DIASPORA! 26: Programme launched for ten-day celebration of global culture in Bristol and the South West

The Diverse Artists Network (DAN) is thrilled to announce the programme for DIASPORA! 26 is now live. Following the success of the 2024 pilot, this landmark festival has doubled in length, returning from 1–10 May to spotlight the incredible creative diversity of the region.

The 2026 programme is a testament to the collaborative spirit of Bristol, representing a major success for partnership working. While much of the festival has been curated and organised by the DIASPORA! team, the programme also platforms existing events across the city, acting as a unified stage for the region's talent. 

With around 100 listings happening across the ten-day period, there really is something for everyone, including workshops, exhibitions, theatre performances and family-friendly events.

DAN and DIASPORA! Founding Director, Deasy Bamford, says:

‘This year’s festival is a true testament to the power of collaboration and the unique spirit of Bristol. By working together with our incredible partners and artists, we have created a platform that not only showcases world-class talent but also ensures that every community feels seen, heard and celebrated. Check out the programme and book yourself some tickets, we can’t wait to see you!’

Festival flow

The festival follows a gentle daily rhythm designed to suit all paces. Start the day with morning wellbeing sessions. Move towards more active afternoons with talks and interactive workshops. End with exciting night-time performances, DJ sets and bands.

Ritmo Color Y Sabor Peru, Dances of Diaspora - May 6th

Accessible to all

We believe that culture should be for everyone. To ensure the festival is as inclusive as possible, we have curated an accessible programme featuring many free events and a flexible ‘pay what you can’ ticketing model, including the option to make a donation to help the Diverse Artists Network continue its essential work in championing underrepresented creatives. We also offer free places to asylum seekers, refugees and anyone else who might need one. Email hello@diverseartistsnetwork.com to find out more about free spaces.

Why DIASPORA! matters

Bristol is far more multicultural than its main stages often suggest. DIASPORA! exists to spotlight the ‘unheard and undiscovered’, providing the time and attention diverse communities deserve to tell their stories. In these unnerving times, the festival serves as a vital space to stand together as a global community.

Programme highlights

A small selection of highlights to look out for in the programme:

• Diverse Artists Network Exhibition @ Arnolfini (1 May – 26 July): Taking place in Arnolfini’s Gallery 5, this exciting exhibition explores the history of the network and showcases the work of its incredible artist community.
• Love Letter to Broadmead (Saturday 2 - Monday 4 May): A multi-day event series produced by Compass Presents, that reimagines Broadmead by making streets and shop windows become stages and screens. 
• Raise the Bar: Poems of Diaspora! (Thu 7 May): Raise the Bar presents Poems of Diaspora! Featuring four headline poets, representing four different continents: Daljit Nagra, Maureen Onwunali, Bohdan Piasecki and Chloe Tenesha. Plus our resident DJ spinning tunes from across the world.
• Global Majority Environment Gathering @ The Pickle Factory (Saturday 9 May): Led by Jose Barco of CoLab International, this event brings together people from Global Majority communities to share experiences, perspectives and ideas about environmental justice and climate action. You can also catch Jose performing as Tuto Barrios at The Plough on 7 May.
• Desi Day @ Arnolfini (Saturday 9 May): A vibrant day-long celebration of South Asian culture, featuring music, performance and community connection.
• Dur-Dur Band International at Bristol Beacon (Sunday 10 May): Close the festival with these show-stopping legends of the Somali disco scene.
• On the Ground (throughout): We’re working with brilliant teams of young people to document DIASPORA! Big Team, Siddiqui Media and RISE Collective will be out and about creating content on the festival experience -  keep an eye out for them and say hello. 

DIASPORA! 26 is supported by The Hugo Burge Foundation and Arts Council England, alongside the dedicated venues and artists who have made the programme possible. You can support the festival by booking a ticket, attending an event or sharing the programme to help us expand our reach.