Bristol, the vibrant city in the southwest of England, is known for its vibrant street art, historical landmarks, and a bustling music scene Each year, Bristol hosts a myriad of festivals, bringing together the locals as well as visitors from all over the world to celebrate music, food, culture, and much more Even though the pandemic put a halt to many of the events last year, Bristol is gearing up for a summer full of exciting festivals in 2021 Here are some of the top festivals you should not miss.
1 Bristol Cocktail Week
Kicking off on 4th June, Bristol Cocktail Week is a month-long celebration of all things cocktail Expect to see exclusive cocktail menus, masterclasses, and tastings across various cocktail bars and restaurants in the city This year’s theme is sustainability, so you can learn how to make cocktails using locally sourced and eco-friendly ingredients.
2 Bristol Comedy Garden
Get ready to laugh your heart out at the Bristol Comedy Garden, happening from 14th to 18th July The festival takes place at Queen Square in the heart of the city and features top comedians from around the world Previous lineups have included big names such as Katherine Ryan, Russell Howard, and Jimmy Carr.
3 Bristol Pride
Bristol Pride is one of the most anticipated events in the city, celebrating the LGBTQ+ community and raising awareness for LGBTQ+ issues The festival takes place from 1st to 11th September and includes a parade through the city, live music performances, and various events taking place across Bristol The theme for this year’s festival is “Together Again”, showcasing the resilience of the community during the pandemic.
4 Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
The Bristol International Balloon Fiesta is a hot-air balloon festival held annually in Bristol This year’s event will take place from 12th to 15th August at Ashton Court Estate You can expect to see over 100 hot-air balloons from around the world taking to the skies, live music performances, and a range of food and drink options.
5 Bristol Harbour Festival
The Bristol Harbour Festival is a free annual event that takes place during the third weekend of July festivals 2021 bristol. The festival celebrates the city’s maritime heritage, showcasing everything from sea shanties to tall ship races Expect to see live music performances, delicious food stalls, and family-friendly activities for all ages.
6 Shambala Festival
While not technically located in Bristol, the Shambala Festival is just a short drive outside of the city and is a must-visit for any festival lover Shambala is a multi-award-winning, four-day festival that takes place from 26th to 29th August in a secret countryside location The festival prides itself on being eco-friendly, with a focus on sustainability and community Expect to see live music, workshops, talks, and much more.
7 Bristol Open Doors
Bristol Open Doors is a celebration of the city’s architectural masterpieces, offering behind-the-scenes access to various buildings and landmarks that are usually closed to the public The festival takes place from 10th to 12th September and gives you the chance to explore Bristol’s rich history and culture.
8 Simple Things Festival
Simple Things Festival is the ultimate celebration of underground electronic and indie music The festival takes place at various venues across Bristol, with multiple stages featuring both international acts and local talent This year’s festival will take place on 16th October and promises to be an unforgettable night of music, food, and drink.
9 Foodies Festival
If you love food, then the Foodies Festival is the event for you Taking place from 11th to 12th September at Durdham Downs, this festival celebrates the best of British cuisine and features a range of food stalls, live cooking demonstrations, and talks from celebrity chefs.
In conclusion, Bristol has a lot to offer when it comes to festivals, and 2021 promises to be a fun-filled year ahead From food and drink festivals to music and comedy events, there is something for everyone to enjoy So, whether you’re a local or a visitor, make sure to mark your calendars and attend some of these popular festivals in the coming months.