When I began working in Southmead I had the pleasure of setting up our first Refugee Festival event, at The Ranch. Someone said to me that it would be great if we could have more events to celebrate different cultures, maybe with a meal. This has also come up in our Southmead Updates too – residents have asked for more cultural events, more food events, and more cultural events with food.
I went to my first Peace Feast, organised by Bridges for Communities, in Easton. The food was Eritrean – I had never heard of Eritrea. I learned a lot and felt like I got to know nearly everyone there, and I thought it would be great if we could make this happen in Southmead.
Last Wednesday, on 13th November, it finally happened. We had our first Peace Feast at Greenway Centre which became the heart of a powerful celebration of unity and connection. Around fifty people gathered from Southmead and the wider Bristol community, including people who had never been to Southmead before. It was a pleasure to talk to new visitors along with residents who have lived here all their lives – it was a beautiful mix.
The atmosphere at Greenway was so welcoming. We transformed our ground floor meeting room into a cosy warm space with fairy lights and music – the sounds of Soufian’s Oud drifted through the thrum of our conversations like a magical spell.
There were plenty of compliments about the food. We were treated to a choice of two sumptuous dishes – Afghan Chicken Curry, a fragrant and lightly spiced dish full of flavour, or Vegan Dahl, hearty and comforting packed with rich flavours and textures. Both were served with a side of the most delicious rice I have ever tasted.
While the food was certainly a highlight, it was the conversations around the tables that truly made the event special. People from different backgrounds, cultures, and generations came together to talk about everything: from the book written by a resident about their Mum bringing them up in Southmead during World War Two; another’s desire to learn Sudanese dancing; or the dog that was staying with one family and had taken over the bed! The Peace Feast is a space where differences are celebrated, and connections are made through our similarities.
By the end of the evening, it was clear that the Peace Feast had succeeded in bringing people together, building friendships, and nurturing a spirit of peace and understanding, all accompanied by delicious food. The smiles, laughter, and animated discussions spoke volumes about the power of community and the role that shared meals can play in building a better, more connected world.
Lots of people expressed how much they appreciated the opportunity to come together and meet new people in such a wonderful way. As one guest said, “I haven’t enjoyed this evening, I’ve loved it.”
If you missed this one, do not worry! There will be more Peace Feasts in Southmead, offering the opportunity to share a meal, and make new connections. And as another guest said, “Food and chatting! It’s so simple, but it works.”
Bridges for Communities will be holding a Listening Space in the café here at Greenway on Friday 22nd November 10 – 11 AM. Everyone is welcome to come along for a free hot drink. Join us for a relaxed and open discussion about mental health, well-being, and community support. Let us keep the conversation going and continue to create a safe space for sharing and listening. See you there! (Scan the QR code in the advert below or click to sign up HERE)
