Bristol Sober Spaces is excited to present: Sober Metal Night featuring Mallavora, Juju, and Arimea — Bristol’s first-ever sober metal night at Rough Trade on May 3rd.
This will be Mallavora’s only headline show of 2025, where they’ll perform a catalogue of brand-new, unreleased music exclusively for this event. Definitely a gig not to be missed!
You can look forward to…
Mallavora
After a UK headline tour, Download Festival and opening for Skindred, Mallavora released their new EP on Marshall Records in November 2024.
On their new EP Echoes, they’ve distilled every aspect of their lived experience into fifteen minutes’ worth of blazing alt-metal, exploring topics including identity, neurodiversity and difference while blending in elements of R&B, soul, pop and cultural music associated with Jessica’s Jewish-Middle Eastern background. Personal, uncompromising and showcasing the full breadth of the band’s identity, these four tracks comprise a gigantic statement of intent.
Mallavora crafts a visceral, kaleidoscopic sound that transcends metal’s subgenres. They’re not just different—they’re unapologetic, forging a community where everyone can belong. Everyone’s invited, except for bigots!
Arimea
Arimea unleashes a refreshingly raw approach to nu-metal, weaving the elements of 90s and early 2000s sounds from Flyleaf, P.O.D, Deftones, Mudvayne, etc. that first inspired them into their already well-established take on modern alt-metal. The band has crafted a heady brew of nu-metal, alternative rock, and progressive metal, with shades of hardcore and hip-hop thrown in for good measure, drawing inspiration from the likes of Limp Bizkit, Slipknot, Linkin Park, and (Hed) P.E. that promises to be your new favourite sound.
From Humble Beginnings, Arimea took to fruition in post-pandemic UK honing the nu-metal charge alongside critically acclaimed mix engineer and producer MACHINE whose previous production work covers many of the bands we grew up listening to!
Juju
Dark, off-kilter alt-rock laced with mysticism and menace — Juju’s sound feels like a fever dream pulled from a cult horror flick. Each of her tracks is a spell: haunting, hypnotic, and impossible to shake.
If you’re into the sounds of PJ Harvey, Florence + The Machine, Siouxsie and the Banshees, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, or St. Vincent, you’ll love the sound of Juju.
So grab your ticket today—this is definitely not one to be missed!
Bristol Sober Spaces is excited to team up with Bristol Sober Queers to present a night of live music, DJs, and drag for our first-ever Sober Queer Night at Loco Klub on the 28th of March!
Get ready for an unforgettable night of alternative rock, punk, baile funk, UK funky, and much more. Featuring Slaggamufin, GorZ, Gen and The Degenerates, with Bristol’s sleepiest hypeman, Gender Criminal, as your host and performer.
You can look forward to …
Gen and The Degenerates
Known for their mischievous spirit, unique sound, and tongue-in-cheek lyrics, Gen and The Degenerates are breathing fresh life into the indie music sphere. Led by charismatic force of nature Genevieve Glynn, their unique blend of punk attitude and anthemic songwriting has proven capable of simultaneously charming the oldest of hats, and igniting a new generation of music fans.
Slaggamuffin
Slaggamuffin is a sober icon and one of the rising stars in the scene, hailing from the cultural hub of Bristol. Drawing influence from all corners of the globe, Slaggamuffin has made a name for themselves in the underground queer scene, gracing venues like Trinity, Strange Brew, and Lakota. They’ve also held residencies on Void Radio and Transgression FM. Expect the unexpected at a Slaggamuffin show—whether it’s rough riding or smooth sailing, they always deliver tunes that get hips moving and booties shaking. You can look forward to a dynamic mix of Baile Funk, 140, Latin Bass, and UK Funky.
GorZ
QUEER PUNK band based in Briztol but will conquer the wurld, GorZ are multidisciplinary artists amplifying their voices about societal ills. Incorporating avant garde theatrics and paper mache props into their live sets, the collective is an audio visual project as much as it is a band. Shedding their skin to talk on topics like skin tags, consumerism and trans rights. Having played with The Oozes, Tokky Horror, Skating Polly and Snooper they display a graphic insight into the dirty and enraged mind of GorZ.
