Help us keep the lights on Support us
The Bristol Cable

PHOTOESSAY: Different sides of Southmead

A few photos show the vibrancy of the often-maligned neighbourhood of Southmead.

Photography

A few photos show the vibrancy of the often-maligned neighbourhood of Southmead.

Photos: Colin Moody

Southmead, in the north of the city, is a product of the effort to clear city centre slums in the 1930s, with another spurt of council housing added post-war. The suburb has had its share of social difficulties and bad press. Decades of deprivation have occasionally erupted into social unrest, such as the two nights of rioting that took place in 1980 just days after the St Pauls riot. Now, government funding cuts risk reversing the significant improvements in the neighbourhood over the last two decades. But there’s much more to Southmead than the headlines – as these photos illustrate.

Katrina's family can be traced back to Southmead area for 70 odd years, and proud of itKatrina’s family can be traced back to Southmead area for 70 odd years, and proud of itRoger and his friends waiting for the pub to openRoger and his friends waiting for the pub to open

Shadow, Lewis and Witch the dogShadow, Lewis and Witch the dog

Spreading the wordSpreading the word

From edition 14, OUT NOW!

front cover of the edition 14thRead more from this edition.

 

Keep the Lights On

Investigative journalism strengthens democracy – it’s a necessity, not a luxury.

The Cable is Bristol’s independent, investigative newsroom. Owned and steered by more than 2,600 members, we produce award-winning journalism that digs deep into what’s happening in Bristol.

We are on a mission to become sustainable – will you help us get there?

Join now

What makes us different?

Comments

Post a comment

Mark if this comment is from the author of the article

By posting a comment you agree to our Comment Policy.

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

Related content

Want to help shape the future of The Bristol Cable? Stand to be a director.

Want to enable independent news media stand out from the noise of mainstream media? Stand to be a director of The Bristol Cable.

‘If you see it, you can be it’: The cricket club creating a more inclusive game

Nationally, less than one percent of recreational cricket players come from African Caribbean backgrounds. The Cable meets the local cricket club with a mission to change that

Easton Family Christian Centre: A sacred space reimagined

Community Engagement lead Begonya Miranda visits Easton Christian Family Centre — a church remarkable for its interfaith approach and powerful model of belonging

Photo essay: Booty Bass at Bristol Pride 2025

At this year's Pride, Bristol DJ collective Booty Bass led a parade made up of queer people from the global majority in a reminder of the event's radically inclusive origins.

Callouts: Join our first Newspaper Club

As part of the 2025 Indie News Week’s “No News is Bad News” initiative, The Bristol Cable is opening its newsroom doors exclusively to its...

Sign Up

Photo essay: Down on the Farm

Non-league football club Manor Farm FC provides an antidote to the corporate experience of the top tier.

Join our newsletter

Get the essential stories you won’t find anywhere else

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter to get our weekly round-up direct to your inbox every Saturday

Join our newsletter

Subscribe to the Cable newsletter

Get our latest stories & essential Bristol news
sent to your inbox every Saturday morning