Press release: Bristol bans ads for fossil fuels, SUVs and ultra-fast fashion 

Adfree Cities

For immediate release Press contacts: Nicola Wilks, Co-Director at Adfree Cities, 07788 727 622, and Charlotte Gage, Co-Director at Adfree Cities, 07841 508 231 Images for press: https://drive.google.com/drive/u/0/folders/1MbhGyvCmn03vssyRy7QU3COhmeOf7UF7  In a policy passed today, Monday 14th September 2026, Bristol City Council has introduced restrictions on advertising for polluting sectors including ultra-fast fashion, SUVs, airlines, cruises and…Continue reading Press release: Bristol bans ads for fossil fuels, SUVs and ultra-fast fashion 

Public space is for play. Cars and ads can go away

Adfree Cities

By Rowan Hanson-Iles If you live anywhere remotely urban, you will have seen the explosion in popularity of murals and street art. Large mural commissions are now commonplace on our streets and artists compete for placements at dedicated street art festivals. A sudden spawning of murals on building hoardings can even be a precursor to…Continue reading Public space is for play. Cars and ads can go away

 New study links billboard ads with liver disease

Adfree Cities

A new study has found a correlation between billboard advertising and liver disease. In the study, led by St James’s University Hospital, Leeds, researchers found a correlation between the placement of advertising billboards promoting alcohol and unhealthy food with hospital admissions for liver disease.  According to the new research, patients admitted to hospital with serious…Continue reading  New study links billboard ads with liver disease

Lessons from Eurovision: The Disconnect of Corporate Sponsorship

Adfree Cities

Recent high-profile events such as Eurovision, the Chelsea Flower Show and the FIFA World Cup highlight the jarring disconnect between the intrinsic values – like connection and community – promoted by cultural events and the harmful realities of capitalist consumerism being promoted to us through sponsorship. 

But the wave of harmful sponsorships is prompting a backlash. With fossil fuels are having their ‘tobacco moment’, it’s time for popular cultural events to drop polluting sponsors. Read on to find out more and about how you can take action today….Continue reading Lessons from Eurovision: The Disconnect of Corporate Sponsorship

Picture of a black and white sign outside a building with Polling Station written on it

May elections: your chance to stop harmful advertising

Adfree Cities

Towns and cities across the UK, including Edinburgh, Sheffield, Coventry and Hackney are banning advertising that harms our health and worsens climate change. Could your local area be next?  In England, a suit of local elections will take place on 7 May 2026, with candidates vying for 5,036 council seats and six elected mayors. Local…Continue reading May elections: your chance to stop harmful advertising