The countdown has begun for the 50th Bristol Harbour Festival this weekend. One of the largest free public festivals in Europe, the event takes place from July 15-17 and promises to be the biggest and best yet.
Most large festivals are confined to a single area, such as Ashton Court or The Downs. However, one of the things which makes the annual Bristol Harbour Festival such a special weekend is its size.
Instead of being isolated to a single space, it takes over most of the Harbourside and city centre for a single weekend. The festival is spread out across a huge area, encompassing several Bristol landmarks such as the Amphitheatre, Millennium Square, The Grove, Underfall Yard and Queen Square.
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This year, the Bristol Music Stage will return to Lloyds Amphitheatre and the Circus Playground is back at Queen Square. Away from that, though, there’s plenty going on at all the other stages - but of course you need to know exactly where to find everything.
There are market stalls in various locations including Queen Square and on the water’s edge near The Amphitheatre. Here's your guide to where each stage is located, along with a little snippet of what you'll find there…
Circus Playground and Children’s Area
Where is it? Queen Square
What's on? Performances from Bristol's very own Cirque Bijou. Expect a mash-up of circus, street theatre, comedy, walkabout and things to play with, make and do. Queen Square is also where the children’s area is with baby racing, crazy golf and lots more to keep youngsters amused.
Bristol Music Stage
Where is it? Lloyds Amphitheatre
What's on? From bhangra and roots to blues and reggae, the Bristol Music Stage features live performances all weekend, including a huge summer concert on Saturday with a varied line-up of local acts including Bristol Community Big Band, indie veterans Blue Aeroplanes, reggae legends Black Roots and drum and bass star Dazee. On Sunday, the line-up includes Kala Chng, Snazzback and Doreen Doreen.
The Dockside Stage and Thekla Cargo Hold
Where is it? The Grove
What's on? Thekla is hosting the Dockside Stage at The Grove and it’s where some of the most exciting live performers in the city will be lining up to play across the two days of the Harbour Festival. The line-up includes Drunk Man Sober, Irish Mellow, Blossom Caldarone, King Heron, Conal Kelly, Master Peace and Cosmic Ninja.
Spoken Word Area
Where is it? Cathedral Walk, in between Hannover Quay and Anchor Road
What's on? Spoken word and poetry curated by Rebecca Tantony, with input from Malaika Kegode and hosted by them both. Watch some of Bristol and the UK’s leading writers move you with poetry, performance and truth.
Bristol Dances
Where is it? Millennium Square
What's on? Expect nothing but dancing all weekend long. There will be performances in a wide variety of dance styles, ranging from street dance and hip-hop to swing and salsa. Trinity Community Arts presents a programme celebrating the art of movement, linking with the theme of Ebb & Flow, with a programme showcasing the unique multiculturalism of Bristol.
Bristol Dances celebrates diversity through dance with shows featuring all ages, creeds and cultures. The dance stage this year is linked with Trinity Arts 2 year heritage arts project The Art of Resistance, looking at the intersection of art and activism in Bristol.
Discovery Stage
Where is it? The Mud Dock, The Grove
What's on? Bristol’s finest young musicians will be lighting up this incredible stage. Discovery is dedicated to giving the city's next generation of musicians their chance to shine by letting them perform in the heart of the festival.
Centre Stage
Where is it? Cascade Steps
What's on? It’s not Bristol Harbour Festival without the eclectic programme of live music on Centre Stage. Head to Cascade Steps for an array of musical talent from Balkan swing to shanty and everything in between. With the stunning backdrop of the harbour, this open sided stage is perfect to take in the water while enjoying homegrown talent programmed by the team at Jelli Records.
This is the perfect place to take a break and enjoy some great live music. The Centre Stage has a wide and eclectic programme this year, with genres spanning from folk to jazz and indie.
When is Bristol Harbour Festival taking place?
Bristol Harbour Festival will run from July 15-17. On Saturday 16 the festival will open at 12noon and runs until 11pm, while on Sunday 17 the festival opens at 12noon and runs until 7pm.
Where will Bristol Harbour Festival take place?
The festival is based in the streets and squares around Bristol’s historic floating docks, including the Amphitheatre, Cascade Steps, Cathedral Walk, Millennium Square and Queen Square.
Is Bristol Harbour Festival free?
Entry to Bristol Harbour Festival is free. There is then food, drinks and activities to purchase during the weekend.
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