Bristol Harbour Festival calls for performers, traders and venues as 2025 dates announced

Bristol Harbour Festival will return to the iconic Bristol harbourside from Friday 18 – Sunday 20 July 2025 and organisers are calling on local performers, traders and venues to help bring the city to life.

Expression of Interest (EOI) applications are now live here. The announcement comes as the festival has been nominated for two prestigious awards as well as receiving certification as A Greener Festival 2024 by A Greener Future. 

The 2024 festival received more than 1,000 applications from artists and performers, with over 80% of the final line-up featuring Bristol-based talent. Building on that success, the 2025 event will showcase even more creativity, diversity and community spirit, all while celebrating the city’s rich maritime heritage.

Image: Bristol Harbour Festival, credit Paul Box

With over 200,000 visitors expected across the three-day event - cementing its reputation as one of the UK’s most vibrant cultural festivals - the 2025 Bristol Harbour Festival promises an expanded and enriched experience. This year’s programming will once again transform the iconic harbourside into a vibrant stage for music, art and culture, showcasing the city’s deep maritime roots while highlighting the creativity and diversity of its communities. 

Recently certified as a Commended Greener Festival by A Greener Future, the festival has been hailed as “well-managed, environmentally aware and going beyond expectation to make positive change.” AGF went on to state: Bristol Harbour Festival has demonstrated a passionate drive for a greener festival with a focus on best practice going forwards. The team has shown excellent efforts and a clear determination to continue to improve, to protect the environment and enhance positive stakeholder connections.”  

Image: Bristol Habrour Festival, credit Jim Cossey

Sustainability remains at the heart of the festival. Building on the success of 2024, organisers are deepening their commitment to environmentally conscious practices. From grassroots programming to eco-friendly initiatives, the 2025 event aims to celebrate Bristol’s culture while leaving a positive impact on the environment.

Harry Feigen, Managing Director of Proud Events, said: “The Bristol Harbour Festival is all about showcasing the incredible talent, culture and heritage that make this city so special. After the success of last year, we’re thrilled to bring an even bigger and better event to the harbourside in 2025. With applications now open, we’re excited to work with performers, traders and venues who want to help us create something extraordinary.”

The festival’s success in 2024 has garnered further industry attention, with two prestigious award nominations:

• Access All Areas Award for Best Programming
• Greener Festival Award in the UK Festival Awards

These nominations celebrate the event’s innovative programming and sustainability efforts.

“We’re incredibly proud to be nominated for these awards,” said Harry Feigen. “They reflect not just the hard work of our team but the vibrant spirit and creativity of Bristol itself.”

Image: Bristol Harbour Festival, credit Paul Box

Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said: “It’s such a fantastic achievement for Bristol Harbour Festival and the work of the festival team to be recognised for their efforts and commitment in prioritising sustainability and minimising the environmental impact of the event. To be certified as a Commended Greener Festival by A Greener Future is an accolade we can be proud of. 

“Now the focus is to find the local artists, performers and traders for 2025, build on the success and achievements of this year and bring together an even bigger celebration of our city’s arts, culture and music for next summer.”

The popular Fringe Festival, supported by Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Redcliffe & Temple BID, will return for the 2025 edition of the festival, with even greater opportunities for local artists, groups and performers. The expanded Fringe will ensure that even more voices and talents are showcased, bringing an extra layer of energy and inclusivity to the festival.

Local performers, traders and fringe events are encouraged to apply now via the official festival website. The deadline for submissions for performers is 31 January 2025. Stay updated with festival news by visiting the website or following Bristol Harbour Festival on X, Facebook, and Instagram.