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What not to miss at Bristol Harbour Festival 2018
The forecast is good, the tall ships are already arriving and the Newfoundland Dogs are practicing rescuing hapless swimmers. It’s almost time for the 2018 Bristol Harbour Festival.
From Friday to Sunday, the biggest event to take place within Bristol’s city boundary will bring in excess of 200,000 people to the centre and dockside.
They’ll come for familiar favourites such as the continental food market in Queen Square; the collapsing craft of the cardboard boat race; and the relaxed atmosphere at smaller venues such as the Grain Barge, Thekla and Louisiana.
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Those are the familiar favourites, but there are plenty of new elements to the programme this year which mean you could well discover or experience something new.
Friday night with Jimmy Cliff, Grandmaster Flash and Trojan Soundsystem
Friday, from 6pm, Lloyds Ampitheatre
The first step into the weekend will be on Friday night. Grammy award-winning reggae legend Jimmy Cliff will bring laid-back Jamaican rhythms to the Lloyds Ampitheatre, with support from scratching legend Grandmaster Flash and reggae from Trojan Soundsystem. Tickets for the Friday night concert, put on by the team at the Colston Hall, can be booked at www.colstonhall.org/shows/jimmy-cliff-grandmaster-flash-trojan-soundsystem-feat-kioko.
The Power8 Sprints
Sunday, from 2pm
On Sunday afternoon Bristol will host the first ever Power8 Sprints, a new event from British Rowing. Eight teams, including a crew from the host city, will battle it out over a 350m course, meaning spectators can watch all the action from one spot. Expect bulging biceps, fast-moving boats and roars of encouragement from the crowds. The Harbour Festival has never seen anything like this before. For more information, visit www.power8sprints.com.
Live painting from Cheba
Saturday, from 11am, Arnolfini
https://www.facebook.com/artbycheba/videos/1694973543898696/
With his signature stars, Cheba is the man who puts the sparkle in Bristol’s street art scene. It’s only right that in a city known the world over for its murals, the biggest event held within Bristol’s boundaries should get the spray paint treatment. Over the course of Saturday people can watch Cheba create his own interpretation of the harbour and the Bristol skyline.
Cirque Bijou’s Circus Playground
Saturday and Sunday, from 11am, Queen Square
Desperate Men’s world famous Balloon Toss – photo by Martins Kikulis
As celebrations take place across the UK to mark 250 years of circus performances, Bristol’s own boundary pushers Cirque Bijou are moving to a new home in Queen Square. As well as performances that will drop jaws and bulge eyes, there will be lots of entertainment for children and the chance to enjoy some workshops. Most of the artists performing are from Bristol, so remember that whatever you’re watching, chances are it was home grown.
Wapping Wharf’s Maritime Shindig
Saturday, from midday
Wapping Wharf will come alive at this year’s Harbour Festival
For the first time this year, the food and drink lovers’ paradise that is Wapping Wharf will be part of the Harbour Festival events. And there will be much more to do than just eat. With stilt-walking, bubble-blowing pirates, steel drummers, sea shanties and mermaids, this looks sure to be a popular place for families to seek out.
Beneath Our Feet
Saturday & Sunday, 3pm, 4.15pm and 6pm, Redcliffe Caves
Beneath our Feet takes place underground in Redcliffe Caves
The Harbour Festival is a riot of music, applause and huge crowds. This year though, deep underground, a very different atmosphere will be created. Performer Katie Green is bringing her Beneath Our Feet show to the normally closed-off spaces of Redcliffe Caves, telling the story of not only the caves, but also the many people who have sought refuge underground over the centuries. Book tickets for Beneath Our Feet here.
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