Save the date, the iconic free family festival returns this summer with three days of maritime magic. Putting local talent at the forefront this 2024, Bristol Harbour Festival is currently on the lookout for talented locals to take centre stage too. To perform at both well-known stages and a new-for-2024 area in the city’s unique harbour setting.
As one of the UK’s biggest free-to-attend events, attracting around 250,000 people across the three-day weekend, visitors to enjoy over one mile of entertainment. Bristol Harbour Festival will return from, Friday, July 19 to Sunday, July 21, showcasing the city’s rich maritime, musical and cultural heritage. Expect anything and everything from the best of Bristol’s musicians and circus acts to on-the-water activities – such as cardboard boat races and jetpack stunts.
Marvin Rees, Mayor of Bristol, said: “Bristol’s Harbour Festival is a key date in our city’s calendar and an essential platform for aspiring local artists and talent to perform in front of huge audiences. We are proud that we have continued to keep the city’s largest festival, which is a fantastic opportunity to showcase Bristol’s diverse creativity and talent, as a free event for all. We can look forward to celebrating together and bringing another brilliant free festival to Bristol this summer.”
Bristol Harbour Festival is delivered by Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID. This year’s long weekend is curated by international events production agency, Proud Events, with immersive theatre and events company, Swans Events. An on-the-ground ‘steering group’ will ensure the festival represents both local ethos and international practices. Local organisations include Bristol Old Vic, Watershed, Bristol Pride, ACH Refugee Integration Services Provider, Bristol Community Ferry Boats Ltd. and more.
“It’s fantastic to be bringing the iconic Bristol Harbour Festival to life in collaboration with an array of Bristol’s leading institutions,” said Harry Feigen, Managing Director at Proud Events. “The 2024 Bristol Harbour Festival will aim to represent the diverse communities and initiatives that live and operate in Bristol. The local steering group will provide unrivalled insight into the grassroots communities here – and we are keen to use the iconic platform of the festival to celebrate as many as possible.”
How do I get involved with Bristol Harbour Festival?
At previous editions of the Bristol Harbour Festival, more than 80% of the acts and entertainment came through Expression of Interest applications. Open to everyone and anyone looking to share their talent, the festival’s calling for singers, performers, organisations, charities, and other initiatives to submit their applications to perform.
Expression of Interest applications for the maritime festival’s next edition are now open and must be submitted before the deadline on Wednesday, January 31. To learn more head here. Applications for boat owners and visiting vessels who wish to attend this year’s festival will also soon go live. More information can be found on the website.