Bristol Harbour Festival

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*** Due to the ongoing COVID-19 precautions, Bristol Harbour Festival will not be taking place in 2020 ***

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This annual free dance, music and arts extravaganza features family activities, music, circus, food markets and visiting vessels.

Showcasing the city’s incredible maritime heritage, the historic floating harbour takes pride of place during the weekend, celebrating its rich history with free, family-friendly activities programmed on the water’s edge.

Stretching from Underfall Yard on Cumberland Road to the city centre and Queen Square, there will be something for everyone from dance, food markets, live bands, demonstrations, family entertainment and daredevil stunts.

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Bristol Music Stage, Lloyds Amphitheatre

The free festivals main music hub will return to Lloyd’s Amphitheatre with its natural acoustics helping performers put on a fantastic show. This year will see the Bristol Music Stage showcase how world influences are resonated in the city’s music scene with an eclectic mix of swing, reggae, jazz and blues, folk and soul music filling the Harbour.

Centre Stage, Cascade Steps

Acoustic music will once again be at the heart of the Floating Harbour as Jelli Records present their Centre Stage programme on Cascade Steps hosting a multitude of great local acts.

Brunel Stage, ss Great Britain

As well as market stalls and a plethora of activities to keep all the family entertained, the ss Great Britain is also home to the Brunel Stage with live music entertaining the crowds over the weekend.

On The Water

Bristol’s maritime heritage will be at the heart of the Harbour Festival as it’s history is celebrated on the waters of the Floating Harbour and the Bathurst Basin, next to the Louisiana. From familiar sights such as The Matthew, ss Great Britain and the city’s colourful ferries to the many visiting tall ships and leisure craft, the waters will be awash with colour and activity.

The Circus Playground, Queen Square

Daredevil stunts, high quality circus, comedy street theatre and activities for children and families will be on offer in Queen Square thanks to Bristol’s own Cirque Bijou, transforming it into a highly accessible and exciting place for families to enjoy a range of free performances and activities.

Bristol Dances, Millennium Square

The ever popular Bristol Dances stage returns to Millennium Square. Trinity Centre has curated an incredible programme featuring everything from street dance to swing.

Markets

An experience for the nostrils as much as the taste buds, no visit to Bristol Harbour Festival is complete without a stroll around the Continential Market in Queen Square.

With its fantastic line-up of stalls from across France, Italy, Spain and Germany you can find olives, fresh bread, cheese and fresh fruit, tartiflette, paella and crepes alongside traditional gifts and crafts, including gorgeous handmade soaps and ceramics.

Listen to the sounds of the Harbour Festival’s live performers as you browse the sights of Narrow Quay’s market and exhibition area.

Bristol Harbour Festival attracts 250,000 visitors each year, bringing the city together as one community to celebrate Bristol’s rich and diverse maritime heritage and culture, as well artistic talents and local businesses.

Read more:
- Bristol Festivals
- Summer in Bristol
- Bristol Events Calendar

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