Looking for a way to fill next year’s calendar? You’re in the right place
When it comes to Bristol's culture and events scene, it’s simple: we’re spoiled. Bursting at the seams with festivals, concerts, productions and more, the city is a cultural powerhouse. And with Bristol celebrating its 650th year as a city next year, we’re in for a real treat
Here are a few ideas of how you can fill your 2023.
Bristol Beacon Reopening
The biggest event in the cultural calendar for 2023 will be the reopening of the city's biggest venue and cultural icon, Bristol Beacon. Complete with a transformed main auditorium and a new venue in the cellars beneath the building, this will be a return to glory with major artists now able to return to the city outside of festival season.
Keep your eyes peeled for the first gigs at the venue in autumn 2023, including the return of its hugely popular classical programme.
Bristol International Balloon Fiesta
Europe’s largest annual hot air balloon festival, the Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, returns for its 45th year in 2023. Taking place over four days between August 10-13, the morning mass ascents are not to be missed. Around 100 hot air balloons lift off from the beautiful grounds of Ashton Court Estate in the morning light, so what’s not to love?
Meridia’s open for events at Wake The Tiger
The hottest opening of 2022 is certainly worth a trip into Bristol and in 2023 you can expect a series of one-off events as the world of Meridia comes to life with exclusive daytime and evening sessions planned throughout the year.
Love Saves The Day
Back for a second year at Ashton Court Estate on May 27 and 28, Bristol’s biggest music festival is now visited from far and wide for big music names and amazing stage designs. The line-up is yet to be announced but expect the hottest names in electronic music and plenty of local talent on the bill.
Bristol Harbour Festival
The annual dance, music and arts extravaganza will be returning to Bristol’s iconic harbourside over the weekend of July 15 and 16, with family activities, circus performers, delicious food stalls, visiting vessels and some mega live music. Completely free to attend, Bristol Harbour Festival showcases the latest Bristol musical talent, local dance performers, world class circus and on-water activities.
Bristol Sounds
Bristol’s much-loved open air series of concerts returns to the city’s much-loved harbourside from June 21-25, with the line-up to be released shortly.
Past headliners have included Noel Gallagher’s High Flying Birds, Kaiser Chiefs, Elbow, Paolo Nutini, Jungle and George Ezra. In the incredible setting of the Lloyds Amphitheatre, Bristol Sounds will bring five huge headline shows to the heart of Bristol. This year expect an all-day party on Saturday night and one of the hottest up-and-coming singer-songwriters around on the bill.
Propyard
A go-to spot for culture and events in Bristol, Feeder Road’s ex-torpedo testing factory will be bringing back its ever-popular Hopyard in the spring and the Octoberfest edition, Hoptoberfest, towards the end of the year. Showcasing the best of Bristol’s brewing scene, you’ll be trying out the hottest new drops from the who’s who of the beer scene in the city and enjoying them alongside sets from DJs near and far. You can also expect exciting things in the form of a new exhibition, VERTIGO, from a well-loved Bristol artist, which will occupy the entire venue.
Bristol Light Festival
Bristol Light Festival will return from February 3-12, taking over Bristol city centre for a light spectacular not to be missed. Filling the city with captivating and fun light installations displayed at every turn, the annual event will span 10 days including two weekends and weekdays in between – making it the longest edition to date.
Capturing the imagination of all ages, the festival will bring together a collection of local, national and internationally renowned light artists and feature up to 10 light installations across the city. Expect stunning artworks across the city centre, illuminating some of Bristol’s well-trodden paths as well as some more unexpected locations. Walking the city after dark, experience Bristol’s rich hospitality offering and countless independents by eating, drinking and shopping along the way.
