Lifespace and instrumental figure in projects such as Red Rebel Brigade, Boomtown Fair and Wake the Tiger.
Doug is a key part of this year’s Bristol Legends awards and after party on March 6, and he said the night is a spotlight of Bristol’s creativity and uniqueness.
“It shines a light on all the amazing stuff that happens in the city,” he told Bristol24/7, “and the event is obviously a celebration of that.”
Doug Francisco is the creative director of Invisible Circus and Loco Klub – photo: Andre Pattenden
Not only has Doug been shortlisted for the overall Bristol Legend award, celebrating his commitment to arts and expression through creativity, but Invisible Circus will be performing at both the dinner and party of this year’s event.
“We’re putting a smashing circus cabaret show together, and hosting a fabulous lineup of music”, said Doug.
“The show element is the bit where I feel it’s a unifying moment.
“All art does that, but there’s something special about circus and performance.
“You really feel a connection with the audience and that’s really my favourite bit.
“The unifying, celebratory moment that I get to be the host of: it’s a very humbling and an honour of an experience.”
The Bristol Legends party will feature a full show from Invisible Circus – photo: Andre Pattenden
The magic, Doug told Bristol24/7, is the power of “ordinary people doing extraordinary things”.
In a threatening time for the arts and culture, Doug says it is vital to keep celebrating creativity.
“It’s a difficult time for art and culture in the city, the country and the world. The city’s changing a lot.
“Bristol is very much a city built on its diversity and collaborations, so with Bristol Legends we’re trying to galvanise that broad community and bring it all to the fore, and also networking with each other and finding ways to secure the foundation of that as the city continues to transform.”
Doug is a long-standing advocate for the arts and creative expression – photo: Richard Kaby
With a full performance from Invisible Circus, alongside the likes of Emily Breeze, DJ Cheeba, Laid Blak and a special secret guest, the night is one not to be missed.
“The coming together of the old and the new and all of the elements of a place doesn’t really happen very much,” said Doug.
“The night will be so memorable and it’s something as a city that we need to do more of.”
Join us at the Bristol Legends party as we celebrate all the amazing things about Bristol.
Main photo: Andre Pattenden
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