The Wonky Line Cult

A Bristol-based creative events collective, The Wonky Line Cult, has grown rapidly over the past year by developing inclusive, imaginative spaces where people can connect, play and build friendships through shared experiences.

Founded by Zanna, the collective has focused on addressing a growing sense of disconnection in modern life by offering regular community-led events that prioritise creativity, curiosity and social connection.

The challenge

The inspiration behind The Wonky Line Cult stemmed from a simple but widespread challenge: many people find it difficult to form meaningful friendships and often experience feelings of isolation within the pace of everyday life.

The aim of the project was to create accessible, welcoming environments where people could step away from routine pressures and connect with others in a relaxed and imaginative setting.

The role of venue support

A key factor in the success of the collective has been the support of local venues willing to provide space for community-led events. One such partner, Left Handed Giant, played a central role in hosting the collective’s first event through supplied a venue (Small Bar) and continues to support regular gatherings. This access to welcoming, flexible spaces has been essential in transforming an initial idea into an active and expanding community.

The approach

Since its launch event, The Wonky Line Cult has developed a varied programme of creative and participatory experiences. These include unconventional life drawing sessions, Dungeons & Dragons one-shot nights, and other themed social events designed to encourage playfulness and interaction.

Rather than focusing on passive attendance, the events are structured to help participants actively engage with one another, fostering conversation, collaboration and shared enjoyment.

Over time, this approach has helped build a consistent community of attendees who return regularly and contribute to the evolving identity of the collective.

The impact

Since its first event at Small Bar, the collective has grown significantly, now hosting regular sessions and welcoming an expanding community of participants who describe themselves as a “wholesome community of wonderfully wonky people.”

The events have provided a space where attendees can explore creativity, meet new people and feel a sense of belonging in a relaxed and inclusive environment.

As founder Zanna explains:

“A year ago we hosted our first ever event at Small Bar, since then we have grown exponentially and have regular events at Small Bar such as our Unconventional Life Drawing, Dungeons & Dragons One Shot Nights (and many more) – with their help, we have managed to foster a wholesome community of wonderfully wonky peeps who seek playfulness, curiosity and of course, a space to be yourself and make friends – life can feel so vast, busy, a lil lonely and difficult to make friends, so its thanks to places like Small Bar we can have pockets of joy around Bristol to be fun breather from doing the day-to-day adult shenanigans!”

Looking ahead

With continued interest and growing participation, The Wonky Line Cult is well positioned to expand its programme of creative events further. The collective’s ongoing partnerships with supportive local venues will remain central to its ability to provide accessible, community-focused experiences across Bristol.

By continuing to prioritise inclusivity, creativity and connection, The Wonky Line Cult aims to further strengthen its role in building meaningful social spaces within the city and Left Handed Giant continues to support.