News / Jeff Knight
Stokes Croft legend Jeff Knight celebrates 60th in style
Stokes Croft legend Jeff Knight celebrated his 60th birthday on Sunday with a party attended by his many friends and fans.
The Big Issue seller is a familiar face around St Paul’s, known for his upbeat attitude and seemingly endless list of acquaintances.
“I asked Jeff would you like a party and he said hell yeah,” said Issy Pritchard, owner of Last Change Saloon on Stokes Croft where the event was held.
“I’ve known Jeff for at least 25 years. He’s always so positive, warm, smiley. Never moaning, just a ray of sunshine.”
Jeff has a seemingly endless list of friends on Stokes Croft – photo: Molly Pipe
The party kicked off at 7pm with balloons, drinks and two DJs. The man himself appeared shortly after, and was greeted by a wave of hugs and warm wishes.
“It’s amazing, you know,” he said. “Everything what you put in is what you get back. I love everyone, you know. I love everyone.”
Jeff came to England from Jamaica aged 32 and lived in London, Sheffield and Birmingham before settling in Bristol.
He spent time rough sleeping until locals crowdfunded to buy him a live-in van.
Jeff has been selling the Big Issue for two decades – photo: Betty Woolerton
People of all ages crammed into the small space to celebrate the birthday, with everyone from the DJs through to the bar staff professing a fondness for Jeff.
“He was the first person I met on this street 16 years ago when I came here from Ireland,” said bar tender Philip Crew.
“He greeted me with warmth and kindness and it’s kind of nice to return that to him. He’s a good man.”
Friend Ben Wood said: “Jeff’s a man of the streets, man of community. Every time I walk up everyone’s always gravitating towards him.
“When I go for a run and I’ve got my headphone’s on he’s the only person I pull my headphones out to say hello to,” he added.
“Yeah, just a good man.”
Main photo: Molly Pipe
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