Support for Bristol play streets

Playing Out started in Bristol back in 2009 and it was the first city to introduce a Temporary Play Street Order.

Where can I borrow free road closure kit in Bristol?

Play streets in Bristol

In Bristol you can apply for a Temporary Play Street Order to close your road to through traffic for up to 3 hours every week. Every street is different, some choose monthly sessions, some fortnightly – it’s up to you!

A good place to start is by talking to any neighbours you know on the street, and then once you have some support you can decide WHEN and HOW OFTEN you want to Play Out and apply.

Read about how Samira and Ellie set up their Play Streets in Bristol, and how regular playing out sessions transformed the culture of Jo’s street.

Friendly in person support

Up until summer 2025, Bristol play street activator Annali can provide light touch support over the phone to help you through the process or come along to your first session!

Annali‘s contact details are: annali@playingout.net   07894996867 

Annali is now working semi-independently to support play streets in Bristol in various ways. She is a parent and community activist and has plenty of play streets experience in her corner of East Bristol, helping to break down cultural and social barriers.

Friendly facebook group

There is a dedicated Bristol Playing Out Facebook group, which is a lovely community of street organisers and supporters where you can share stories and ask questions.

There is also a Bristol Play Street Organisers WhatsApp group here:  https://chat.whatsapp.com/DgKAeg0dbigCYo6asRHKiC

Get started!

Here are some useful links from our website to help you with the process.

1. 4 simple steps videos – takes you through the steps you need to take up to and including the play street.
2. Useful Stuff – This is where you can find the manual, useful letters you can use and posters etc.
3. Bristol City Council Application – This is the application on the council website; when you are ready to apply just distribute copies of the letter from the council page to your neighbours, and apply online. Once you have sent the application form in it takes up to 8 weeks for the council to approve it.

A play street order in Bristol lasts for 12 months, so you can enjoy a year of playing out before having to do the admin again!

Borrowing Road Closure Kit

As of April 2025, here is a list of organisations who have road closure kit for you to borrow for free (or a small refundable deposit), so please find the one nearest to you and get in touch. If you have any kit you need to return, please get in touch with the organisation nearest you.