From Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July Bristol will welcome an expected 200,000 visitors to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage and its vibrant cultural life.

Save the date and get involved, Bristol

Join us from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July 2025 as the Bristol Harbour Festival sails back into the city for a celebration of music, art, culture… and all things Bristol! pic.twitter.com/Tif1GQtfNW

— Bristol Harbour Fest (@BristolHarbFest) December 3, 2024

Since its debut in 1971, originally known as the Bristol Water Festival, the Harbour Festival has grown into one of the UK’s largest free cultural events. Initially designed to celebrate the preservation of the city’s historic harbour, it has evolved to incorporate live performances, dance, circus acts, street theatre, and award-winning food stalls.

It has become a main attraction for the city and a way to showcase its vibrant arts community. The festival aims to connect with local performers, with last year marking a turning point as over 50% of performers were from underrepresented groups.

It also attracts artists from a wide range of genres, from jazz and folk to contemporary and world music, demonstrated by the diverse headliners at last year’s festival: Bloco B, Laid Blak, and Gabriel Templar. 

The Festival will span the floating harbour, stretching from Queen Square to Lloyds Amphitheatre and Millennium Square, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the harbour’s nautical legacy. During the 3 day event, boat tours and water-based sports are expected to take place on the water while family-friendly workshops, food markets, and performances can be enjoyed along the waterfront. 

Harry Feigen, Managing Director of Proud Events and a key organiser of the weekend, described the Harbour Festival as a celebration of “the incredible talent, culture, and heritage that make this city so special”.

Alongside its cultural and artistic celebrations, the Harbour Festival has increasingly embraced sustainability in recent years. Organisers are committed to “making Bristol Harbour Festival a greener festival” by encouraging the use of public transport systems to reach the harbour and will install recycling bins and water fountains around the site. 

This year, we’re going bigger and greener than ever (proudly certified as A Greener Festival 2024 ) Artists, performers, groups and troupes Food traders and vendors Venues to bring even more festivities to the Fringehttps://t.co/RHf12VPzO8 — Bristol Harbour Fest (@BristolHarbFest) December 3, 2024

Accessibility is another priority for the festival. With inclusion “at the heart of Bristol Harbour Festival” the event will incorporate accessible toilets into every toilet block, BSL interpreters, and accessible viewing areas. This will ensure everyone can enjoy the wide range of activities and performances featured next year. More information about the festival’s sustainability and accessibility initiatives are available here.

Organisers of the festival plan for the 2025 event to outshine previous years. Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, emphasised the goal of spotlighting local artists to “build on the success and achievements” of the 2024 festival in hope to make next year’s one “even bigger”. Applications are open until 31 January 2025 for performer submissions, with details available on the festival’s website.

The Bristol Harbour Festival remains a cherished tradition, blending the city’s rich maritime history with its dynamic cultural scene. Its expanded program, dedication to sustainability and accessibility, and focus on local talent, ensure the 2025 festival will be a weekend of creativity, community, and celebration for all. 

Listen to the Bristol Harbour Festival playlist below to get a taste for what’s in store for 2025!