Features / Bristicles

Bristol24/7’s most read stories of 2016

By Bristol24/7  Friday Dec 30, 2016

1. Cribbs Causeway body believed to be DJ Derek (March 11)

After being missing for eight months, the badly decomposed body of Derek Serpell-Morris was found in March near the junction of Merlin Road and Highwood Road in Patchway. Photo by Shotaway

2. 31 new openings to look forward to in 2016 (January 3)

EatDrink24/7 Launch Party is back on July 8 2026!
Exclusive collabs from Bristol’s favourite food vendors, available for one night only. Be first to grab your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 guide – plus every ticket comes with a free limited-edition beer can.

3. There was a giant water fight in Bristol and the fire brigade turned up (August 25)

Excitement at a giant water fight on Millennium Square in August was turned up to 11 when the fire brigade arrived and pointed their hoses on already drenched participants.

4. 28 things no one ever tells you about Bristol (August 15)

5. The independent city state of Bristol (June 24)

The day after the Brexit referendum, we imagined what Bristol would look like if we declared independence from the rest of the UK

6. Obituary: DJ Derek (March 11)

7. You want your laptop? Come and get it… (April 23)

A litterbug student definitely didn’t expect this when he left his laptop on Brandon Hill

8. Marvin Rees elected as new mayor of Bristol (May 7)

9. Bristol named one of 10 best places to live in the world (August 2)

10. New rules ‘ban blackberry picking’ in Bristol (February 2)

Forager Andy Hamilton was among those outraged. “I can quite understand the whole of ‘any tree’, but this bylaw will make the picking of an apple or a blackberry illegal,” he told Bristol24/7. “It seems rather a heavy handed approach to something that I am not aware of being a problem. It basically means I can’t do my job.”

11. Massive Attack to play huge homecoming show (May 18)

12. Bristol mayor candidates 2016

13. 10 fresh water swimming spots in or near Bristol (July 18)

14. We followed the action so you didn’t have to (June 4)

On June 4, anti-racism protesters held a rally on the same day as the far-right South West Infidels marched through the streets, bringing much of Bristol city centre to a standstill – although the World Naked Bike Ride also managed to take place on the same day (see below).

15. Photo gallery: World Naked Bike Ride 2016 (June 4)

16. Street level dealers locked up in huge sweep (January 29)

17. 39 stunning photos of Bristol (October 17)

“I enjoy walking around and capturing the beautiful moments in the city,” says Bristol University postgrad student Sichan He, whose photos have been a regular highlight this year on Instagram. “It has amazing architecture with incredible subtle patterns, cafes with old style wooden windows and a cosy ambience, and delicious food at the Sunday markets. I love this poetic, active and friendly city, every bit of it. It is one of the most happening and energetic cities in the world. I enjoy every day here.”

18. Woman found dead on Wells Road (August 10)

19. Live: Bristol council elections 2016 (May 8)

All 70 seats were up for grabs in the first all-out elections for Bristol since the rules were changed in 2015. The city’s political landscape changed dramatically, with Labour winning a majority.

20. Union withdraws funds to Bristol’s Labour MPs (July 14)

 

Read more: 16 people who made the news in Bristol in 2016

Our newsletters emailed directly to you
I want to receive (tick as many as you want):
I'm interested in (for future reference):
Marketing and Privacy Policy

Bristol24/7 will use the information provided on this form to send you marketing from Bristol24/7 and selected advertising partners. Your data will not be passed onto third parties. By completing this form, you are consenting to our use of your data for marketing purposes via email.


We will only use your information in accordance with our privacy policy, which can be viewed here - www.bristol247.com/privacy-policy/ - you can change your mind at any time by clicking the unsubscribe link in the footer of any email you receive from us, or by contacting us at [email protected]. We will treat your information with respect.


We use Mailchimp as our marketing platform. By clicking below to subscribe, you acknowledge that your information will be transferred to Mailchimp for processing. Learn more about Mailchimp's privacy practices here.

EATDRINK24/7 LAUNCH PARTY
CALLING ALL FOODIES!

Bristol's only truly independent food & drink guide is back, and we're throwing a party to celebrate on July 8 2026 at Wiper and True Brewery & Taproom, Old Market.

  • Exclusive collaborations from Bristol's favourite food vendors (you can't try these special dishes anywhere else)
  • Be the first to pick up your free copy of the EatDrink24/7 Guide
  • Music + great drinks
  • Each ticket includes a beer from Wiper and True, a special limited-edition can created just for the occasion.

One night only - don't miss out

Get Your Ticket

Related articles

You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Independent journalism
is needed now More than ever
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Join the Better
Business initiative
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
* prices do not include VAT
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Enjoy delicious local
exclusive deals
You've read %d articles this month
Consider becoming a member today
Wake up to the latest
Get the breaking news, events and culture in your inbox every morning

Are you sure you want to downgrade?

You will lose some benefits you currently enjoy.
Benefits you will lose: