Summer is coming, and Bristol’s free, family-friendly music festival is ready to take over the historic Old City once again. The city centre is set to come alive with music, community and culture, as Old City Sounds returns for a third year on Saturday, August 23. The free one-day festival will fill venues with live performances, DJs, family activities and surprise sets in celebration of the city’s diverse and vibrant music scene.
This year’s event once again aligns with the Bristol Jazz Festival, headlined by the legendary Old Duke Jazz Festival – now in its 58th year of showcasing live jazz performances, all day, every day, over the August Bank Holiday weekend. Between the two events, the Old City will transform into a hub of activity, with an eclectic mix of live music in some of Bristol’s most iconic streets and spaces.
But, from genre-blending DJ sets and intimate acoustic gigs to family-friendly workshops, Old City Sounds is designed to offer something for everyone–last year saw The Kids Zone set up at St Stephen’s Church, with everything from circus workshops to African drumming. And the best part? It’s all within walking distance of each other in the heart of Bristol!
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Old City Sounds is about celebrating the creative heartbeat of Bristol – its people, its music and its venues. By keeping it free and open to all, we’re proud to bring this event to life in one of the most historic parts of the city.
“It’s also a vital moment for businesses, driving footfall into venues, bars and restaurants – and shining a spotlight on the Old City’s thriving hospitality and nightlife economy. Working alongside the brilliant team behind the Bristol Jazz Festival is always a pleasure – their long-standing legacy brings added energy, credibility and reach to the weekend. Together, we’re building an event that doesn’t just entertain – it delivers for the city.”
A full line-up is yet to come, but organisers promise a carefully curated day-to-night programme, building on the buzz and success of previous editions. Visitors can expect performances spanning jazz, funk, soul, electronic, acoustic and more, across a mix of iconic and unexpected venues. To learn more about Old City Sounds and keep updated head here.