Bristol’s festival highlights of 2023

As the days start to lengthen and signs of spring are beginning to emerge, Bristolians are already opening their diaries and looking forward to the long-awaited festival season.

Bristol24/7 rounds up some of the numerous options on the festival calendar, and the good news is there’s something for everyone, whether you’re a fan of music, comedy, carnival, circus, food and drink, books and ideas, or the nautical and ballooning worlds.

Astral Festival VIII, Strange Brew – April 29-30

Now in its eighth year, Stolen Body Records presents the eighth Astral weekender, celebrating all things psychedelia, kraut and hard rock at Strange Brew. See you down the front.

2023 event poster: Astral Festival VIII

Cheltenham Jazz Festival, multiple Cheltenham venues – April 26-May 1

This year’s event promises to feature the eclectic lineup for which Cheltenham Jazz Festival has become known. Performing at venues across the town, confirmed guests include Rufus Wainwright, Georgia Cécile, Lucy-Anne Daniels, Ezra Collective, indo-jazz musician Arun Ghosh, and star of Buena Vista Social Club, Eliades Ochoa.

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Bristol Folk Festival, multiple Bristol venues – April 28-30

The exceptional line-up for 2023 includes Lady Maisery, The Eliza Carthy Trio, Fay Hield, Angeline Morrison, Nick Hart, The Longest Johns and many more to be announced. The festival opens on Friday 28 at Bristol Cathedral, College Green, and will feature numerous gigs across the city, as well as dance, sing-arounds and sessions over the weekend.

The Longest Johns – photo: Universal

The Bath Festival, multiple Bath venues – May 12-21

Bath’s annual festival of music and books is set to make its return on May 12, for a 10 day programme of literary events, concerts, talks, workshops and plenty of chances to interact.

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Bristol Foodies Festival, Little Stoke Park – May 12-14

One of the UK’s popular ‘touring festivals’, the Bristol iteration will be hosting MasterChef Champions, Michelin-starred chefs and local stars of the culinary scene sharing tips and whipping up their signature summer dishes in front of an audience. There will be plenty of opportunity to sample wines and cocktails, meet artisan producers and take part in food challenges. And of course, to enjoy some of the finest street food money can buy.

Photo: Bristol Foodies Festival

Hay Festival, Hay-on-Wye – May 25-June 4

The internationally renowned Hay Festival now has sister events in Peru, Mexico, Spain and Colombia. Across an eclectic 10 day programme of discussions, talks and book events, Hay “invites audiences to imagine the world as it is and as it might be”. The full programme will be announced at the end of March, although events already announced include Alexander McCall Smith, Gary Younge, Julia Donaldson, Maggie Aderin-Pocock, Rukmini Iyer, Allie Esiri, Jon Snow and Michael Parkinson.

Hay Festival – photo: Sam Hardwick

Seachange Festival presents: Weekender 2023, Totnes – May 26-28

Weekender is presented as a “Totnes town takeover of music, art, conversation and culture on the Spring Bank Holiday”. Ticket prices for the full weekend have been reduced by 33 per cent this year, in order to make the event as affordable as possible for everybody. Music takes centre stage on Friday and Saturday – confirmed acts include Bill Ryder-Jones, Django Django (DJ set) and Lonelady – with the focus for the all-new “lazy Sunday” moving towards the many food and drink producers putting Totnes on the map.

Weekender 2023 – image: Sea Change Festival

Wells Comedy Festival, multiple venues in Wells, May 26-28

The smallest city in England hosts a big weekend of stand-up, organised by comedy powerhouse producers, Plosive. And because it’s curated by people that know their comedy, you may just find yourself seeing a work-in-progress show from the next big thing, in a gloriously intimate setting. Featured acts include Jen Brister, Spencer Jones, Nabil Abdulrashid, Colin Hoult, Sikisa, Celya Ab, Tim Key, Esther Manito, Chloe Petts, Jamali Maddix and Mark Watson.