Gender Criminal (Host and performer)
Introducing the GENDER JESTER, Bristol’s sleepiest hypeman host and PROVINCE PRINX Gender Criminal! GC is the SCOUNDREL of the South-West, a high politi-camp, artistic alchemist moving across drag, body queering, raw emotional explorations and threshold crossing performances. Nothing is safe from his piercing reimagination. Father of Bristol’s T4T production troupe House of Boussé, he’ll take you on a surreal serenade through his rambunctious ramblings, ruthless optimism and authentic tyrannical trans chaos.
So grab your ticket today—this is definitely not one to be missed!
Bristol Sober Spaces invites you to our 3rd Sober Club Night! Get ready for a night of Funk, House, and Techno, brought to you by DJs Milly on Air, Safiye, and Tony Montana. Three amazing DJs playing eclectic sets guaranteed to keep you going on pure endorphins and natural highs!
Bristol Sober Spaces is an exciting events project bringing you a great night out, with one twist: no alcohol or drugs. Whether you’re sober-curious or just fancy a change of pace, you’re welcome here.
What you can look forward to…
Milly On Air:
Over the last couple of years Milly on Air has established herself as a key player in Bristol’s underground house and techno scene. Her radiant sets blend a rich world of influences from the early roots of acid house to future facing leftfield club music. She draws from a wide and colourful musical palette spanning Balearic, Italo house, forgotten 90s gems, tribal percussion, progressive, trance, breakbeat and more.
She’s a regular fixture at Motion and The Love Inn and has recently played coveted spots alongside the likes of Honey Dijon, Saoirse, Demi Requismo, Alex Kassian, Courtesy, Sofia Kourtesis, Sasha and Digweed, Make a Dance and Merve and is a well-loved drive time resident on SWU /Rinse FM.
Safiye:
Safiye’s DJ sets reflect many years spent on various dance floors internationally. Her energetic, bouncy style weaves together elements of house, electro, techno, disco, and more. She has played at various UK venues and festivals, including Glastonbury and Come Bye, as well as Love International in Croatia
Tony Montana:
Tony is a local legend and Duvet Vous regular. He has DJ’d at venues all over Bristol and was recently featured in a BBC article for his new sober project, Re:Connection, which challenges the stigma associated with not drinking!
So grab your ticket today—this is definitely not one to be missed!
What a fantastic year it’s been for Creative Communities as we celebrated our 10th anniversary! We’ve had so many memorable moments and achievements, making it hard to pick just a few highlights. But here are some of our favourites from this incredible year.
Bristol Sober Spaces: First Club Night!
We kicked off our Sober Club Nights with our first event in January, and followed it up with a second in August, featuring lineups with DJs Nicky Blackmarket, Dazee, and more. We’d like to say a massive thank you to everyone who bought tickets, volunteered, and performed. You have made these evenings so special. A big thank you to Basement 45 for paving the way and supporting these events. Mark your calendars for January 18th for our next Club Night at The Jam Jar, featuring Milly on Air, Safiye and Tony Montana! Get Your Tickets Here.
Hip Hop Garden
In April, Hip Hop Garden began its exciting collaboration with Creative Communities, led by facilitators MoYah and KMT (Ian Solomon-Kawall). This unique group blends Hip Hop with the values of permaculture, offering members a creative space to explore environmentalism and song writing, along with sampling plant-based food. Group members have had the chance to record their own lyrics in a professional studio, perform at our 10 year anniversary gala, and take the stage at the Open Mic during Sober Spaces’ Hip Hop night.
Recovery In Motion
In April, Recovery in Motion began. This group, led by facilitator Charlie Korda, uses gentle and relaxing movement to help participants explore emotions through dance. Recovery in Motion members have created pieces that have been performed at BDP events, including International Overdose Awareness Day and the BDP Creative Communities 10 Year Anniversary Gala. The group will restart on January 28th.
A Service Of Remembrance
In May, the choir performed at Bristol Cathedral’s Service of Remembrance for those who have lost their lives to homelessness. This deeply moving event holds special significance for many of our members. We were honoured to participate in this important occasion.
The Creative Communities 10 Year Anniversary Gala
Creative Communities turned 10 years old. We marked this milestone in October with a sold-out gala at Circomedia in the heart of St Pauls.
