BCfm Radio and Ujima Radio, two of Bristol’s leading community broadcasters, have been jointly awarded a £20,000 grant from Bristol City Council’s Community Resilience Fund.
This funding will support the creation of a powerful new audio documentary exploring the causes and impact of last year’s riots, as well as the development of a pioneering protocol for how community media can respond to public disorder.
The 2024 riots, which erupted between July 30 and August 5, were the most severe in the UK since 2011. Sparked by the tragic stabbing of three young girls in Southport, misinformation rapidly spread online, falsely attributing the attack to a Muslim asylum seeker.
This incited a wave of far-right, anti-immigration protests and riots across 27 towns and cities, including Bristol. The unrest resulted in over 1,280 arrests and nearly 800 charges, with significant violence, arson, and attacks on minority communities.
In Bristol, the riots were marked by violent clashes between far-right protesters and anti-racist counter-demonstrators, particularly around Castle Park and the Mercure Hotel, which was housing asylum seekers. Avon and Somerset Police arrested 14 individuals in connection with the disturbances.
Patrick Hart, CEO of registered charity BCfm Radio, stated:
“This funding gives us a real opportunity to delve into what happened and why. As community broadcasters, we have a responsibility to tell the whole story, from the streets to the council chambers, and ensure unheard voices are part of the narrative.”
Miranda Rae, Station Manager of Ujima Radio CIC, added:
“This is about resilience, not just bouncing back but learning, growing, and leading. Community radio is uniquely placed to support people through crisis, and this project will lay down a roadmap for how we can do that with integrity, care, and impact.”
The collaborative initiative will involve extensive community engagement, ensuring that the resulting documentary and protocol are rooted in the lived experiences of Bristol’s diverse populations. Both stations are committed to using this opportunity to strengthen community ties and promote constructive dialogue.
