Bristol is a breeding ground for creativity with the city and surrounding towns providing the platform for seriously talented people, from artists to footballers to scientists.
So, as well as this region having some of the most beautiful spots and important historical landmarks, we’ve discovered it has the people to back it up. Have a look through our list, and email us if you think we’re missing anyone. Email us at [email protected]
1. Larissa Wilson - Kingswood
Larrissa found fame through Skins in which she played the character Jal Frazer in the first two series. She’s also appeared on television in Holby City, Kingdom and The Town. She grew up in Kingswood where she attended John Cabot Academy.
2. Marcus Trescothick - Keynsham/Oldland Common
The former England cricketer was born in Keynsham in 1975 and attended St Anne’s Primary and Sir Bernard Lovell School in Oldland Common. While at St Anne’s, he was chosen to play for Avon School where his high batting scores attracted interest from Gloucestershire County Cricket Club. He played for them, before moving to Somerset where he had a successful career. He also played for England in 76 Test matches and 123 One Day Internationals.
3. Colin Pillinger - Kingswood
The late planetary scientist was born in Kingswood in 1943. He attended Kingswood Grammar School. He found fame through his work on the Beagle 2 Mars lander project, part of European Space Agency’s 2003 Mars Express mission. It saw the space craft successfully touch down on the surface of Mars. Pillinger was awarded a CBE in 2003. He sadly died in 2014.
4. Josie Gibson - Yate
It only seems like yesterday when Josie came onto our screens and won the 11th series of Big Brother. She’s since forged a successful career and often appears on This Morning. Josie grew up in Yate and attended Brimsham Green School. Here she is, pictured, at the National Television Awards 2022