Bristol Harbour Festival returns from 15 - 18 July 2022 for its 50th anniversary edition.
Image: Bristol Harbour Festival. Credit: Paul Box.
The festival attracts over 250,000 visitors to enjoy over 120 hours of entertainment, across seven stages from spoken word to the latest Bristol musical talent, local dance performers, world class circus and on-water activity.
The festival has opened an Expression of Interest programme for those wanting to perform and get involved with the festival this year, hoping to attract new performers into the festival from all corners of the city once again. With 80% of performers coming through the expressions of interest application in 2019, all kinds of performances are welcome, from all communities of Bristol. Applications close on 31st March 2022.
Each area of the one mile long festival is carefully developed by the Bristol Harbour Festival programmers Cirque Bijou, Thekla, Trinity Community Arts, Tony Benjamin, My Future My Choice, Rebecca Tantony, Grain Barge, ss Great Britain and Jelli Records.
A fleet of feature vessels are expected in the harbour as well as over 300 visiting boats, yachts and ships. To bring a vessel into the harbour for the festival, applications will open here on 1st April 2022.
To celebrate the 50th anniversary year, organisers will introduce the theme of ‘Ebb and Flow’ to the festival, looking at the changing face of the city in line with the transformation of the harbour over the last half a century. With many from outside of the city making Bristol their home, this year’s festival will look to engage the diverse range of communities that exist here and bring these to life throughout the four day event. Eight artists will work with seven communities and community partners to bring to life stories reflecting the ebb and flow of the people of Bristol through installations around the harbour, creating a performative and interactive trail.
Image: Bristol Harbour Festival, Bristol Music Stages. Credit: Paul Box.
Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Bristol One City said: “As the city continues to recover from the impacts of the pandemic and we all begin to rediscover life outside of COVID restrictions, the return of one of our flagship festivals marks a turning moment in Bristol’s recent history. It represents a new beginning by celebrating the backbone of the city’s heritage. The festival will provide opportunities for communities across the city to get involved through art and music projects whilst providing the chance for individuals or groups to perform to an audience of tens of thousands. With over one mile of entertainment planned across the harbourside, this year’s festival provides the perfect setting for us all to reconnect with the city and our communities.”
Accessibility is top of the agenda for festival organisers this year with changing place toilets including a Mobiloo in Millennium Square, raised and designated viewing areas installed in key areas and a new respite area launched in M-Shed for those requiring a break from the action packed programme. WECIL and SENSE will also be in place in Millennium Square to provide sensory play and inclusive workshops for young people.
This year the festival will be supported by South West based drinks partners Thatchers, Bath Ales and gin company Tarquins.
Bristol Harbour Festival is organised by Bristol City Council.
For more information please visit www.bristolharbourfestival.co.uk or follow @BristolHarbFest on Twitter, @BristolHarbourFest on Instagram and @BristolHarbourFestival on Facebook.
Related
Comments
Nobody has commented on this post yet, why not send us your thoughts and be the first?
