Two of Bristol’s community stations, BCfm and Ujima Radio join forces to create a groudbreaking documentary!

Thanks to Bristol Recovery Fund Ujima and BCFM were able to combine forces to produce a crucial protocol for community media in times of unrest as well as this important documentary archiving the unrest in 2024.

In August 2024, unrest swept across the UK after the tragic killings in Southport, fuelled by online misinformation and weaponised fears about migration. In Bristol, the tension erupted in Castle Park and outside the Mercure Hotel, where asylum seekers were housed. The police presence was thin. The danger was real. And yet, what happened next was extraordinary, ordinary Bristolians put their bodies on the line to defend their neighbours.

We Don’t Do That Here is a one-hour audio documentary from Bristol’s community radio stations – BCfm and Ujima, weaving together multiple in-depth interviews with those who lived it: refugees inside the hotel with their children, activists and local residents on the streets, police officers, youth workers, charity leaders, journalists, and community broadcasters. Their voices reveal the fear of that week, the courage of those who stood in solidarity, and the deep divisions that surfaced under pressure.

The programme also investigates the powerful role of media and misinformation, such as how a single false claim spiralled into riots, how national outlets inflamed stereotypes, and how community radio and grassroots networks became lifelines of truth. Listeners hear not just about what happened, but why, and what it tells us about Britain in an age of polarisation.

Above all, this is a story of resilience. From smiles through hotel windows to grandmothers holding banners, from grassroots charities to city-wide counter-protests, Bristol’s communities demonstrated that hate would not go unchallenged. This documentary asks: what does it take to keep a city safe, welcoming, and united, and what can the rest of the country learn?

Listen to the documentary on Soundcloud:

We Don’t Do that Here Documentary

A BIG THANK YOU TO OUR CONTRIBUTORS

Contributors:
Muneera Pilgrim – Creative and Broadcaster
Roger Ball – Academic Researcher
Anonymous – Afghan Asylum Seeker
Jim (Not real name) – Bristol Anti-Fascists
Serena Sergeant – Avon & Somserset Police
Desmond Brown – Growing Futures CIC
Olivia Lamont Bishop – Borderlands Bristol
Maya Mate-Kole – Mwanzo Project

Producers: Marcus Smith & Miranda Rae
Sound Design: George Colwey
Photo Credit: Simon Holliday
Funding: Bristol City Council

Ujima Radio celebrates International Women’s Day 2026 with the Ujima Sisters Takeover, live on Sunday 8th March on 98FM and DAB in Bristol and worldwide online. For the 8th year in a row, Ujima Radio dedicates a full day of programming to women’s voices, stories and music.

This year’s theme is Connection and Common Ground — exploring what women can achieve together and their role in promoting peace. From 10AM to midnight, the Ujima Sisters Takeover brings together some of Bristol’s most inspiring women across music, poetry, journalism, film and activism.

10AM – 12PM The day opens with MĀDŁY, multi-lingual rapper, singer, songwriter and poet, ahead of the Seedling Sessions at Trinity Centre — celebrating women in music and the powerhouse women shaping Bristol’s local scene.

12PM – 2PM Ujima Sisters Lynn Mareno and Muneera Pilgrim take over the midday slot, celebrating International Women’s Day with their unique voices and perspectives.

2PM – 4PM The brand new Rhythm & Rhyme Show launches with singer Krush and poet Brink of Thought — a show that will continue every Tuesday 6–8PM on Ujima Radio.

4PM – 6PM Documentary Filmmaker and EDI Specialist Louise Ndibwirende alongside Ujima Sister Miranda Rae return for their second year to share their work in promoting peace and unity.

6PM – 8PM Journalist Dora the Reporter launches her new show The Scoop, which will continue every Saturday 10AM–12PM on Ujima Radio.

8PM – 10PM DJ Xcel — niece of Rita Marley and daughter of the iconic Rankin Miss P — delivers an exclusive all-female reggae mix, old and new.

10PM – Midnight DJ Elley Phunk closes the night with her signature blend of Breakbeat, UKG, Bass, House, Oldskool, Jungle and Techno. Expect uplifting vibes, deep grooves and serious rhythm.

Tune in on Sunday 8th March on 98FM & DAB in Bristol or stream worldwide at ujimaradio.com

#IWD2026 #InternationalWomensDay #UjimaRadio #BristolRadio #WomensDay #UjimaSisters

In the wake of the devastating Hurricane Melissa, members of the Bristol community are partnering with Bristol Old Vic to host “Rise for Jamaica,” a powerful evening of solidarity and support for those affected by the catastrophic storm that has left countless Jamaican families without homes, food, and essential resources.

