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Past Events

The Walter Tull Awards 2007

The aim of this event was to recognise the achievements of many adults and young people who fit the focus aims of our project. It also brought together many likeminded individuals and organisations whose positive impact in the community has made a difference to many lives.

This was a special occasion for the young people and a marvellous opportunity for all stakeholders to contribute to educational development work

The Awards were held at The Council House on Saturday 20th of October.

This was also the night of the Rugby World Cup and England had made it through to the final, so we felt it necessary to provide big screens and show the match. The result for us was a fantastic celebration of positive people and some quality entertainment. The result for England was sadly a 6 – 15 loss to South Africa.

The evening was a real celebration with Music, dancing and a 3 course meal.

Entertainment was provided by Baraka and Soul Train.

The event was a huge success!

Photo’s are reproduced with the kind permission of Bob Willingham

African Fusion 2007

We intended that African Fusion would be a colourful and vibrant night of music and entertainment celebrating different aspects of African culture and it would be a great launch for Abolition 200 in Bristol.

Hosted by Bristol's own award-winning presenter, Sherrie Eugene, African Fusion featured artists and entertainers from Bristol and around the world. For organisers, The Walter Tull Sports and Arts Development Association, the aim of the event was to unite the people of Bristol whilst raising awareness of black history and celebrating the roots of many of the city's inhabitants. Music, poetry, dance, traditional African food and even a community choir entertained 800 guests including BANES Chair, Councillor Loraine Morgan-Brinkhurst and Lord Mayor, Peter Abraham who opened the event. We also welcomed dignitaries from Ethiopia, Malawi and Guinea to Bristol.

The entertainment line-up featured Ace Percussion, Sweet Liberation Community Choir, Linton Kwesi Johnson, Blackout JA, Celestine, Lawrence Hoo, Fresh Dance, Alphonse Daudet Touna and Afidance - who conducted an audience dance workshop. Special guest speakers on the night included Paul Obinna and Madge Dresser from UWE.

"The event was certainly a vibrant one and it was heartening to see people genuinely enjoying each other’s company and so willing to embrace the atmosphere and ambience, which was one of pure warmth and fun. The food was amazing, and the entertainment was top class. At some points in the evening practically EVERYONE was on the dance floor. It was like nothing I have ever seen before, it was amazing!””My only complaint was that my feet hurt from so much dancing"

"It was lovely to see so many different people just enjoying being around so many different people – It was simply a great night"

Beresford Lee, director of Walter Tull Sports and Arts Development Association says:
"Bristol is a forward-looking, multi-cultural city and this is a perfect opportunity for the people in the city and surrounding areas to come together and celebrate past achievements and our hopes for the future in this historic year. African Fusion invites everyone to come and enjoy some great music and performances from an African perspective. The night will focus on promoting understanding, using the universal language of music to celebrate, uplift and transcend beyond race".