The evening was filled with spine-tingling acappella, orchestral arrangements, and performances of epic songs ranging from John Williams to Cat Stevens, alongside hip-hop, poetry, a funk medley, and a show-stopping, co-written finale that combined spoken word and movement.
The gala showcased the talents and journeys of our members through performances from Rising Voices Choir, Bristol Recovery Orchestra, Oi Polloi Theatre Group, Changing Tunes Beginners Group, Hip Hop Garden, Recovery in Motion, and Bristol Sober Spaces.
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended, performed, facilitated, or volunteered, each of you helped make the evening truly special.
Bristol Recovery Orchestra Welcomed A New Conductor
The Gala sadly marked our final performance with Bristol Recovery Orchestra conductor, Jon James after 5 years of collaboration. We are grateful for not only creating fantastic pieces on the night but also for his dedication over the past 5 years.
We are excited to have welcomed Recovery Orchestra’s new conductor, Raph Clarkson. Raph has a background as a trombonist in jazz bands and leading musical workshops across the country. With the orchestra sounding so amazing in the winter show after just two months, we are excited to see what the future will sound like.
A Celebration Of Life
Our annual Celebration of Life event took place in November to mark the lives lost to drugs and alcohol. There were moving performances from the Rising Voices choir and a solo performance by choir member Deanna, while reflecting on those who have been affected by the loss of someone through drugs and alcohol.
High Sherriff Concert
Rising Voices performed at the High Sheriff Concert held at St. George’s in November, alongside Dovetail Orchestra, Preludes Music, and Changing Tunes. Rising Voices were honoured to be awarded the High Sheriff Award in recognition of our valuable contributions to the community. We would like to once again thank the High Sheriff, Richard Pendlebury, for inviting us to be part of this special event.
Bristol Sober Spaces: First Hip Hop Night!
We hosted our first Sober Hip Hop at Art Club. This sold-out event featured artists MoYah, Res One, Blakemore, 101, Patch De Salis, Phil Mac and was hosted by KMT (Ian Solomon-Kawall), with musical support from DJ Raggo and Steve Stone.
The evening also included an Open Mic, where group members from our Hip Hop Garden group performed their own lyrics. Keep your eyes on our socials in 2025 for the next one!
We Were In Print!
Creative Communities has been featured in various publications this year. We were selected to be featured in the Baring Foundation’s report, “Creatively Minded and in Recovery,” which explores the role of creative arts in supporting recovery. The gala was also fortunate to receive media coverage in the lead-up to the event, with features on BBC Online, BBC Points West, Bristol 24/7, Ujima Radio, Performing Recovery, and BCFM. After the event, we were thrilled to receive a glowing review from Bristol 24/7.
We Want To Say Thank You …
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who has made this year so special — from group members and facilitators to volunteers and audience members. A special thank you also goes out to our partners and funders: Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Changing Tunes, May Project Gardens, Recovery In Motion, Bristol Old Vic, Bristol City Council, Bristol Doc Community Fund, and Bristol Beacon, for their ongoing support. Each of you has helped make this year one of the best, and we can’t wait to see what next year brings!
Upcoming events:
Bristol Sober Spaces: Club Night
18/01/2025 – 19:00-22:00 :The Jam Jar, Bristol BS2 9EB
Look forward to a night of Funk, House and Techno. Brought to you by DJs Milly on Air, Safiye and Tony Montana.
Bristol Sober Spaces is an exciting events project bringing you a great night out, with one twist: no alcohol or drugs. Whether you’re sober curious or just fancy a change of pace, you’re welcome here. Get your tickets here!
How To Get Involved:
Want To Join A Group?
Feeling inspired by everything our groups have been up to this year? Join one of our groups today!
All of our groups are free and open to people of all experience levels with lived experience with drugs or alcohol. Just get in touch via the details below, and we can provide you with more information.
Would you like to join one of our amazing Creative Communities groups as a volunteer?
We are always looking for committed and creative volunteers to support our Creative Communities Groups. If you think this is something that would interest you, get in touch to arrange a time to visit and see what we do.