Wells Comedy Festival 2023 lineup – image: Plosive

HowTheLightGetsIn Festival, Hay-on-Wye – May 26-29

Set on the edge of the Black Mountains in the literary hotspot town of Hay, HowTheLightGetsIn has quietly built its reputation as the world’s largest music and philosophy festival, also boasting a strong comedy lineup, cabaret, dancing, a wellbeing zone, and even banqueting. Musical headliners for 2023 include Gruff Rhys, Anna Meredith, Belle and Sebastian (DJ set) and The Last Dinner Party; Billy Bragg, Owen Jones, Slavoj Žižek and Fiona Hill will lead the eclectic programme of talks and debates. For families (and under 12s get in free) there’s a raft of activities, games and play areas on site – whether it’s a robot workshop, a philosophical experiment or a giant sandpit you’re after.

How The Light Gets In Festival – photo: Matt Eachus

Dot To Dot, multiple venues in Bristol, May 27

Dotting around from one city-centre venue to another, all in pursuit of a beautiful gig, Dot To Dot is a music lover’s dream. This year’s lineup includes Yard Act, Alvvays, Grove, Kofi Stone, High Vis, Ishmael Ensemble (DJ set) and The Murder Capital.

Image: Dot to Dot Festival 2023

Love Saves The Day, Ashton Court Estate – May 27-28

A mainstay of the Bristol festival season, LSTD in 2023 will feature headliners Fatboy Slim and Years & Years, with Andy C, Eats Everything, Groove Armada (DJ set), Four Tet, Kelis, Romy, Sugababes and Shy FX among the 175 confirmed artists performing across 10 stages.

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Shindig Festival, Dillington Estate – May 25-28

Shindig is a lovingly curated, proper party with a great soundtrack, set on a stunning, tree-peppered site in Somerset. Small enough to get to grips with, but big enough to contain seven themed venues and over 120 acts, it also offers a host of activities for children and families.

The Great Estate Festival, Redruth – June 2-4

Set within the grounds of Scorrier House, The Great Estate offers a weekend of music, circus and cabaret, workshops and events with something to draw everyone in. The lineup announced to date includes Primal Scream, Elvana: Elvis Fronted Nirvana, and everyone’s favourite family rave crew, Junior Jungle.

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Forest Live, Westonbirt Arboretum – June 8-11

For fans of outdoor music events that the whole family will enjoy, in objectively gorgeous surroundings, you could do a lot worse than Forest Live this summer. Confirmed dates for Westonbirt are Paul Weller, Tom Grennan and Jack Savoretti.

Forest Live at Westonbirt Arboretum – photo: Paul Groom

Bristol Craft Beer Festival, Harbourside – June 9-10

The craft beer revolution continues. 5,000 people will gather for the returning weekend celebration that puts the indie brewers front and centre. So if it’s a Wiper and True or Lowtide, Tiny Rebel or Mikkeller that you’d usually go for, with the price of sampling 300+ beers included in the ticket price, you may well find your new favourite.

Bristol Craft Beer Festival – photo: Plaster

AfroFest Bristol Music Festival + Fashion Exhibition 2023, Trinity – June 10

A one day al fresco summer party that showcases the best in African culture. There will be fashion, dance, art, food, and music – as well as activities for children (and under fives go free).

Photo: AfroFest

Bristol Comedy Garden, The Downs, June 14-18

Happy in its new home up on The Downs, Bristol Comedy Garden returns in mid-summer with its surefire killer comedy lineups and plethora of street food vendors besides. The full programme will be announced soon, but you can expect a joyful night out regardless.

Bristol Comedy Garden 2021 – photo: 57 Festivals

Glastonbury Festival, Pilton, Somerset – June 21-25

Home to close to 100 stages across a 900 acre site, the mother of all festivals needs no introduction – other than to say that Michael and Emily Eavis will be opening up their hallowed fields to 210,000 revellers, artists and performers once more, and anticipation is already simmering nicely. The lineup has just been published, with full programmes for individual stages expected to follow, but who needs a list of acts to sell tickets? Not Glastonbury.

