• Swindon & Wiltshire Culture
• Tuesday May 7 2024
• Author Name: Peter Davison

Sustainable department store and arts hub Sparks to celebrate first anniversary

Sustainable department store and arts hub Sparks will celebrate its first anniversary this weekend (May 11-12).

The two-day celebration will mark 12 months since the empty former Marks & Spencer building in Bristol’s Broadmead shopping centre was transformed into a sustainable department store.

Local charities Artspace Lifespace and Global Goals Centre partnered to pilot an ambitious ‘department store with a difference’ – supporting ethical traders and artists.

In the year since Sparks opened its doors it has welcomed over 490,000 visitors, supported 172 local independent ethical traders and inspired 2,529 children and young people through educational workshops.

On Saturday, May 11 – World Fairtrade Day – the store will host a Nicaraguan Fairtrade afternoon tea with food and drinks tastings from local, ethical food suppliers.

There will also be live music, art exhibitions, and a giant interactive birthday cake.

Exhibitions and events continue on Sunday, May 12.