Bristol Harbour Festival returns to the city this weekend, from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July, transforming the historic harbourside into one of the UK’s largest free celebrations of music, dance, circus, activism and water-based spectacle. With over 100 performances across Queen Square, College Green, Millennium Square, the Amphitheatre and the harbour itself, the festival champions homegrown talent, community voices and inclusive programming. Festival zones are open daily from 11am to 6pm, with extended evening line-ups at select stages.
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Boats, beats and big tops: Bristol Harbour Festival returns this weekend with a city-wide celebration
Charity partner All Aboard Watersports, Cirque Bijou, Good Law Project, tall ship Galeón Andalucía and hundreds of local performers lead a spectacular programme of culture and connection
15/07/2025
At the heart of this year’s programme is All Aboard Watersports, the festival’s official charity partner for 2025. Based at Baltic Wharf, the charity has been championing inclusive access to Bristol’s harbour for over 50 years, offering adaptive sailing, kayaking, paddleboarding and powerboating for people of all ages and abilities. Throughout the weekend, All Aboard will run a mix of free and bookable sessions from its harbourside centre, while also hosting a public stall in Millennium Square featuring a festival raffle with standout prizes – including a Bristol-built boat crafted in the charity’s own Boat Shed, along with sailing lessons, powerboat training and paddleboard experiences. On Sunday morning, the spotlight turns to the On The Water stage on the harbour for a live flotilla and demonstration, with commentary from local radio hosts Miranda Rae and Angel Mel, designed to showcase All Aboard’s accessible fleet in action and celebrate the festival’s core theme of inclusion through participation.
At College Green, the reimagined Family Playground will run from 11am to 7pm daily. At its heart is the Family Playground Stage, presented by Cirque Bijou and hosted by street performer Marky Jay on Saturday and award-winning ping pong juggler Rod Laver on Sunday, featuring a lively line-up including Circomedia Centre for Contemporary Circus and Theatre, slapstick comedy from Able Mable, Em and her musical genius dog, slackrope from George Orange, hula hoop from Ms Merlin, a circus extravaganza by Jony and Albert and a family rave led by Poco Drom. Beyond the stage, families can enjoy hands-on workshops, a craft tent, a pop-up bike track from Scoot Stride Glide and the return of the much-loved baby racing on both Saturday and Sunday.
Queen Square becomes the central hub for music and movement throughout the weekend. On Saturday afternoon, students from Access Creative College will take over the Bristol Rising Stage with original performances with a NEXT LEVEL takeover on Saturday, followed by a packed evening line-up as Ujima Radio returns to celebrate its 17th anniversary with a live broadcast from the Bristol Rising Stage from 6pm-10pm. Hosted by Miranda Rae alongside poet Muneera Pilgrim and spoken word artist Krazy, the Ujima Takeover features storytelling blues from Kabbo Hue Qua, hip-hop from I AM B13E, alt-pop duo Mary in the Mirror with DJ Elley Phunk and a Wordlife Showcase introducing new lyricists Lyandra, King Aggi and Rising Son. The night continues with reggae soul collective Souls Liberation, singer-songwriter Junior Morgan and a headline DJ set from Bristol-Trinidadian duo Jus Now, closing the square with their signature blend of UK bass and carnival rhythm.
Elsewhere in Queen Square, the Dance Tent, curated by Trinity Community Arts, brings high-energy movement and celebration across the weekend. Performers include South Asian fusion dancer Divija Mellalley, famed queer collective Bristol Ballroom & Gerry’s Attic, a high energy festival favourite featuring dancers over the age of 55. That showcase kicks off a landmark evening stage takeover by St Pauls Carnival on Saturday, bringing the spirit, sound and soul of Carnival to the Harbour Festival for the very first time. The evening programme features spoken word, music and dance rooted in Caribbean heritage and social consciousness, with performances from Rider Shafique, DJ Lexxi and more, creating a powerful, city-wide celebration of culture, creativity and community.
Across the weekend, Millennium Square becomes a hub for connection and conversation at the Expression Stage. On Saturday night, things kick off with a lively Ceilidh Barn Dance hosted by folk favourites Fitty Gomash – an open-to-all celebration of music and movement. On Sunday, the stage transforms for a bold day-long programme of activism, artistry and identity curated by Good Law Project, Diverse Artists Network and Bristol Legacy Foundation. Highlights include a conversation on trans visibility and public life between Married at First Sight UK’s Ella Morgan and Good Law Project founder Jo Maugham KC, followed by a headline panel on political accountability featuring Carol Vorderman, Dale Vince and Maugham. Earlier in the day, Michelle Gayle joins the Bristol Legacy Foundation to lead a workshop on allyship and reparatory justice, while spoken word performances from the Diverse Artists Network explore themes of diaspora, resilience and identity.
Out on the harbour, the On The Water programme returns with live demos and races throughout the weekend, supported by area sponsor Grainger plc. Highlights include gig sprints with Bristol Gig Club, high-octane flyboarding displays from James Prestwood, model boat parades by My Future My Choice and the much-loved Cardboard Boat Race on Saturday. The Royal Marines return with their signature raiding craft demo and will appear alongside Bristol Sea Cadets, who will compete in sprint races on Sunday. This year also sees local heritage vessel Lady Kate moored in the harbour, representing Bristol’s maritime legacy and offering additional opportunities for visitors to connect with the city’s seafaring past.
The Harbour Festival Fringe adds to the atmosphere with a run of pop-up performances and independent showcases from Underfall Yard to Thekla. Yard Fest will host local food, live music and craft makers throughout the weekend. Comedy fans can catch stand-up from Lily Phillips, Laura Lexx and Alex Kitson at The Gaffe Comedy Club, while The Glassboat offers complimentary gin tastings courtesy of 6 O’Clock Gin. Nearby, Riverstation will serve up a BBQ with acoustic sets, and MV Balmoral and Thekla will host DJ sets and late-night music from Bristol-based artists.
At the edge of the water, the Amphitheatre hosts the Harbour View stage, offering a rolling programme of live music across the weekend. From laid-back acoustic sets and alt-pop to crowd-pleasing covers and sun-drenched DJ sessions, the stage provides a vibrant soundtrack to the harbourfront, with performances from emerging Bristol artists and established local favourites. Headline acts include sea shanty sensations The Longest Johns, known internationally for bringing maritime folk into the mainstream, alongside genre-blending party band The 45s, global fusion collective Gnawa Blues All Stars and festival favourites The Allergies with their signature mix of funk, soul and hip-hop.
Looking to elevate your festival experience?
A limited number of VIP tickets remain available, offering prime views of Harbour View and On The Water shows from a private area overlooking the harbour. The VIP experience includes fast-track entry, a welcome drink, access to a premium bar, relaxed seating and luxury toilets, with re-entry throughout the day.
The 2025 Bristol Harbour Festival is produced by Proud Events in partnership with Swans Events, with major support from Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID. Grainger plc, the UK’s largest listed residential landlord and headline supporter of the On The Water programme provides high-quality rental homes at two city-centre locations in Finzels Reach: Hawkins & George and Millwrights Place. Additional partners and sponsors include City of Bristol College, Bristol Beer Factory, Good Law Project, Pimm’s, Red Bull, Thatchers and Wiper and True.
Festivalgoers are encouraged to plan ahead by checking the full schedule, travel and access information at www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk. Information and water points and stewards will be available throughout the weekend. Visitors are also invited to complete the festival survey to support future planning and evaluation here.
