Bristol Harbour Festival 2023 has confirmed its full programme marking the return of one of the largest public events in the UK. The free festival attracts 250,000 visitors to the harbourside to enjoy aquatic events, world-class circus stunts and music acts, this year on July 14-16.
Last year, Bristol Harbour Festival returned for the first time in three years after the pandemic. In August, a report to the city council’s cabinet recommended the award-winning extravaganza should be “reimagined”, potentially with fewer stages, and be more inclusive after concerns it had become "too white and middle class".
Speaking about the festival this July, Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: "We're announcing the line-up for the city's largest festival which we're proud to be able to keep free for everyone. There is such a great variety of music on offer, and with local hip hop artists to the Windrush choir, there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy.
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"We’re also excited to be welcoming over 250 vessels into the harbour for the weekend. This festival programme is a fantastic showcase for Bristol’s renowned creativity and talent.”
This year, the event is slimming down from 12 to five areas that will shine a light on local emerging talent. Lloyds Amphitheatre will become Harbour View, a relaxing spot to enjoy a bite to eat from the food court with a soundtrack courtesy of Access Creative College, Ujima Radio and community radio station BCFM Radio.
Access Creative College will be curating the amphitheatre stage on Saturday with music performances commencing on Saturday at 12noon. Sunday will see a handful of local bands such as Monday at Five and Lakedown.
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Millennium Square will become Jelli Shack, a chill-out beach bar offering music in keeping with the festival’s promise to push homegrown Bristol artists. Jelli Records is managing the area that will see performances from the musical theatre choir Show Choir, the Windrush Reggae Choir and 80s dance trio Gold Fever.
Sunday will continue with Break Out Voices, a 60-member strong community choir based in Windmill Hill, singing acapella renditions of classic pop and rock hits.
There will also be performances at Queen Square across the weekend. Tony Benjamin has been programming Bristol Harbour Festival for almost two decades and will be in charge of the new Music Quarter, with artists on the main stage from 5pm on Friday (June 14) headlined by DJ troupe Booty Bass.
Da Fuchaman’s Fire Blaze Band are top-billed for Saturday, the latest talent to emerge from Bristol’s thriving reggae scene. On Sunday, Bristol Reggae Orchestra and Windrush Choir will be taking to the stage fresh from performing at Glastonbury Festival alongside Bristol’s fun-loving favourite, Doreen Doreen at 5pm.
Circus is moving from Queen Square to College Green for Bristol Harbour Festival 2023. The new area Circus Playground is family-friendly and will offer a whole host of show-stopping entertainers at this year’s festival - ranging from daredevil stunts and circus performers to comedy shows and children’s entertainment, courtesy of Bristol’s very own Cirque Bijou.
As per tradition, the festival will showcase the city’s incredible maritime heritage at the historic Floating Harbour. The programme will pull Bristol together by offering a range of on-the-water spectacles and events celebrating its rich history with free, family-friendly activities on the water’s edge.
Bristol Harbour Festival 2023 comes to Bristol on July 14-16, 2023. For more information visit its website
