Following a bumper inaugural edition in 2023, Old City Sounds is set to return to Bristol’s Old City on Saturday 24 August - promising to be the go-to destination for music lovers and families alike this August bank holiday.
Transforming the event with a fresh twist, this year’s performances will move into some of Bristol’s most iconic venues, showcasing businesses from the Old City and working in partnership with them to programme the event. Ensuring an unmissable experience come rain or shine, the one-day celebration will also feature a vibrant Kids Zone at St Stephen’s Church, with a range of engaging activities and workshops for the young (as well as the young at heart!) to ensure that everyone is welcome.
Brought to life by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID), Old City Sounds will fill venues across the Old City with an eclectic mix of live music, making it a celebration of the city’s songful soul. Here’s a first look at what to expect:
King Street will set the tone, with The Old Duke hosting its famous Jazz Festival across the whole bank holiday weekend. Renowned for its jazz heritage, The Old Duke will host top jazz artists, ensuring a soulful and foot-tapping experience, whilst the Bristol Old Vic will be hosting three top secret but very special gigs throughout the day…
Nearby, Welsh Back will see DJ’s take to the decks on board the 6 O’clock Gin Boat, curated by international DJ and live act booking agency, The Pool Agency.
St Nicholas Street is set to be an eclectic mix of sounds, with Mothers Ruin and The Crown playing host to a jammed packed line-up of alternative bands and DJ’s, while Mr Wolfs will be engaging the masses with a lively musical collective of DJ’s and bands.
Corn Street, St Stephens and Avenue Street will host a variety of performances. Death Disco will be serving up slushies and tunes during the day and live music and burlesque performances once dusk sets, while Dirty Martini will present the perfect soundtrack from day to night with eclectic DJ sets.
Small Street’s Blame Gloria will get everyone dancing with its ‘Lose Yourself To Disco’ Bottomless Brunch with DJs on the decks all day, while Baldwin Street’s Tonight Josephine will set the party tone with the ultimate in commercial house, R&B and chart-topping tunes.
The Kids Zone at St Stephen’s Church will be a hub of activity from 2 - 5pm, featuring crafts and face painting and a variety of workshops and performances designed to entertain and engage the young ones. Starting at 2pm with a Circus Skills Workshop, kids can learn juggling, hula hooping and other unique circus skills.
At 2.30pm, an energetic Bhangra Dance Workshop will introduce children to the vibrant dance form of Bhangra, followed by the African Drumming Workshop at 3pm, where young participants can try their hand at drumming under expert guidance. The schedule then repeats to offer all a chance to catch another Circus Skills Workshop at 3.30pm, a second Bhangra Dance Workshop at 4pm and a final African Drumming Workshop at 4.30pm, wrapping up the day with rhythmic beats.
Vicky Lee, Director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “Music is integral to Bristol’s culture - and we want to bring people of all ages and backgrounds together to enjoy this in one of the city’s oldest and most beautiful areas on August Bank Holiday Weekend. The one day event will showcase the many and varied venues participating, bringing vibrancy to the area. We look forward to Old City Sounds bringing people together to celebrate the incredible and diverse musical talent we have here in Bristol.”
Stay tuned for the full programme announcement, coming next month!
For more information and updates, visit www.oldcitysounds.co.uk.
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