In October 2026, we welcomed more than 260 people to Knowle West Media Centre to celebrate our 30th birthday! Our building was buzzing with live music, food, cake, creative tech and activities for all ages…
The full day included making accessories using the laser-cutter in our newly relocated Digital Making Space, SoundWave+ performances, DJ workshops with Noods Radio, a photoshoot, making music with conductive objects, trying out nature listening kits, making a podcast, bug hotel building with WeCanMake and planting a ceremonial cherry tree. Visitors also explored our Foundations for the Future exhibition and special newspaper The Good Times which both reflected on three decades of community-led work at KWMC.
Alongside this was a whole programme of artist-led workshops, including: exploring augmented reality art with Abbi Bayliss, making zines with Mereida Fajardo, fabulous party hat-making with Ramona Eve Bigwood, an immersive Blue Sky Thinking activity with Megan Clark-Bagnall and All the Best from Knowle West with artist Claudia Collins. Claudia’s activity involved making a postcard for our birthday time capsule, sharing memories and hopes for the future. The time capsule will be buried in the KWMC garden during our Annual General Meeting in December.
As well as this, the event was an opportunity to reveal how our building is evolving through the Open-Door Residency with artist Emmanuella Morsi – including a new What’s On board, banners, refreshed seating and signage. We’ll be sharing lots more about this on our Blog soon.
Most importantly, the day brought together neighbours, artists, partners, supporters and friends who have shaped KWMC over the last 30 years. It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces alongside so many new ones. Thank you so much to everyone who joined us and all those who have been part of our story.
I thought yesterday was a real celebration of the power of connection. It was wonderful to see the space so full of life, especially as it was once my doctors’ surgery. It also brought back a personal memory: in 2000, when the doctors’ surgery moved to its new site at KWHP, Mark and I did the turfing there.
John Harrison
The day reminded me how community connections grow over time. Justin Ricks helped me start my business 20 years ago, and later worked at KWMC after leaving Brave Business Enterprise. There are family connections too: someone close to us recently married, and KWMC helped him build his confidence and develop his speech through rapping as AKA Legacy. He also made a video on the estate with Makala…
Events like this sow seeds, bring people and community assets together, and help connections grow in unexpected ways. It was lovely to see friends and allies there. I’ve also been glad to support the Knowle West Alliance and to be part of the process of interviewing Ruth, with community members alongside professionals. Seeing that kind of partnership in action was brilliant.
KWMC has touched my life in so many different ways over the last 30 years, and it carries on doing so today: my business still cleans its windows. How wonderful is that!
Support Us
As a registered charity, our work relies on funding and donations from supporters like you.
This December, you can be part of the next chapter of KWMC through our Big Give Christmas Challenge campaign. From 1st – 8th December 2026, every donation will be doubled at no extra cost to you. That means more people can access free creative opportunities, develop new skills, connect with others and take action on the issues that matter most to their communities. Keep an eye out for the campaign launch and join us in shaping the next 30 years of community creativity, connection and change.
You can also support us by purchasing a limited-edition risograph print by Mereida Fajardo. A4: £18 and A3: £30. Pop into KWMC anytime between 9am-5pm Monday to Friday. Cash or card welcome.
You can also pop into KWMC to get a free copy of our special newspaper The Good Times or read it online here. Packed with memories, milestones, photos and stories from the people who’ve shaped our journey, the newspaper takes you on a playful time-travelling adventure from 1996 to 2026 and even 2056. Along the way, you’ll discover some of the amazing people and projects that have helped shape KWMC, plus activities that invite you to imagine what’s next and add your own stories.
Thank you
Thank you to Ibi Feher for photographing the party.
Special thanks for supporting this event: Arts Council England, Bristol Council, Comino Foundation, The Rayne Trust, Joseph Rowntree Foundation, Factory Foundation, Bristol Family Fun, Noods Levels, Tread and Youth Music.