2020 brought a health pandemic that caused Bristol – like everywhere else – to shut down for months. How has the lockdown affected Bristol's economy, development and progress as a sustainable and inclusive city?

What long-term impact will 2020 have on jobs, homes, education, welfare and mental health here?  How essential now is the protection and growth of a diverse economy with jobs for all, a house-building programme and our ambitious transport and connectivity plans?

How will these plans be affected by unemployment, reductions in public investment? How can the city rebuild a sustainable, inclusive, fair and successful city? And what role do the sustainable development goals play?

Mayor Marvin Rees reflects on this, four years of his mayoralty and plans for the future. He is joined by youth mayors Alice Towle and John Wayman, and Caleb Parkin, Bristol City Poet.

When you register, please add any questions you’d like discussed.

This event also marks the beginning of a year-long partnership with English PEN and their Common Currency programme. To mark their centenary, English PEN has launched Common Currency–an 18-month celebration of freedom of expression, creative campaigning, and the best literature the world has to offer. Bringing together writers, readers and activists for a unique programme of events, residencies and workshops across the UK, Common Currency is inspired by three key themes: in our partnership will be exploring ‘Free Speech and Democracy’. Common Currency is supported using public funding by the National Lottery through Arts Council England.

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Festival of Ideas: The Mayor’s Annual State of the City Address 2020