Bristol BID unveils bold plans to amplify city life through £5.7M investment in culture, marketing and promotion

A new chapter for Bristol’s city centre is on its way. Under plans for a new, unified Business Improvement District (BID), a major investment of around £5.7 million is set to transform how the city promotes itself and supports its business community, placing events and destination marketing at the heart of the city’s future.

Bringing together Bristol City Centre, Redcliffe & Temple, and Broadmead BIDs, the proposed new Bristol BID will streamline delivery and significantly scale up investment in high-impact initiatives that drive footfall and foster pride. Subject to a ballot of city centre businesses this June, the new BID would launch in November 2025, delivering city-wide benefits across all sectors. Bristol BID is a business-led partnership investing in a more vibrant city centre, giving local businesses a powerful collective voice and delivering high-impact projects that make Bristol better for everyone.

Plans include the expansion of the award-winning Bristol Light Festival, which in 2025 attracted over 200,000 people and delivered a record-breaking £11 million economic impact, alongside increased support for signature events like the Harbour Festival and Bristol Cocktail Weekend. The BID will also deliver seasonal marketing campaigns in partnership with Visit Bristol, seasonal activations, and the launch of a new city centre shopping website.

A successful outcome at the upcoming BID Ballot will mean a greater investment in marketing, as well as a stronger focus on business to business events and promotion. The unified BID will also enable further support for the city’s thriving food scene, its night time destinations and Bristol’s overall cultural offering.

Bristol Harbour Festival 2024

“Bristol is already home to some of the most exciting events and creative talent in the country,” said Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID. “But we know we can go further, together. Through joined-up delivery, we can raise Bristol’s visibility, support more businesses, and champion our identity as a city that’s full of life.”

Existing initiatives such as the Love Bristol Gift Card, which has already locked in over £182,000 of spend to local venues, will be enhanced. Venue-led activations and wider promotional support will further help businesses across the city centre to thrive.

Love Bristol Gift Card

The BID’s commitment to wellbeing and workplace vibrancy was also highlighted in April through a month-long programme supporting Stress Awareness Month. Over 550 people took part in more than 20 curated events, from sushi making and sound baths to litter picks and sunrise yoga. Delivered in partnership with 14 local businesses, the initiative boosted lunchtime engagement and showcased the BID’s commitment to support both business and community wellbeing.

“We’re creating a BID that not only supports business but makes Bristol the place people want to visit, shop, explore and return to,” added Steve Bluff, Director of Redcliffe & Temple BID. “Our plans ensure local businesses benefit directly from high-quality promotional work and cultural events that reach every corner of the city centre.”

Stress Awareness Month events

The BID proposals have been shaped by direct consultation with hundreds of businesses, ensuring the new programme of work reflects local priorities and ambitions. The ballot period runs from Thursday 5th June to Thursday 3rd July, with results announced on Friday 4th July. If successful, the new Bristol BID will begin its term on Saturday 1st November 2025.

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