The Mild Mild West, Bristol

Back in the late 鈥�90s, Stokes Croft was already Bristol鈥檚 unofficial laboratory for bold ideas, loud nights, and walls that spoke their mind. Then one day in 1999, a new voice appeared鈥攑ainted in broad daylight by Banksy鈥攚here a solicitor鈥檚 office wall became the stage for The Mild Mild West. A teddy bear, all fluff and mischief, is caught mid-throw with a Molotov cocktail aimed at three riot police. It鈥檚 playful at a glance, but rooted in a sharp protest against the police crackdowns on the city鈥檚 unlicensed raves, particularly a notorious clash on Winterstoke Road.

The title winks at Bristol鈥檚 easy-going reputation while hinting at the heat under the surface. Locals embraced it almost instantly, seeing a reflection of Stokes Croft鈥檚 personality: friendly and open, but ready to stand its ground when pushed. Its spot at a busy junction makes it impossible to miss, ensuring its message still rolls through the daily life of the city.

Around it, caf茅s hum, independent shops keep the 鈥淒o It Yourself鈥� spirit alive, and other walls carry their own loud, colourful opinions.

Stand here for a moment and you鈥檒l catch more than just a snapshot of street art鈥攜ou鈥檒l hear the long-running conversation between Bristol鈥檚 creative soul and the forces that try to tame it. And judging by that teddy鈥檚 aim, the debate isn鈥檛 over yet.

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Create Your Own Self-Guided Walk to Visit This Sight

Sight Name: The Mild Mild West
Sight Location: Bristol, England (See walking tours in Bristol)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:

Banksy Tour in Bristol

Walking Tours in Bristol, England

Create Your Own Walk in Bristol

Creating your own self-guided walk in Bristol is easy and fun. Choose the city attractions that you want to see and a walk route map will be created just for you. You can even set your hotel as the start point of the walk.

Famous Bristol Statues Walking Tour

Throughout its more than 1,000-year-long history, Bristol, England, has generated a wealth of cultural and historical heritage. Reflecting it now, and in some way matching it too, are a number of statues that celebrate personalities who made their mark and once graced the city with their association. These statues are scattered throughout the city, each with its unique story and importance.

The... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 2.6 Km or 1.6 Miles

Banksy Tour in Bristol

Bristol wears its street art like a second skin鈥攍ayered, loud, and impossible to ignore. In the middle of this visual conversation is a figure who went from spray-painting in the shadows to shaping the way the world looks at graffiti: Banksy. Growing up here in the 1970s, he first made his mark in the late 鈥�80s and early 鈥�90s with crews like the DryBreadZ Crew, working freehand under cover... view more

Tour Duration: 3 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 6.9 Km or 4.3 Miles

Bristol Introduction Walking Tour

If you listen closely, Bristol doesn鈥檛 just speak鈥攊t mutters, shouts, and occasionally winks. This southwest city in England has been shaping itself for over a thousand years, starting as a settlement where the rivers Frome and Avon meet. Long before that, the surrounding hills hid Iron Age hillforts and Roman villas. Its name, Brycgstow in Old English, meant 鈥減lace at the bridge鈥濃€攁... view more

Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.4 Km or 2.1 Miles

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