In this newsletter:

Come, see how she was made

At the time of writing, Imbolc has just passed. A time to pause before the seeds shaken at the end of last year start singing and surging forth.

Avona had a big year last year, she was made, birthed and paraded at various ceremonies with both her local community and ones nearby. This year we hope to do more of the same.

For the last three months Avona has been resting, keeping her bones as dry as possible as rivers fell cold from winter skies.

She will emerge for the first time at her short film premiere at St Annes House on the 22nd February.

From the makers of Rave on For The Avon, this short film shows some of the darker folklore behind the story of or Avon, and gives more of that familiar quirky community activism flavour that Bristol does so effortlessly.

The night will also include some performance poetry and storytelling from Mrs Meg Avon about Avona, and some stripped-back and experimental pieces from musician Emily Magpie and her band with some music from her new river-inspired mini-album Howl.

There will be an opportunity to be inspired by other river artists and their work, and to discuss where Avona is going next. To schools? To meet other river puppets? To dance at your event?

One thing we know for sure is that she will join for at least part of the way for the We Are Avon 2026 pilgrimage from Pill to Bath on the 20th and 21st of June, with an overnight campout in Bristol by the river on the evening of the 20th.

 Please SAVE THE DATE to join us for some or all of the route. There is no better way to feel connected to your landscape or your community.