Mums' choir leader 'baffled' by park fee structure

Mums' choir leader 'baffled' by park fee structureImage source, LDRSImage caption, The Bring Your Own Baby choir has to pay a fee to run classes in Bristol's parksByDawn Limbu, Bristol and Alex Seabrook, Local Democracy Reporting ServicePublished6 May 2026Hundreds of people have signed a petition urging a city council to consider changes to new park licences affecting a postnatal choir.The Bring Your Own Baby (BYOB) choir provides singing classes for new mothers in three parks in Bristol.Julia Turner, founder of the choir, said keeping the classes affordable has become difficult due to Bristol City Council charging her £400 annually to use the parks, and says professional dog walkers pay less than she does.Council chiefs said licences are needed ensure that parks remain safe and are not intended to provide preferential treatment to one type of business.The choir is one of dozens of small businesses hit with new charges after Bristol City Council introduced a new licensing scheme last month, requiring them to pay to operate in parks.'It saddens me'Turner said the classes, which cost £8 per session, aim to ease the postnatal period for new mothers, who are at risk of developing depression, external."It's a chance to get together and singing is quite bonding," she said."Being outside adds so much to the wellbeing benefits of singing because we're around the trees."Turner said she found it "baffling" that she must pay 50% more than dog walkers to use the park, despite the fact that dog walking businesses use the park more frequently."As a mother myself, I feel like we already have to deal with a lot. We don't have the mental health support that we should have. It just baffles and really saddens me," she added.Image source, BYOBImage caption, Turner says the outdoor choir sessions can help mothers' mental healthSo far, 85 businesses have applied for a licence. A 50% discount is avai...