MUM FESTIVAL 2025
By Tom Lagasse, Bristol Poet Laureate
Once in Bristol, on Chippen’s Hill, there was a rainbow of chrysanthemums that captivated visitors and locals alike, which forever made us the self-proclaimed Mum City.
Like us, mums too, arrived here as immigrants, whose seeds traveled across an ocean and became part of us. Hardy, diverse, they twinkle on overcast days, shine like jewels in the autumn sun, and withstand cold nights when frost, that layer of ice, maims
Or kills the gardens we tended with care. They are survivors.
More than half a century ago, several of Bristol’s supporters believed there was a need to recognize the town’s bouquets where many
more saw a weedy, fallow field. Now, different boosters continue the tradition of celebrating the town’s health, acknowledging what it gets right. This thankless work to celebrate who we are flower, stem and root, is a party for us, complete with a parade,
Where marching bands and dancers join veterans, and members Of our faith and government institutions. Where our current and future leaders, our lineage, our history is on display.
Along the sidewalks, regardless of weather, we applaud in gratitude and pride. Here we can remember not only who we are but what we share, a desire to have things be a little better for young and old alike.
And here, on Memorial Boulevard, when the laughter and joy
Of children and young people on carnival rides fills the night sky, we can only hope this appeases the ghosts, our ancestors,
Whose names are etched on the plaques and monuments That line this road. They gave their lives fighting
for freedom and against tyranny, as they watch over us.
As we begin this year’s festival, remember the sturdy mum. its historic use is to both beautify and heal. It is not,
as it once was, to be mistaken for a common weed. This is who we are, in art, in sport, and in enterprise – hardy and resilient – we are all chrysanthemums.
The Bristol Mum Festival 