Glastonbury 2022 – photo: Anna Barclay

Bristol Sounds, Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside – June 21-25

The 2023 Bristol Sounds headliners announced to date are Jacob Collier on Thursday 22, James on Friday 23, and Levellers on Saturday 24, which will be an all-day event – also featuring The Selecter, Black Grape, Peat & Diesel, Goldie Lookin Chain, Gaz Brookfield and Emily Breeze.

Bristol Sounds – photo: Ania Shrimpton

St Pauls Carnival, St Pauls – Carnival Fringe running June 22-July 1; Carnival Day on July 1

2023 heralds the return of the much-loved Carnival Day, after a three year absence. The procession which this year is inspired by the theme ‘Learning from Legends’ – will be supported by the sound systems, dancers, musicians, and incredible food for which the event is famous. St Pauls Carnival will also be running a series of events this year, marking 75 years of Windrush Day and the 60 year anniversary of Bristol’s Bus Boycott.

Photo: St Pauls Carnival

Bristol Pride, City Centre and The Downs – June 26-July 9; Pride Day July 8

“As well as showcasing our wonderfully diverse community, Pride is about overcoming prejudice, hatred, reducing isolation, and showing members of the LGBTQ+ community that they are not alone,” say Bristol Pride organisers. As well as the official parade and Pride Day on July 8 (last year bringing 40,000 people up to the Downs), the event encompasses a diverse ancillary programme that includes the Queer Vision Film Festival.

Bristol Pride marches through the city centre – photo: Dan Regan

Barn on the Farm, Over Farm, Gloucester – June 29-July 2

Attention fans of boutique festivals: the small but perfectly formed Barn on the Farm may be the summer party appointment you’ve been waiting for. This year’s theme is ‘music of tomorrow’, with confirmed acts including headliner, Holly Humberstone, along with Dylan, Olivia Dean, Wunderhorse, Rachel Chinouriri and Flowerovlove.

Photo: Barn on the Farm

NASS Festival, Shepton Mallet – July 6-9

A weekend celebration that was born out of street culture – music, street art, skate and BMX to be precise – NASS also offers free tickets to local residents living within the festival catchment. Headliners include Chase & Status Live, Wu-Tang Clan, and Little Simz, as well as special guest Anne-Marie, and a host of other acts from Kojey Radical and Example to Biig Piig and Jaguar Skills.

2023 NASS festival lineup – image: NASS

Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Harbourside – July 15-16

Undoubtedly one of the biggest weekends in the Bristol summer calendar, the Harbour Festival’s expansive programme of free entertainment both on and off the water reliably draws huge crowds into the city. Circus, dance, music, and walkabout performers will be on show, alongside a widespread presence from food and drink vendors and stall holders of all kinds.

Bristol Harbour Festival – photo:
Paul Box

Nozstock: The Hidden Valley, Herefordshire, July 20-23

Another hidden gem in the festival calendar, Nozstock is one of those weekends that was founded “by a fun-loving family and their friends” and has since grown into the 5,000 strong party that it is today. There are 11 stages of music and entertainment, with all ages catered to, from little ones to teens, students, seasoned revellers, parents and grandparents.

Siren, Lloyds Amphitheatre – July 27-29

Returning for a second year after a successful first outing in 2022, Bristol’s newest summer event series is back for two big shows. Legendary partnership Fabio & Grooverider will be joined by The Outlook Orchestra to present a history of jungle and drum & bass on Thursday 27, with support from David Rodigan and Gardna (live). Dancehall hero Sean Paul headlines on Friday 28. And on Saturday 29, Hospitality on the Harbour presents an all-day event across two stages.

