1) Wow! Gorillas
What an absolutely superb event. Although not an original idea nor a particularly good name, for three months during the summer the Wow! Gorillas attracted countless extra visitors to the city, gave young and old a challenge to find all 60, then 61 with the arrival of Doris, raise awareness of gorillas’ plight in the wild and then a huge amount of money when they were sold at auction.
Read more: Gorillas roam the streets of Bristol

2) See No Evil
The success of See No Evil can be measured in the increase in footfall along Nelson Street. What was once a drab, grey and boring thoroughfare is now a cornucopia of delights. This was Bristol City Council’s placemaking director Mike Bennett’s make or break chance to justify his role. What’s he going to come up with next year?
Read more: See No Evil, before and after

3) Fortnight
When I signed myself and a friend up to Fortnight as part of this year’s Mayfest, it was with some excitement as we did not have any idea what to expect. But the adventures we had as part of the two-week experience will become lifetime memories. There were handwritten letters, felt badges, rubber ducks, daily texts and emails, invitations, tasks, journeys, the feeling of being part of something special.
Read more: Review: Fortnight

4) Bristol Comedy Garden
The inaugural Bristol Comedy Garden over four nights in July was such a success that it’s a wonder nobody thought of the idea before. Erect a big top in Queen Square, fill it with some of the best comedians in the country, and watch the punters come in droves and laugh themselves silly. This must be the start of an annual event.
Read more: Review: Bristol Comedy Garden

5) Bristol Harbourside Triathlon
After a test event last year, 2011 saw the inaugural triathlon in a city perfectly suited to the event. Competitors swam in the docks by Lockside, cycled up and down and up and down and up and down the Portway, before a gentle run along the Pill Path. I completed the 1,500m swim, 40k bike and 10k run with no more training than cycling 10 minutes to and from work every morning and evening. I almost collapsed over the finishing line, but as I was carrying my five-month-old daughter (below) that would have been foolish. Next year’s triathlon should be even bigger and better.
Read more: www.tribristol.org