Events Archive - Page 45 of 56 - Bristol Radical History Group

Directional Discourse and Counter-history

John Desmond’s concept of directional discourse might interest radical historians for two reasons. It incorporates the two concepts of ascending discourse and counter-history. And it has produced a by-product, the challenge: ‘Is undertaking counter-history preferable to undertaking radical history?’, which he will only have time to float. Watch this talk: If you see this text the video has failed to play. Please let us know by emailing brh@brh.org.uk.

Doing Radical History

Recent years have seen a resurgence in ‘doing radical history’, from researching, writing and speaking to provocative recreations, media stunts and interventions in civic debates. South London Radical History group were pioneers in this process and with our own Bristol ‘mob’ will survey the ideas and experiences of the ‘new wave’.

‘Every Cook Can Govern’: From Athens to the Electoral Lottery

Cheerleaders for parliamentary democracy often hark back semi-legendary ‘golden ages’ as a foundation of the modern electoral process. Do these myths have any basis in reality and what relevance do they have today? Dan Bennett uncovers the hidden history of Athenian popular democracy and proposes a modern alternative. Watch this talk: If you see this text the video has failed to play. Please let us know by emailing brh@brh.org.uk.

Cry Freedom, Cry Seven Stars – Pamphlet Launch

An evening to launch the new Bristol Radical Pamphleteer title Cry Freedom, Cry Seven Stars by Mark Steeds. This is also a chance to drink beer in CAMRA's best pub in Bristol 2010 and celebrate its unique place in the history of the Abolition Movement. Including performances by the Red Notes Choir and Richard Burley. Since its formation in 2006, Bristol Radical History Group has come a long way with a staggering list of happenings and events under its belt, bringing radical history from Bristol […]

Post-Racial or Beloved Community? Notes on the Future of American Radicalism in the Obama Age

A talk focusing on grassroots organizations in NYC, L.A., Detroit, and New Orleans and the building of sustainable communities. We are very lucky to have one of the foremost historians of radical Black movements and cultures in the United States, Robin Kelley speaking in Bristol.

Political Football: Meanings and Mystery at the World Cup

The World Cup Finals, now 80 years old, attracts the biggest television audience of any global event. In an era of globalization, it is, if only for a month every four years, the closest we come to imagining and being a global community. It’s the kind of audience no state, no political movement can turn down and since the Uruguayans celebrated the centenary of national independence by hosting the 1930 tournament, politics has been in play at every game. David Goldblatt (author of The Ball Is […]

Mock Election Bonfire Night

To round off this series of events come and stick two fingers up at electoral politics in 2010. Write your own manifesto! Bring and burn an effigy of your most despised public figure! Join us for seditious toasting and acoustic merriment from Eirlys Rhiannon and members of Who's Afear'd and the Surfin' Turnips by the flickering flames of our pyre of politicians. Easton based singer songwriter whose repertoire contains hints of blues, folk, rock and pop, but Eirlys's musical and song writing […]

Bristol Radical History Walk

About 1.4 miles of easy walking that will take in the scenes of radical activism in Bristol and answer questions like… Why did a man on a donkey in Corn Street and a Cambridge student who stayed at the Seven Stars Pub have such an impact on the world? Why did a mob burn down Queen Square in 1831? Who ate all the pies in 1832? What caused the Bristol Bridge Riot?. Which brave man (or possibly a woman?) organised Bristol's defences against the Royalists? Join us for a little light exercise and […]

Leon Rosselson And Robb Johnson The Liberty Tree

Tickets available in advance from: Bristol Ticket Shop 26 Union Street Broadmead, BS1 2DP Tel: 0117 929 9008 Legendary protest singer Leon Rosselson celebrates his fiftieth year in music with a special performance with songwriter/activist Robb Johnson. The Liberty Tree is an evening of contemporary songs reflecting the revolutionary ideas of Thomas Paine. These were influenced by the American War of Independence and were to have a huge effect on the French Revolution and the fight for modern […]

‘Every Cook Can Govern’ From Athens To Westminster?

Proponents of parliamentary democracy often hark back semi-legendary ‘golden ages’ as a foundation of universal enfranchisement. Do these myths have any basis in reality and what relevance do they have today? Dan Bennett and Tony Dyer follow a historical path from ancient Athens via Anglo-Saxon participatory democracy through to the French Revolution. Dave Cullum poses the question, is representative democracy necessary for modern capitalism to exist? Every Cook Can Govern Daniel Bennett's talk […]