The 2026 Bristol Harbour Festival will mark a bold new chapter for one of the South West’s most loved cultural events, as organisers confirm a refocused, harbourside layout that brings the city’s waterfront to the centre of the celebration.
Running from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July 2026, the festival will transform its entire footprint to celebrate Bristol’s maritime heritage, creative energy and community spirit - stretching from Thekla to Underfall Yard and featuring floating performances, dockside spectacles, live music, circus, family entertainment and on-the-water experiences.
The 2026 edition will showcase the city’s unique floating harbour not just as the festival’s backdrop, but as a living venue, with high-energy stunts, interactive zones and multiple routes for audiences to explore on foot or even via water taxi.
It will once again bring the city to life in partnership with Bristol Business Improvement District - celebrating local talent, supporting businesses across the city and shining a light on Bristol’s identity as a creative, cultural powerhouse with the harbour at its heart.
“Bristol’s identity has always been anchored in its maritime spirit and this year we’re placing that front and centre,” said Harry Feigen, Managing Director of Proud Events. “With a harbour focussed layout and dynamic water programming, we’re honouring the city’s story while creating something fresh, inclusive and exciting for 2026.”
The reimagined layout will create a more connected, navigable and accessible experience, encouraging visitors to discover the harbour’s full length and character. Queen Square remains a vibrant anchor within the footprint, hosting circus, dance and family entertainment, just moments from the water.
To support this focus, organisers have confirmed that College Green will not be part of the 2026 event. This change reflects a long-term strategy to improve sustainability, reduce pressure on the city’s green spaces and bring the festival’s energy back to the docks. The much loved family area will return to Queen Square across the weekend.
“We’re excited to bring Bristol’s harbour back to the heart of the festival,” said Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council. “Rooted in history but designed for everyone to enjoy today, the new layout puts Bristol’s character, culture and communities first.”
Crowd favourites like the Cardboard Boat Race and the Best Dressed Boat competition will return, inviting boaters to decorate their crafts and take part in a joyful celebration of the city’s waterways. Visiting boat owners that wish to anchor down across the festival weekend can apply on the Sail Bristol App - with applications opening in Spring time.
Organisers are now inviting performers, activity leaders, traders and vessel owners to take part in the festival - with Expression of Interest (EOI) forms live at bristolharbourfestival.co.uk across the following categories:
- Creative: music, circus, theatre, dance, spoken word, community performance, workshops,
- installations, activities
- Trader: street food and market stalls
- On the Water: shows, displays, stunts and activities
In 2025, the festival received over 1,000 expressions of interest, with more than 80% of the programme featuring Bristol-based talent. The 2026 edition will build on this with more inclusive, community-led programming shaped by the creativity, diversity and spirit of the city.
“I’ve been part of the Harbour Festival Steering Group for many years and it’s something I’m always proud to be involved in,” said Paul Hassan, Partnership manager at ACH and Steering Group member. “The festival is one of the city’s most powerful platforms for showcasing Bristol’s talent and creativity - and this refreshed, water-focused footprint creates even more opportunities to bring communities together from across the city to share, perform and celebrate in one of our most iconic spaces.”
Applications to get involved are open now at bristolharbourfestival.co.uk
The 2026 Bristol Harbour Festival will continue to deliver for the city in partnership with Bristol Business Improvement District - spotlighting local talent, supporting the city’s businesses, welcoming thousands of visitors and reinforcing Bristol’s identity as a creative and cultural destination with the harbour at its heart.
Follow the festival on Instagram, Facebook and TikTok for updates, announcements and behind-the-scenes previews.
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