The SPARKies awards is returning to Bristol in just 10 days! On 14 July, 7pm @ Propyard, we’ll be celebrating the tech innovators in Bristol, Bath and across the West of England – we can’t wait to see you there. On the night we’ll be revealing this year’s well deserved winners from our 17 categories, you can remind yourself who the shortlisted organisations and individuals are here. Make sure you grab a ticket here to be apart of all the action.
This year, we’re super excited to be announced that Stephen Bailey will be returning to The SPARKies to once again host the evening. Those of you that attended last year’s event will surely agree Stephen knows how to make a bunch of techies laugh.
For those of you who weren’t able to make The SPARKies 2021, Stephen Bailey is a multi-award nominated comedian who is best known for starring on LIVE AT THE APOLLO and Celebrity Coach Trip as well as hosting MTV’s Celebs on the Farm and Comedy Central’s Takeshi’s Castle; and he is currently supporting Katherine Ryan on her UK tour.
2022 has been an exciting year for Stephen, he recorded and released his debut BBC Radio 4 stand up special – Stephen Bailey: One of Many, which was a smash hit in the ratings and was selected for the Comedy of the Week.And since we last saw him, he has filmed a new BBC primetime series; following appearances on Would I Lie To You? (BBC One), Sara Cox’s Between The Covers (BBC Two), Richard Osman’s House of Games (BBC One), Live From Barry Island (BBC One), Pointless Celebrities (BBC One) Strictly It Takes Two (BBC Two) and many more
His friendly and open brand of gossipy humour has made him one of the UK’s most exciting up-and-coming acts in comedy at the moment and an in demand talent for all things showbiz/entertainment.
“I am so excited to be back hosting The SPARKies! Last year was so much fun and you TechSPARKs are so handsome i couldn’t say no when asked to return!! I should probably add something professional but you guys know how to laugh and party, what more do i want?” – Stpehan Bailey
As well as being a working-class, ginger, gay, northern comic, he is also a black belt in Tae Kwon-Do, has a degree in Languages, loves a conspiracy theory and anything relating to the Real Housewives or the Kardashians. We can’t wait to give him a warm welcome for his return to the South West!
The SPARKies @ Propyard
As you may have heard, we’ll be bringing the best tech in the west to Propyard, 39-46 Feeder Rd, Bristol BS2 0SE, with doors opening at 7pm.
We’re really looking forward to transforming the space in true SPARKies style. The venue has been bringing some amazing experiences to Bristol, most recently becoming home to the world-famous Van Gogh: The Immersive Experience, and soon The SPARKies will be added to the repertoire.
Propyard will be kitted out with all the usual jazz – expect interactive areas, colourful lights and street food, including the return of a fan favourite at last year’s event, PIzzarova.
So, once again make sure you bag yourself a ticket and we’ll party with you soon!

Shona Wright
Shona covers all things editorial at TechSPARK. She publishes news articles, interviews and features about our fantastic tech and digital ecosystem, working with startups and scaleups to spread the word about the cool things they're up to.
She also oversees TechSPARK's social media, sharing the latest updates on everything from investment news to green tech meetups and inspirational stories.