"IBT invites us into other people’s worlds – and in doing so switches on new lights within our own." THE GUARDIAN
Enter a powerful constellation of fireflies, whispers, murmurs and sighs; a magnificent roar for a fairer, safer and more equal world.
Friday 8 March – Sunday 2 June 2024
We Are Warriors is a sound and light installation in Bristol’s historic Redcliffe Caves, a Medieval network of caverns and catacombs sprawling beneath the city. Thousands of flickering lights are nestled into the sloping, red sandstone walls, while a soundscape of breaths, words, chants and song reverberates in the space. A beacon calling you in, We Are Warriors is made up of the voices of 130 Bristolian women and girls, aged 8-80, holding space for the experiences of women and people everywhere.
“A reclamation of a city’s darkest spaces, for all those whose voice has ever been silenced.”
Help build the constellation
As you enter, add your light to the growing constellation, in tribute to anyone who has ever felt silenced. Contribute your experiences and stories to an evolving patchwork of lives remembered.
What to expect
Based on the average visit, we suggest allowing between 35-60 minutes inside the installation – however, you are welcome to stay for as long as you like. Last entry is at 6.15pm.
As this installation is located within the Redcliffe Caves, please be aware that the ground can be uneven and wet, so suitable footwear is advised. This installation is wheelchair accessible.
There are no toilets in Redcliffe Caves. The nearest toilets are at The Ostrich pub, roughly 1 minute’s walk from the Caves.
Please note that if you are unable to attend on the date for which you have purchased a ticket, you are still able to use that ticket on a different date. When you arrive, just let the welcome desk know.
There may be filming and photography while you are in the Caves. Please inform a member of staff if you would not like to be photographed.
For more detailed information on accessibility, as well as dos and don’ts in the caves, please see the bottom of this page.
Please contact our Event Producer [email protected] with any specific access requirements.
Where to find us
What our audiences say
“I loved adding myself into the exhibition with my own light.”
“I liked the way that I could move through the space, as if the sound moved with me.”
“Alive and quiet. Primal and still. Tender and wild. Raw and expansive.”
“It was powerful and moving. I felt like I was part of a magnificent group of women, from the past and the future.”
Accessibility
- We Are Warriors is a sound and light installation comprising a composition of soft and louder immersive voices and many hundreds of battery powered LED lights.
- Earplugs available on request.
- Lights will not create a strobe effect.
- The installation is located in a human-made cave system, Redcliffe Caves.
- The entrance, thoroughfares and caves in which the installation is located are wheelchair accessible.
- Please note the floor is uneven.
- Guide and Assistance Dogs welcomed.
- Concession tickets are available for Over 65, Low income, Students and Disabled people.
- People who are visually impaired or have mobility impairments may want to be accompanied by a friend, relative or carer, or ask for assistance from one of our stewards on-site with specific elements (such as adding a light to the installation)
- IBT stewards will be available to offer support if needed.
- Parking is available at Wapping Wharf car park, five minutes away.
Ground Rules
- NO SMOKING OR VAPING.
- No dogs allowed inside the caves, unless Assistance or Guide Dogs.
- No food or drinks (except water) to be consumed in the caves.
- Under 18-year-olds must be accompanied by an adult.
- If you are attending the installation with a young child or young children, please ensure you keep hold of their hand(s) at all times (if they are not in a pushchair, buggy or attached to you by other means.
- The ground is uneven in places with low light. Please keep to the lit pathways.
- Do not enter an area that is closed off with a barrier or no entry tape (this is for visitors’ safety as the caves are large and unlit).
If you feel unwell or have any concerns at any time, please contact one of the stewards or other members of staff on-site. They will be wearing clearly labelled clothing and hi-vis clothing where relevant.
Stay in touch
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Media and Press
For media, press and collaboration enquiries, please contact Helen Davies at [email protected]
Our press release can be found here.
High resolution images are available on request.
Produced and created by In Between Time, We Are Warriors was originally commissioned by Bristol Women’s Voice for their Deeds Not Words programme, marking 100 years since the first women were given the right to vote in the UK. The soundscape was developed through a series of workshops with diverse women from our city brought together with Breathing Fire, Black Women’s Playback Theatre Company.
Bristol-based organisations and groups that took part in the workshops include: Bristol and Avon Chinese Women’s Group, Bristol Drugs Project, Montpelier High School, Eastwood Park Women’s Prison, Gloucester Road Women’s Institute, Integrate UK (youth-led charity based in Easton), Redmaid’s Junior School and the Wellbeing Group at Wellspring Healthy Living.
Thank you to everyone that contributed their voice to We Are Warriors
Alicia Cole, Alicia Miller, Aliza Qureshi, Amaarah Mian-Cudmore, Amelia Walsh, Ann Brooks, Anne, Becky Bushnell, Bella Mason, Bethan Millsted, Blue, Brod Way, Carla Finch-Daniels, Catherine Wooldridge, Charlotte Louise Poulet, Chi Lin Yip Lau, Chloe Parry, Christina Austin, Ciara, Claire, Claire Charlton, Corinna Chandler, Corrine, Cynthia, Darlene Wheeler, Dee Lawrence, Dom, Eleanor Moore, Emily Griffin, Emma Matthews, Esme Stratton, Fiona Reid, Florence Hiatt, G. Keeley, Gail Mcdonald, Georgia, Gill, Gypsy Girl Chamainey, Hazel Durn, Heather Griffin, Helena Twigger, Hilz, Honor Lien, Iqra Wasim, Isabel Nyaruwa, Isabelle Davies, Isla Reoch, Ivy, J. Barrow, Jan Bartlett, Jane, Jane Keith, Jenny Allen, Jenny Sanderson, Jess, Jess Black, Jessica Bowen, Jessica Slack, Jewles, Jian Su, Julia, Julia Rayment, Judith Davis, Kellie, Kyley Hazell, Laura Read, Lauren Jay Gregory-Connolly, Lindsey Dando, Liz Tyler, Mandy Emery, Maria, Martine Lewis, Mary, Mary Sanderson, Maryam Aslam, Melanie Taylor, Meshelle Bone, Miranda Box, Miranda L, Molly Fenwick-Moore, Molly Nicolson, Mrs Doris Yeap, Nancy Trotter Landry, Natasha Kharbanda, Nicola, Nicola Thomas, Rachel, Rachel Lewis, Rachel Mylrea, Rebecca K Gibbs, Rebecca Wallace, Rosie Allen, Ruiyan Chen, Ruth Pitter, S. Haylett, Saffron Crosby, Sakiya Ghalib, Sally Lui, Sandra, Sarah, Sidra Wasim, SJ, Sophia Bailey, Sophie C Colfer, Talia, Tallulah Miller, Richards Tango, Tansin Brown, Tina, Tish Bell, Tonilee, Vanessa Boyawa, Valerie Mower, Valentine, Vashti Waite, Willow-Simone, Y.K. Tang, Yin Gui Zhang, Zara Huband, Zoe, Zora Alexander as well as those that wished to remain anonymous.
Credits
Produced by In Between Time / Warrior Workshops: Breathing Fire Black Women’s Playback Theatre Company / Sound and Voices: 130 incredible women and girls from Bristol / Sound Composition and Production: Alex Bradley / Technical Production: Lottie Poulet / Producer: Beau Palmer / Photography, main image: Manuel Vason
This installation has been kindly supported by the Arts & Events Team at Bristol City Council.
