Citizens for Culture meets Tyree: Building Connection through KickNPlay

We want to hear from people from every corner of the West of England to better understand individual experiences of culture, what’s working, what’s missing, and what needs to change. These conversations will help inform our Citizens’ Assembly as they explore and answer this vital question: “What would culture and creativity look like in the West of England if they were for everyone?

In our new Citizens for Culture meets blog series, we’re connecting with people from across the region behind the live music and community events that bring the West of England to life. Learning more about how they work, what culture means to them, the communities they work with, and why inclusive cultural spaces matter.

In the first of our series, we spoke with Laura Porter about her inspiring work in North Somerset. Today, we’re meeting Tyree, founder of KickNPlay, whose work blends music, games, and community to create inclusive cultural spaces and who believes that the South West has the potential to be a cultural powerhouse.

Who are you, what is your work, and how did you get into this field?

My name is Tyree, and I’m the entrepreneur behind KickNPlay, an event rooted in culture, connection, and curated experiences. Alongside running KickNPlay, I’ve spent the last two years as a freelance festival support specialist, collaborating with event teams to deliver unforgettable moments, whether coordinating logistics or working on the ground.

How did your brand begin, and what inspired you to start it?

Before KickNPlay, I was part of a nightlife event based in the Midlands. Once I became a father, the travel wasn’t sustainable, and I also felt I was outgrowing the late-night scene. I wanted something that fit my lifestyle, something earlier, more social, and more relaxed.

That’s how the idea of a Sunday early-evening gathering came about: a space where people could eat, play games, hear good music, and connect in the way you might at a house party with friends. It was about creating that nostalgic childlike joy, but for adults.

What got you interested in cultural organising, and what keeps you motivated?

As someone of Jamaican and English heritage, I’ve had both good and bad experiences in social spaces. At times, I was excluded from venues in ways that felt rooted in race. That drove me to create spaces where urban contemporary genres and their audiences could be celebrated without judgment.

What keeps me going is the belief that our culture deserves to be visible and enjoyed in a way that’s welcoming, diverse, and free from stereotypes. I’m also motivated by the long-term dream, building KickNPlay into a festival by 2027.

How do you define “culture,” and how do you see it in your community?

Culture is a feeling, a lifestyle, a sense of belonging. It’s not limited by race, music genre, or identity; it’s about the tribe you create. In Bristol, I see it expressed through art, music, clothing, and creativity. But I also see the need to open doors wider, beyond the same limited networks that often hold power.

What are the biggest barriers to cultural participation in the West of England?

Three things: gatekeeping, closed networks, and lack of opportunity.

What’s next for KickNPlay as a brand?

Developing KickNPlay into its own festival.

What challenges have you faced, and how did you overcome them?

I had no formal training or qualifications in live events, which limited my opportunities. KickNPlay also faced barriers in Bristol venues, so I briefly expanded to Birmingham, but distance made that unsustainable once I had three children.

A turning point came when I joined the Festival & Carnival Lab, a course for people from Black heritage backgrounds run by Global Carnivalz & Continental Drifts. Through that, I worked in senior roles at major independent festivals, including Glastonbury’s Shangri-La. That experience opened doors not only for me, but also for others from my community who I’ve been able to bring into these spaces.

What do you want decision-makers to understand about the cultural needs of your community?

Trust new ideas, avoid stereotypes, and stop gatekeeping. The next generation needs room to grow, especially in Bristol.

What cultural experience has been most meaningful to you, and why?

Seeing my peers from the Festival & Carnival Lab step into senior roles at Glastonbury was powerful. It showed how much talent is out there when opportunities are opened up.

If you could create one cultural experience for your community, what would it be?

A creative space with the same quality and facilities as Bristol’s main venues, but free from the barriers that currently limit new and emerging talent.

Is there anything else you’d like to share?

There’s a strong network growing in Bristol. If we keep building together, we can transform the city into a true cultural hub, the LA of England, where creativity thrives locally without needing to move to London.

Stay tuned for more conversations in our Citizens for Culture meets series, as we continue to hear from the people shaping the cultural life of the West of England.