Events - Press Releases - Promoting

Old City Sounds returns to Bristol this Bank Holiday and here’s everything you need to know ahead of the free festival

Old City Sounds returns for a third year, bringing the music onto the streets in a huge party across the Old City in celebration of Bristol’s venues and love for music.

13/08/2025

Bristol’s historic Old City will come alive once again this August Bank Holiday weekend as Old City Sounds returns on Saturday 23 August for a vibrant inner city takeover of live music, dancing, DJs and family fun.

Following the huge success of previous years, the free all-day event will showcase Bristol’s rich musical talent. With a line-up spanning jazz, funk, hip-hop, acoustic sets, family workshops and DJ collectives, the festival is set to take place across some of the city’s most renowned venues and streets including King Street, Welsh Back, St Nicholas Street and St Stephen’s Street.

The Old Duke, a cornerstone of Bristol’s jazz scene, will once again headline with an 11-hour music marathon as part of its legendary Old Duke Jazz Festival. Festival-goers can enjoy standout sets from The Blues Mercenaries, JP & Capitol Swing and The Soul Strutters before Flash Harry closes out the day with their foot stomping Folk Rock. Along the Welsh Back, 6 O’Clock Gin at the Glassboat will host a free silent disco, where attendees can dance the day away with the beautiful sights of the Avon River as the dancefloor backdrop. Those who want to attend can sign up here.

Over at Bristol Old Vic, audiences can discover a more intimate musical experience. Teaming up once again with the global music movement Sofar Sounds, the venue will host a series of five secret gigs in its beautifully restored spaces creating an atmospheric setting where audiences and artists connect. From acoustic sets to stripped-back soul and genre-defying performances, each show will bring a unique sound to the iconic Bristol venue.

Families heading to Old City Sounds can enjoy a packed programme of free activities at St Stephen’s Church, which will be transformed into a lively creative hub from 12pm to 5pm. Visitors can expect a full afternoon of music, movement and imagination at the family zone for children and grown-ups alike. The indoor stage will feature interactive 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.

As day turns to night, St Nicholas Street and Market will keep the party going with a dynamic mix of live bands, DJs and late-night takeovers across The Crown, The Rathouse and The Mother’s Ruin. Festival-goers can expect sets from local favourites including JO53PH, SPICYIVY, DJCaramelstick, Borai B2B dontforgettogohome and more, with club collectives running into the early hours. Over at Mr Wolfs, the outdoor stage will feature a full live band line-up including Shake Your Brass and Bad Trafic, as well as tunes from DJ Woolley. Chef de Party will then bring the energy inside until 4am.

Seamus O’Donnells will bring a traditional twist, with live Irish and folk from Woodchuck and The Ceili Band before Just Jed’s Karaoke takes over from 8pm till midnight. On Corn Street, cocktail bars get in on the action with live sax sets at The Cocktail Club, funk and soul at Harbour Hotel’s Gold Bar and DJs at Dirty Martini spinning late into the night.

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.”

From swing and soul to electronic beats, secret gigs, live bands and creative family activities, Old City Sounds 2025 promises another unmissable day in the heart of Bristol.

For the full schedule and latest updates, visit www.oldcitysounds.co.uk

explore the line-up

Events - Press Releases - Promoting

Old City Sounds returns to Bristol this Bank Holiday and here’s everything you need to know ahead of the free festival

Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said:

Share

RELATED NEWS

Introducing Mister Hope and our Gromit Unleashed sculpture

What’s on in Bristol this Summer?

Bristol Amphitheatre to host official Women’s Rugby World Cup 2025 Fan Zone