Summer is here, and Bristol’s free, family-friendly music festival is ready to take over the historic Old City once more on Saturday, August 23. The free one-day festival, Old City Sounds, returns to fill 13 iconic venues in Bristol’s Old City with live music, DJ sets, workshops and family-friendly activities from midday until late.
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.
What’s happening at Old City Sounds?
The Old Duke Jazz Festival line-up features high-energy rhythm and blues from The Blues Mercenaries, sax-driven funk from Jack Mac’s Funk Pack, big band swing courtesy of JP & Capitol Swing and modern Motown from crowd favourites The Soul Strutters. Additional acts include Flash Harry, The Malthouse Jazz Band, Jack Calloway & The Midnight Creepers, The Eddie Martin Blues Band, The Severn Jazzmen, The Blue Notes and Jeremy Huggett’s Allsorts.
Nearby, Mr Wolfs will deliver an all-day street-to-club party from 3pm to 4am, starting outdoors and ending with a full-scale, late-night event. Headlining the venue’s programme is Shake Your Brass, a funk-pop brass band known for their dynamic live shows and high-energy crowd interaction. Additional sets include a live outdoor DJ running until 10pm, before the party moves indoors with early sets from local acts such as Lunda and Harmer Jays, and a headline set from DJ Chef De Party.
Meanwhile, The Mother’s Ruin will host takeovers from genre-bending house and electronica collectives VooKoo and Bristol Zoo; The Crown will offer a genre-spanning experience curated by Void Radio; and Seamus O’Donnells will present an afternoon of traditional Irish folk from Woodchuck and The Ceili Band, followed by a high-energy karaoke takeover.
Bristol Old Vic also has five secret Sofar Sounds gigs taking place between 4 pm and 9.45 pm. The artist line-up remains under wraps, but expect intimate and exceptional performances. Elsewhere, 6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat will host a silent disco, running multiple free sessions throughout the day. The likes of Dirty Martini and The Cocktail Club will deliver DJ sets throughout the evening.
What about families?
For families, St Stephen’s Church will house free, interactive entertainment from 12 pm to 5 pm. The indoor stage will feature performances from Rock The Tots, engaging Afidance drumming workshops and global dance showcases, including the energetic Dance Around the World session. Also inside, there’s all-day face painting, a crafting station and hands-on activities for younger children. Outside in the garden, little ones can get involved in circus workshops, marvel at bubble artists and play classic garden games.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Old City Sounds brings the city’s spirit to life with a unique mix of music, community and free entertainment for all ages. It’s a brilliant way to celebrate the August Bank Holiday, bringing more people into the area to support some of Bristol’s vibrant music venues. From bars and restaurants to independent shops and cultural venues, this event sees businesses come together and we’re proud to showcase both Bristol’s incredible musical talent and the thriving local economy at the heart of the Old City.”
To learn more about Old City Sounds, head here.