About This Event

Join us to celebrate the launch of Bristol Walk Fest 2026.

The event focusses on art and culture, and features an exciting line up of speakers:

Show of Strength Theatre Company - Sheila Hannon is Show of Strength's co-founder and one of ten finalists for Visit England’s ‘Tourism Superstar’ award, nominated by Visit West. She writes the company’s theatre walks and leads them along with associate producer Gerard Cooke.

Misfits Theatre Company - Anita Karla Kelly is artistic lead at Misfits and has been working with learning disabled adults to develop their voices and create new work since 2005. Her practise focuses on collaboration, accessibility and creating space for artists who are unheard to tell their stories. Anita will be joined by Bill Loveridge and Rob Traill, both actors, poets, trainers and long standing members of Misfits.

Go Jauntly - Hana Sutch is co-founder and CEO at Go Jauntly, a multi-award winning walking, wayfinding and nature connection app. The app breaks down barriers to walking by helping people discover urban walks and enjoy outdoor adventures with friends. 

Dr Subitha Bagirathan - Awarded an Honorary Doctorate by UWE for 11 years advancing health equity in Bristol, she collaborates with Soultrail Wellbeing CIC, supporting nature-based programmes for People of Colour and leading Poetry in Nature walks.

Pre-launch event walk

We couldn't it on without a walk too, so launch event attendees are also invited to join Show of Strength on our pre-launch walk.

This walk, led by Sheila Hannon and Gerard Cooke has been created especially for our launch event. It shares a little bit of all four of Show of Strength's walks (3 of which are included in this year’s Bristol Walk Fest). You'll be shown the Bristol of Blackbeard, Cary Crant, King Henry VII and Long John Silver. And, a bonus that's not included in any walk (yet!), you'll also see the prison where ten Bristol women were held before being transported to Australia as convicts in 1817.

Spaces are limited, so book yours before they're gone. 

Start time: 5:30pm

Start location: Outside The Hole in The Wall Pub, 2 The Grove, Queen Square, BS1 4QZ

Distance: 1.5 miles

Finish location: Hamilton House, in time for the launch event

Unfortunatley the walk is not recommended for wheelchair users due to the city's cobbled streets, uneven roads and complex crossing systems at rush hour.

The location below is for the talks - please note the walk starts at the Hole in the Wall.