Siren, Hospitality on the Harbour 2022 – photo: Plaster

FarmFest, Bruton – August 3-5

2023 marks a welcome return for FarmFest after the sad cancellation of last year’s event. The lineup is yet to be announced, but previous iterations have been dominated by great music, dancing, wellness, and the famous annual hat competition.

The crowd at FarmFest 2021 – photo: FarmFest

Valley Fest, Chew Valley Lake – August 3-6

Just nine miles from Bristol, the self-styled “best-tasting music festival in the south west” is ideally placed for Bristolian daytrippers or weekend revellers wanting to camp. With a lakeside view, it’s also one of the prettiest settings for a festival main stage. Expect great food, a wellbeing area, craft and circus workshops for kids and teens, and for those seeking a little more edge, the Arcadia crew – now fixtures at Valley Fest – have got you firmly covered.

Boomtown, Chapter 2: The Twin Trail, Winchester – August 9-13

More than a festival – Boomtown styles itself as a ‘living theatre’ event built around a mythology, and the ever-unfolding narrative promises to take all visitors on their own unique journey. Created by the team behind Wake the Tiger, and thoroughly immersive, it’s as far from an arena festival as you can get, instead promising “an abundance of dancefloors to discover”. The lineup is kept largely secret, but will include the full gamut of styles from the electronic underground.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, Ashton Court Estate – August 10-13

Europe’s largest ballooning event will once again see four free days of family entertainment up at Ashton Court, although the chances are you’ll get to see balloons in the sky from all over the city, at the mass ascent times of 6am and 6pm daily.

Bristol International Balloon Fiesta mass ascent – photo: Paul Box

Shambala: Adventures in Utopia, secret location, Northamptonshire – August 24-28

If previous years are anything to go by, and I think they are, seemingly the whole of Bristol will once more make the trip to a secret Northamptonshire location for the last bank holiday weekend of the summer. Shambala has a deserved reputation for being fun, friendly, vibrant and full to bursting with ensembles to give everyone outfit envy on an hourly basis.

Shambala – photo: George Harrison

DogFest, Ashton Court – September 2-3

Another one of the touring festivals to visit Bristol in 2023, DogFest promises to offer the dogs of Bristol – and their owners – the ultimate day out. With a dog show, group walks, training tips from experts, breed meet-ups and plenty of activities besides, it’s one for the canine calendar.

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The Little Orchard Cider and Music Festival, Penhallow – September 8-10

Little Orchard is celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2023. Set on Healeys Cider Farm in Penhallow, it’s billed as “a Cornish party with some big live bands, a groovy silent disco, BBC Introducing stage, camping and glamping, featuring a huge range of delicious ciders from across the UK plus lots, lots more”.

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FORWARDS, Bristol Downs – September 1-2

Heralded as a big success in its inaugural year in 2022, when the mighty Chemical Brothers headlined a memorable set, anticipation is building for the follow-up to FORWARDS. Billed as “more than just a music festival”, the event aims to “challenge what metropolitan festivals can be today and how they can do good, from the inside out”. This 2023 lineup is yet to be announced, though would-be attendees are encouraged to sign up for pre-sale.

The Chemical Brothers at FORWARDS 2022 – photo: Giulia Spadafora

Tokyo World, Eastville Park – September 16-17

First release tickets are already on sale and the lineup for Bristol’s last big outdoor festival of the season – last year spread across seven separate stages – is set to be released in March. Organisers of the urban and dance music spectacular have alluded to multiple changes for the 2023 event, marking “the start of something very special indeed”.

Photo: Tokyo World

Circus City, multiple venues, Bristol – October (dates tbc)

Bristol’s biannual festival of circus is back for its fifth edition in 2023. The programme will be announced later in the year, and promises to be as rich and varied a selection of circus performance and practice as ever.

Joana Dias and Mike Corr, Circus City – photo: Nic Kane

Main photo: Connor Baker (Shindig Festival 2022)

Read more: Bristol’s cultural highlights of 2023

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