Save the date, the iconic free family festival returns this summer with three days of maritime magic. Putting local talent at the forefront this 2023, Bristol Harbour Festival will be jam-packed with the best of Bristol’s music scene, world-class circus performers and on-the-water activities – such as cardboard boat races and high-octane jetpack stunts.
Over 250,000 visitors are expected to attend over the July weekend (July 14 to 16) to enjoy over one mile of entertainment. As one of the UK’s largest public festivals, there are five unique areas to check out Harbourside filled with music and entertainment.
Cirque Bijou will bring tricks and trapeze, children’s entertainment and pop-up performances at the Circus Playground on College Green. Meanwhile, The Jelli Shack will take over Millenium Square, providing chill-out beach-bar vibes with acoustic performances by Bristol talent. Plus there’ll be dodgems, refreshments and, hopefully, lots of sunshine!
On the Water entertainment will also return to the Harbour Festival, with the iconic Pyrounaut due to show off his jet ski stunts. While Bristol’s Georgian Queen Square will once again transform into the Music Quarter. Curated by programming legend, Tony Benjamin, this will kick start the festival on Friday night with some of Bristol’s brightest talent, alongside more established acts.
Hungry? The Amphitheatre will become Bristol Harbour Festival’s de facto Food Court, with music from Access Creative College, Ujima Radio and BCFM Radio. And if you want to perform yourself, the festival has also opened its annual applications for those wanting to perform and get involved with the festival this year. Open to everyone looking to share their talent, you can apply via their website.
“Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a big part of our city’s calendar, and an incredible platform for aspiring artists and local talent to perform in front of huge audiences,” said Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol. “The Harbour Festival is an event for all communities and is an opportunity to showcase the diverse Bristol we’re proud to call home. We look forward to celebrating together and bringing another brilliant free-festival to Bristol this Summer.”
Applications for boat owners and visiting vessels wanting to attend this year’s festival can apply from April 17 on the Sail Bristol app. To learn more head to the Bristol Harbour Festival website here.