Known as the birthplace of ground-breaking music from legendary acts such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Roni Size and more recently, IDLES and George Ezra, Bristol is world-famous for its vibrant and varied music scene (listen to this Bristol playlist to hear some of the tunes to come from here). 

With an ever-growing line-up of live music events in 2023, it’s an exciting time for music fans coming to the city. Here’s our round-up of some of the best gigs and concerts to come at Bristol’s iconic gig venues and clubs. Save these dates in your diary now!

April

Lulu at St George's Bristol (26 April) 

Legendary pop icon, Lulu, comes to Bristol on Wednesday 26 April. Join Lulu as she shares, for the first time, many untold stories, her memories and experiences with the greats – and enjoy with her the music that has been her constant companion. 


Image - Lulu

Bristol Folk Festival (28 - 30 April) 

Bristol Folk Festival returns with headliners including Eliza Carthy, Angeline Morrison, Fay Hield, Lady Maisery, Nick Hart and The Longest Johns. The festival is hosted across several of Bristol's main venues, such as Bristol Cathedral, Trinity, Bristol Folk House and St George’s Bristol.

May 

The Proclaimers at Bristol Hippodrome (12 May) 

See twin brothers Craig and Charlie Reid perform at Bristol Hippodrome, 35 years on from their debut album This Is The Story and Top 3 single Letter from America. 

Bristol Jazz Festival ( 19 - 21 May) 

After a four year break, Bristol Jazz Festival is back and celebrating its 10th anniversary! Taking over Bristol Beacon's foyer spaces for three days, Bristol Jazz Festival opens with a star-studded tribute to the late Pee Wee Ellis on Friday evening. 

Dot to Dot (27 May)

Dot to Dot has been known to bring hottest new emerging artists to city centre venues and they have announced acts for 2023 will include Yard Act, ALVVAYS, Finn Foxell and many more. 

Love Saves the Day (27 - 28 May) 

Boasting an eclectic programme perfect for the ultimate bank holiday weekend at Ashton Court Estate, heading up this year's lineup are Years & Years and Fatboy Slim, along with Sugababes, Four Tet, Kelis, Andy C, SG Lewis, Romy, Nia Archives, Overmono, Eliza Rose, Folamour, Knucks, Katy B, LF System, Ewan McVicar, Artwork, Hybrid Minds, Sub Focus & Dimension, Jyoty and many more


Image - Love Saves the Day

Arctic Monkeys at Ashton Gate Stadium (29 May) 

Following news of their forthcoming album ‘The Car’, Arctic Monkeys kick off their biggest UK and Irish tour to date at Ashton Gate Stadium. Prepare for a proper indie singalong! 

June 

Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum (8 - 10 June) 

The outdoor concerts in the scenic surrounds of Westonbirt Arboretum returns with Paul Weller performing on 8 June, followed by Tom Grennan on 9 June, and Jack Savoretti closing the concert series on 10 June. 

Paul Weller
Image - Paul Weller

Bristol Craft Beer Festival (9 - 10 June) 

A celebration of brewing culture in Bristol and beyond on Bristol's harbourside, Bristol Craft Beer Festival will feature a huge variety of the world’s finest beer, local food and live music from local DJs, across two days.

Bristol Craft Beer Festival
Image - Bristol Craft Beer Festival

Bristol Sounds (21 - 25 June)

Bristol Sounds returns to the harbour ampitheatre with a series of high profile headliners, including MIKA on Wednesday 21 June, Jacob Collier on Thursday 22 June, James on Friday 23 June, A Beautiful Day Out with Levellers on Saturday 24 June and and Self Esteem to close the festival on Sunday 25 June. 


Image - Bristol Sounds

July

St Paul’s Carnival (1 July) 

Bristol’s annual celebration of African and Caribbean culture, St Pauls Carnival, returns this summer for the first carnival since 2019, under the theme of 'Learning from Legends'

St Pauls Carnival
Image - St Pauls Carnival

Bristol Pride (8 July) 

Bristol Pride Day 2023 will take place on Saturday 8 July with headliners including Jake Shears from Scissor Sisters, Nadine Coyle from Girls Aloud, Alison Limerick and Ladyhawke, plus performances from local artists and community groups. 


Image - Bristol Pride

Nass Festival (6 July - 9 July)

The UK's biggest celebration of music, street art, skate and BMX includes a global line-up of drum and bass, hip hop, UK rap and more. Beyond the music, NASS will return with epic skate and BMX competitions, with the biggest names on the international scene battling it out as well as some of the most recognised street artists in Bristol.

Bristol Harbour Festival (14 July - 16 July)

One of the city's flagship free events, Bristol Harbour Festival attracts over 250,000 visitors with a varied programme of music, dance, circus acts, maritime displays and more. Visitors can visit five performance areas around the harbour, bringing beats, boats and backflips to the summer extravaganza.

Bristol Harbour Festival
Image - Bristol Harbour Festival

Ministry of Sound at the Seat Unique Stadium (28 July) 

Gloucestershire Cricket will host Ministry of Sound Classical this July for an evening of dance anthems as you've never heard them before, performed by Ministry of Sound Classical's spectacular 30-piece orchestra.


Image - Ministry of Sound Classical

Siren Bristol (27 July - 29 July) 

Siren is back at the amphitheatre for three nights of drum and bass, jungle and dancehall anthems. Kicking off the festival on Thursday 27 July, alongside Fabio & Grooverider and The Outlook Orchestra, are newly added special guests and South West legends DJ Roni Size and Dynamite MC, plus David Rodigan and local MC Gardna. 

Award-winning hit maker Sean Paul will headline Siren Bristol on Friday 28 July (now sold out) and on Saturday 29 it's the turn of Hospitality on the Harbour x SEQUENCES with chart-topping DJ and record producer Wilkinson, plus many more stellar names from the drum and bass scene. 

August 

Valley Fest (3 August - 6 August) 

The best-tasting music festival in the South West returns to Chew Valley with a fantastic set of headliners: The Kooks, Bananarama and Scouting for Girls. Also on this year's bill are Altern 8, Norman Jay MBE, Krafty Kuts, The Legends of Goldie Lookin Chain, Hippo Soundsystem, Samedia Shebeen, Shaka Loves You and the Chemical Prodigies, with more acts to be announced.

Weston super Mare Shanty and Folk Festival (4 - 6 August) 

Head to various venues across Weston-super-Mare to hear folk music and shanty singing, with singing along and dressing up encouraged!

September

FORWARDS (1 Sept - 2 Sept)

FORWARDS returns to Bristol in September after a fantastic debut last year. Head along for two days of music and discussion, with Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Raye and Confidence Man headlining the Friday night, following by Aphex Twin, Primal Scream, Arlo Parks and Leftfield on the Saturday night.

FORWARDS Festival
Image - FORWARDS

Tokyo World (16 Sept - 17 Sept)

Tokyo World returns in September 2023 over over two days in Bristol’s Eastville Park. The Lineup will be announced shortly... 

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