UPFEST unveils artists for 2026 as 300-strong line-up set to transform Bristol

UPFEST has unveiled its lineup of artists for its highly anticipated 2026 festival, offering an early glimpse of the global and local talent set to transform Bristol into a live canvas this May.

Image: Upfest

Returning from Friday 15 to Sunday 31 May 2026, Europe’s largest live street art festival will bring up to 300 artists to the city, creating more than 120 large-scale murals alongside workshops, live painting and community-led projects across Bedminster, Southville and beyond.

Leading the line-up is Audrey Kawasaki, a Japanese-American artist based in the UK, known for her intricate paintings that explore themes of innocence and sensuality, drawing on influences from Art Nouveau to Japanese manga. She is joined by Artez, one of Serbia’s leading muralists, whose distinctive work blends realism and illustration to create human-focused compositions seen across the world.

UK artist Will Blood brings his signature style, reimagining familiar characters through detailed, anatomical compositions that balance the macabre with the playful. Bristol graffiti pioneer and street art legend Inkie also returns. One of the most influential figures to emerge from the city’s 1980s street art movement and a long-time supporter of the festival.

Further names include SATR, whose atmospheric animal portraits combine spray-paint atomisation with traditional Eastern techniques; Cheo, one of Bristol’s best-known street artists, recognised for his vibrant, cartoon-inspired characters; and Lucas Antics, a duo creating immersive, narrative-led murals that transform public spaces into playful, thought-provoking environments.

The line-up also features Australian muralist Sophi Odling, whose vivid, dreamlike works reflect the cultures and communities she encounters; Brazilian artist Rafamon, known for her striking, politically engaged murals; Dale Grimshaw, whose work draws on personal history and early graffiti influences; and US-based muralist Miss Birdy, whose colourful, community-focused pieces bring storytelling and energy to urban spaces.

These artists are joined by Melo, UPFEST 2026’s Festival Artist, whose character-led murals will feature prominently across the programme. Together, they will contribute to a major mural programme, alongside more than 100 additional artists painting across the festival period. The full line-up of artists can be found at upfest.co.uk. 

Alongside the street murals, UPFEST has announced the first artists for its Tobacco Factory Saturday Sessions - the creative heart of the festival across three weekends. Rosie McLay, a Bristol and Hay-on-Wye based artist known for her intricate mark-making and explorations of nature and the human condition, will take part alongside ANXTI, whose work uses character-led art to raise awareness of male mental health. They will be joined by more than 150 artists across the three Saturdays, delivering live painting, workshops and interactive experiences.

The announcement builds on the launch of Quakers Art Lane, which will kick off UPFEST 2026 and mark the start of the festival countdown. Running from Friday 24 April to Tuesday 5 May, the project will transform Quakers ‘Art’ Lane into a permanent outdoor gallery in partnership with Cabot Circus, featuring new murals from leading artists HazardOne, Melo, Insane51, My Dog Sighs and Inkie. The completion of the lane will signal the final lead-in to the festival, setting the tone for a city-wide celebration of creativity.

The 2026 edition is set to be one of the most ambitious in UPFEST’s 18-year history, combining large-scale mural painting with an expanded programme of workshops, live events and community projects. For 2026, UPFEST will have five Scale-Up artist opportunities, supporting artists to work at a significantly larger scale and develop their practice.

Steve Hayles, Co-Founder of UPFEST, said: “UPFEST has always been about bringing world-class artists together with the energy of Bristol’s streets, and this announcement really sets the tone for 2026. From globally recognised names to emerging talent, the diversity of styles and stories in this line-up is incredible. “

Following a successful award from Arts Council England, UPFEST 2026 will deliver an expanded programme supporting artist development and free public workshops, helping ensure the festival remains open and accessible to all. The festival is supported by a network of partners including MTN Spraypaints, POSCA, Niche Frames, Bristol Beer Factory, Bristol BID, Cabot Circus, Plaster Communications and WG Scaffolding.

For more information, visit www.upfest.co.uk and follow UPFEST on social media.