People / My Bristol Favourites
My Bristol Favourites: Holly Thomas
Holly Thomas is the artistic director of Half Light Projects, a community interest company “championing the transformative power of blind and visually impaired culture and creativity”.
Their new dance theatre work, called Half Life, is coming to the Arnolfini on November 14.
Part biographical, part fiction, the performance draws upon Holly’s lived experience of visual impairment and parenting, “to unmask a multi-generational story about the courage it takes to send your child into a world that may not always understand”.
is needed now More than ever
These are Holly’s top-five Bristol favourites:
Arnolfini
Arnolfini is one of Bristol’s cultural institutions that will host the British Art Show in 2027 – photo: Martin Booth
“I feel right at home at Arnolfini. I love their exhibitions and the accompanying audio descriptions that they create in-house. They really do go the extra mile to welcome blind and visually impaired visitors to their venue.”
The Pasty Emporium
The Pasty Emporium is on Oxford Street in Philip’s within a railway arch – photo: Martin Booth
“I often stop at the Pasty Emporium in St Philip’s for a cappuccino on my way to Temple Meads. It’s very down to earth and friendly, with super tasty pasties too!”
Bristol Cathedral Garden
Bristol Cathedral Garden contains artworks including ‘Refugee’ by Naomi Blake, dedicated to the victims of all racial persecutions – photo: Martin Booth
“I found this garden by chance after being in Bristol for years. It’s a little heaven of calm in the busy city centre and if you visit at the right time of year you might get to see a tree that blossoms like candy floss.”
St Anne’s Woods
St Anne’s Woods are in the valley of Brislington Brook- photo: Martin Booth
“This little wood is not so far from where I live. It has a brook and some incredible old trees to spend time with.”
The Folk House
The Folk House has been providing “learning for pleasure” since 1920 – photo: Martin Booth
“I have been going to the Folk House for more years than I care to remember. Great music, great cafe, great food, laid back and friendly. Proper old school Bristol.”
Main photo: Half Life Projects
Read next:
Our newsletters emailed directly to you