What an unforgettable night celebrating 10 years of Creative Communities at Bristol Drugs Project! We marked this milestone in October with a sold-out gala at Circomedia in the heart of St. Pauls. The event featured performances from all six Creative Communities groups, a fundraising raffle with prizes generously donated by local businesses, and the launch of, former BDP employee, Pete Weinstock’s book of poetry, Between The Cracks (Tangent Books).
We want to extend a massive thank you to everyone who attended, performed, facilitated, or volunteered—each of you helped make the evening truly special.
Over the past decade, our weekly creative and arts-based groups have built a national reputation for community-based creative recovery and have contributed significantly to the academic evidence base.
The gala showcased the talents and journeys of our members through performances from Rising Voices Choir, Bristol Recovery Orchestra, Oi Polloi Theatre Group, Changing Tunes Beginners Group, Hip Hop Garden, Recovery in Motion, and Bristol Sober Spaces. We were also musically supported by our partner and supporting organisations—Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, Changing Tunes, May Project Gardens and Fitzhardinge Consort —which helped elevate the show to new heights.
“Such a joyous evening. every performance was inspiring, uplifting, and heartfelt, and the atmosphere was so warm and buzzing.”
Audience member
The evening was filled with spine-tingling acappella, orchestral arrangements, and performances of epic songs ranging from John Williams to Cat Stevens, alongside hip-hop, poetry, a funk medley, and a show-stopping, co-written finale that combined spoken word and movement.
We are really grateful for the many hours that our Creative Communities members dedicated to rehearsals, and to the group facilitators for championing this vision from the start.
This incredible evening was made possible by Sophie Wilsdon—not only as the founder of Creative Communities but also for bringing all the groups together and serving as the driving force and vision behind the event. The evening sadly marked our final performance with Bristol Recovery Orchestra Conductor Jon James after 5 years of collaboration. We are grateful for not only creating fantastic pieces on the night but also for his dedication over the past 5 years. We now welcome the orchestra’s new conductor, Raph Clarkson, and look forward to many exciting projects together.
Visit our events page and follow us on social media to stay up to date on upcoming events!
Bristol Drugs Project is proud to mark ten years of Creative Communities – our weekly creative and arts-based groups for people with lived experience of drug and/or alcohol use. Over the past decade, we’ve built a national reputation for community-based creative recovery, regularly performing in venues across Bristol.
Our 10 Year Gala Showcase
Join us for our upcoming Gala, where we’ll be showcasing our members’ talents and journeys through performances from our groups: Rising Voices Choir, Bristol Recovery Orchestra, Oi Polloi Theatre Group, Changing Tunes Beginners Group, Hip Hop Garden, Recovery in Motion and Bristol Sober Spaces.
Prepare to be moved by spine-tingling acapella singing, orchestral arrangements of familiar epic songs, and a co-written, show-stopping finale featuring spoken word and movement.
“Very inspiring and powerful performances. Bought tears to my eyes in positive way. Loved all the groups.”
Special Guests
We’re excited to welcome guest musicians from our partners at Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, along with local singing supporters from The Fitzhardinge Consort and Gasworks Choir.
Poetry launch – Between The Cracks by Pete Weinstock (Tangent Books)
We will also be celebrating the launch of a new collection of poetry by Pete Weinstock, dedicated to the memory of Maggie Telfer (March 23, 1959-January 12, 2023) co-founder and Chief Executive of Bristol Drugs Project.
A selection of poems from Between the Cracks (Tangent Books) will be read by members of Creative Communities and Pete Weinstock at the Gala, and copies will be on sale on the night. All profit from sales will be donated to Bristol Drugs Project to provide drug and alcohol treatment services.
Not just performances
The evening will also feature a fundraising raffle with incredible prizes from local businesses and Bristol Sober Spaces DJs in the alcohol-free bar after the show.
About us
Creative Communities offers a unique programme of weekly creative groups and events for adults affected by drug or alcohol use. Our experienced arts practitioners work alongside drugs workers and volunteers to build positive relationships, break through stigma, develop work and social skills, and a vital and life affirming sense of community.
As part of Bristol Drugs Project, a charity with 36 years of experience in harm reduction and treatment services, we’re dedicated to supporting people towards the changes they want to see in their lives, whatever those may be.
So join us for an unforgettable night of the arts as we continue to break down the stigma surrounding drug use and recovery. We will shine!
