This is the first in a new series of ‘In Conversation with…’ events that I'm running in Bristol North West for my constituents.

Joining me to discuss opening up arts and culture opportunities for the many, not just the few:

• David Sproxton, Co-founder of Aardman Animations – the animation studio behind Wallace & Gromit, Shaun the Sheep, Chicken Run, and Morph.

• Elle Placide (also known as Dora the Reporter), Editor of OverDue, a new magazine about Bristol creatives.

• Simon Wales, Chief Executive of the Bristol Beacon.

Opening up access to the arts and culture to everyone is a topic that is close to my heart. Music taught me discipline, teamwork, and built my confidence, but it requires public funds for children whose parents cannot afford to buy musical instruments and pay for lessons.

I was fortunate that Portway School in Shirehampton (now known as Oasis Academy Brightstowe) had an excellent school orchestra and, thanks to the Bristol Music Trust, I got help with access to a tenor saxophone, one-on-one tuition, and the ability to take my grades – opportunities I would not have had without public funding.