Facts about the waterfront in Bristol for Friday

·         The docks area has been a key part of Bristol since the 13th century
·         Work started on the The Floating Harbour, as we see it today, in 1804.
·         Many of the original warehouses constructed along the harbour can still be seen today, many have been converted into apartments.
·         The regeneration of the waterfront started in the 1980’s.
·         Pero’s footbridge was constructed in 1999, it is named after an African slave who had been purchased in Nevin in the West Indies by the plantation owner, John Pinney, who named him Pero Jones.  Pero lived, worked and died in Bristol.  It is an important public monument to the Black and Asian presence in the UK and shows Bristol deep rooted history with the slave trade.

The Bristol Harbour Festival is an annual event in the summer and started in 1971.  It celebrates Bristol connection with the water and is a large festival throughout the whole of the Bristol waterside areas and city centre.

At-Bristol opened in 2000 and is an interactive museum with a planetarium.  A great day out for children and families alike.
It is home to the reknowned Anolfini which is a arts centre and gallery and has been home to many well know events including the 2010 general election debate.
Outside the recently built M Shed the four electrical cargo cranes, built by Stothert and Pitt can still be seen.  They operate on some bank holidays and at the Harbour Festival.
The M Shed opened in 2011 as a museum dedicated to those who live or visit Bristol.  It is currently home to the Chocolate Factory exhibition