Bristol Harbour Festival 2019
Updated: Aug 4, 2019
Bristol Harbour Festival - 19th to 21st July 2019.
The festival is free for all and brings over 250,000 people together each summer to celebrate our rich maritime history and enjoy some of the city’s best music and entertainment.
From the SS Great Britain all the way into the heart of Bristol, tall ships, music stages, dance areas, food markets, water display teams and circus acts combine to ensure that everywhere you turn, there’s something to delight and entertain.
Highlights include:
The Circus Playground at Queen Square
For the first time, Queen Square welcomes Cirque Bijou with their family-friendly mashup of circus, street theatre, comedy, walkabout and things to play, make and do. Don't miss Helena Humm on the flying trapeze and the ever popular Racing Babies!
Queen Square will also be bursting with enticing aromas and flavours from the ever-popular food market.
Bristol Dances at Millennium Square
Some of the city’s best dance companies showcase local talent, with opportunities to take part in workshops ranging from Kathak to Jive! Learn Bollywood and Indian Folk, or take your toddlers to Tiny Toes Ballet to let your little ones learn how to dance.
The Centre Stage at Cascade Steps
Jelli Records will be collaborating with bands and artists to keep the streets rocking all weekend. Expect to hear everything from plenty of foot stomping by The Mighty Shinkickers right through to acoustic folk from Isabella Alford.
The Dockside Stage at The Grove
Sit back and absorb new music some top tunes from Two Day Coma to China Bear with two stages hosting new bands from across the city..
Discovery Stage at Welsh Back
Bristol Plays Music, the charity which runs the Colston Hall, has been casting its nets far and wide to find talented young musicians. Expect to hear from the next generation of artists who are starting to make waves.
Spoken Word at Cathedral Walk
Cathedral Walk Programmed by one of Bristol's leading poets and performers Rebecca Tantony, the Spoken Word area will host performances from Toby Campion, Amani Saeed, Solomon O.B, Vanessa Kisuule and Jonny Fluffy Punk.
Bristol Music Stage at The Amphitheatre
The Harbourside Amphitheatre will host two massive nights of music, starting with a show featuring legends Jimmy Cliff and Grandmaster Flash, and the iconic Trojan Records label.
More music can be found at the SS Great Britain, Grain Barge, Louisiana and The Redcliffe Wharf Bandstand.
Maritime on the Water
The Harbour will also feature special on-water displays, including the arrival of three very special tall ships, The Etoile Molene, Irene and Iris. A brand new feature for this year will be the Power8 Sprints, a 350m high octane rowing action that will be the headline act on the water.
There is something for everyone, come and celebrate all that this city has to offer!
