A Short History of Purple Penguin
This is the story of a unique community that emerged from a little-known spot on Bristol’s Colston Street in the mid-’90s. What began as an unassuming establishment quickly became a vital hub for underground hip hop, funk, soul, and beats — a mecca for those passionate about hip hop culture, sample digging, and beat making. Over time, it evolved into a creative cornerstone, sparking a wave of artistic expression that continues to resonate.
Unlocking Our Sound Heritage
‘Unlocking Our Sound Heritage’ was a UK-wide initiative dedicated to preserving, digitising, and opening public access to a significant part of the nation’s audio heritage. As part of the British Library’s flagship ‘Save Our Sounds’ programme — delivered in partnership with ten regional and national archival institutions — the project sought to safeguard fragile recordings for future generations. In this episode, we draw on archived audio from the British Library to explore the history of free school meals in Bristol, reflecting on how it compares to the situation today.