Jazz icons, brass collectives and secret gigs revealed in first wave of Old City Sounds 2025 line-up

The much-loved Old City Sounds festival returns to Bristol’s historic heart on Saturday 23 August, with the first wave of programming just announced. Now in its third edition, the one-day free festival is set to be the event’s most ambitious year yet, filling more than 13 iconic venues in Bristol’s Old City with live music, DJ sets, workshops and family-friendly activities from midday until late.

Produced by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Old City Sounds continues its mission to celebrate local talent, support independent businesses and drive footfall to the city centre, while offering residents and visitors a rich, vibrant and completely free cultural experience during the Bank Holiday weekend.

A major highlight of the programme once again is The Old Duke Jazz Festival, a cornerstone of the city’s music calendar that brings three days of live jazz and blues to King Street. The 2025 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. The festival will run from midday to 11pm, continuing its legacy as a flagship celebration of Bristol’s jazz heritage.

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.

Paul James, Programming Director at Mr Wolfs, said: “The energy last year was electric – crowds were dancing all day and the venue was full until the early hours. We’re upping the ante for 2025.” 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 headline set from DJ Chef De Party.

Across the Old City, several venues will showcase alternative sounds and local scenes. The Mother’s Ruin will host takeovers from genre-bending house and electronica collectives VooKoo and Bristol Zoo. Outdoor sets from 3pm will feature live trad jazz, blues and Americana bands, while DJs including Fern, Hizzo and JO53PH keep the energy going indoors. Late-night sets in The Rathouse will be curated by GetWeird, Mental Block Records and Rogue Frequency.

The Crown will offer a genre-spanning experience curated by Void Radio, with sets from hip-hop artist Longeez and funk selector SPICYIVY in the bar and a multi-label showcase in the venue featuring brands like Harmonia, Frontline and Intaception, including a headline set from Borai B2B dontforgettogohome. Seamus O’Donnells will present an afternoon of traditional Irish folk from Woodchuck and The Ceili Band, followed by a high-energy karaoke takeover led by local favourite Just Jed.

On Welsh Back, 6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat will host a silent disco, running multiple free sessions throughout the day. Additional venues, including Dirty Martini and The Cocktail Club, will deliver DJ sets spanning soul, disco, house, R&B and party anthems throughout the evening. Dirty Martini will feature DJs from 6pm–late, while The Cocktail Club will include a live saxophone performance between 4pm–6pm.

For families, St Stephen’s Church will once again house the Kids Zone from 12pm to 5pm, offering an afternoon of free, interactive entertainment including circus skills workshops, African drumming, bubble magic, crafts and face painting. The space is designed as a relaxed, colourful environment for all ages to explore and enjoy.

Audiences seeking something more intimate can look to Bristol Old Vic, where five secret Sofar Sounds gigs will take place between 4pm and 9.45pm. The artist line-up remains under wraps, but those familiar with Sofar’s unique format can expect intimate performances from exceptional talent in one of the city’s most atmospheric venues.

Sabrina Shutter, Project Events Manager, said:

“Old City Sounds is a joyful celebration of Bristol’s cultural soul. We’re proud to champion the city’s independent spirit – not only through the music and performances, but through the people, spaces and stories that make the Old City such a vibrant part of Bristol’s identity. It’s the perfect way to spend time during the Bank Holiday weekend and it’s all completely free.”

This announcement marks the first wave of programming, with additional acts, workshops and more to be revealed in the coming weeks. For line-up details, a venue map and more information, visit www.oldcitysounds.co.uk or follow @bristolbid across social media.

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Jazz icons, brass collectives and secret gigs revealed in first wave of Old City Sounds 2025 line-up

Sabrina Shutter, Project Events Manager, said:

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