“Rise for Jamaica” promises to be an unforgettable evening featuring an exceptional lineup of artists, performers, and creatives who have donated their time and talent to support relief efforts Cleo Alberta Lake Dionne Draper Zed Regal DJ Style Nia Bimkubwa T ‘Relly’ Jarrett Sukina Douglas Rachel Achol De Garang Ruth Pitter  Asher Simmons Corrine Willis, MoYah,  the Rooterz (featuring Oasis)  Paulett Wint Angela Linton-Miller and more to be announced. 

The evening will blend music, spoken word performances, and fashion, creating a celebration of Caribbean culture while raising vital funds for hurricane relief.

All proceeds from the evening will go directly to Food for the Poor Jamaica, an organisation working tirelessly on the ground to provide emergency relief and long-term recovery support to affected communities.

Grab your tickets and come join us

Ticket available at:

https://Riseforjamaica.eventbrite.com 

£10 in advance / £15 on the door

Citizens take centre stage in groundbreaking cultural plan for the West of England!

This week on Miranda Rae spoke with Emma Harvey, CEO of Trinity Arts Centre about Citizens for Culture – the first of its kind citizen’s assembly to decide on the future of culture in our region.  The first ever cultural delivery plan thats being created through a democratic mandate.  Tune into The Word today on Ujima Radio from 4-6pm to find out more!

Citizens take centre stage in groundbreaking cultural plan for the West of England

Citizens for Culture will empower people across the West of England to shape the region’s cultural future. This marks the UK’s first Citizens’ Assembly dedicated to exploring how creative opportunities can be made truly inclusive and accessible to all, bringing together individuals from every walk of life.

Culture in the West of England means much more than just the arts, it is shaped by libraries, museums and festivals, music and more. The Citizens’ Assembly is a people-powered process that gives residents the chance to influence the decisions that directly impact them.

From 23 June, 15,000 randomly selected households across the region will receive invitations to take part in a unique democratic process. Those who accept will form a Citizens’ Assembly that truly reflects the diversity of the West of England. These participants will help shape decisions on key regional issues, ensuring that every voice has a chance to be heard.

The 52 citizens selected to take part will answer the question: “What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?”

These discussions will help shape a Cultural Plan to be unveiled in November 2025. This community-led plan will reflect the hopes, values, and creative vision of the region’s residents, serving as a model for citizen-led cultural policymaking across the UK.

Citizens for Culture is backed by the West of England Mayoral Combined Authority, Bath and North East Somerset Council, Bristol City Council, North Somerset Council, and South Gloucestershire Council. Citizens for Culture is also supported by Arts Council England, the Calouste Gulbenkian Foundation and Paul Hamlyn Foundation.

Helen Godwin, the new Mayor of the West of England, said:

“From festivals to theatre, sport to heritage, clubs to cinema, and so much more besides, culture in the West knows few limits – or equals. Creativity is part of who we are, and everyone in our region deserves to make the most of the best of life in our part of the world.

“How we understand and tell our story will be a big part of this new chapter for the West, and will be key to attracting further investment. It’s past time for all communities, wherever or whoever they are in our region, to be connected – including to the economic opportunities offered by a world-renowned cultural scene.

“I can’t wait to see the ideas and energy of the new Citizens’ Assembly on culture. Their collective voice will be an important part of shaping our plans on culture, which will be developed and delivered with partners from the sector and local councils.”

The first of the Assembly events will take place on Sunday 14 September, the day before International Democracy Day. Marking a historic shift in how decisions about culture are made, rather than being shaped solely by policy-makers or institutions, the region’s future creative landscape will be crafted by its citizens, with the support of the region’s cultural sector.

Trinity Community Arts’ CEO Emma Harvey said; “Citizens for Culture is about handing power back to the people to define our cultural destinies. Culture is about arts and creativity, the spaces we socialise in, the stories we tell about who we are, and how we make sense of the world around us. That’s why it’s important that decisions about culture reflect all of us, regardless of background or political view.

“We all have a right to freedom of cultural expression. So, whether you see yourself as a lover of the arts or if you’ve never felt it’s for you, if you receive a letter inviting you to take part, we’d encourage you to say yes! Your voice matters, and this is a chance for everyday folk to lead the conversation and help shape a cultural future that includes all of us.”

Whether or not you receive an official invitation to the Citizens’ Assembly, there are plenty of ways to get involved in shaping the future of culture in our region. From taking part in inspiring workshops and local events to signing up for their newsletter or joining the conversation on social media, everyone has a role to play. To find out more, visit the Citizens for Culture website here:

https://citizensforculture.info/

What is a Citizens’ Assembly?

A Citizens’ Assembly is a carefully designed process for enabling people to play an active role in decisions which affect their lives – in this case the role of culture in everyday life.

Citizens’ Assemblies work by a three-part process of learning, deliberation, and decision-making. In the learning stage, evidence is presented on the topic, the group then deliberates on this evidence and works together to come to a consensus to create recommendations.

Follow on Instagram: @citizensforculture