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Old City Sounds 2023 on King Street in Bristol - Credit Julian Preece / Bristol City Centre BID

Band performing at Bristol Old Vic as part of Old City Sounds 2024 in Bristol - Credit Julian Preece / Bristol City Centre BID

Children playing outside St Stephens Church during Old City Sounds 2024 in Bristol - Credit Julian Preece / Bristol City Centre BID

Old City Sounds 2024 on King Street in Bristol - Credit Julian Preece / Bristol City Centre BID

Man singing as part of Old City Sounds 2024 in Bristol - Credit Julian Preece / Bristol City Centre BID

Old City Sounds

Old City Sounds returns to our beloved Old City this August Bank Holiday, celebrating the city’s songful soul on Saturday 23 August 2025.

Coinciding with the 58th annual Old Duke Jazz Festival, this free celebration will showcase the best of Bristol’s music scene. From toe-tapping jazz and traditional Irish folk to immersive DJs and heart-pounding alt-rock, expect non-stop music and entertainment from midday until late.

This family-friendly celebration will bring the Old City to life, with performances across venues on King Street, St Nicholas Street, Corn Street, and Welsh Back, plus a lively busking zone in St Nicholas Market. Spanning six vibrant festival areas, Old City Sounds invites you to enjoy an eclectic mix of acts in all your favourite local spots, championing Bristol’s rich music scene and supporting grassroots venues.

This year also sees the welcome return of the popular kids zone at St Stephen’s Church, bursting with creativity and packed with free workshops and activities to inspire the next generation of musicians and creatives.

Full lineup to be announced shortly.

Old City Sounds is created and supported by Bristol City Centre BID

Old City Sounds

Aug 23

City centre accommodation

Want to be in the middle of the action? You’ll be spoilt for choice in Central Bristol, with plenty of options close to everything that the city centre has to offer.