Bristol’s city centre venues are being invited to be part of the 2025 Bristol Harbour Festival Fringe. The festival is trying to extend the event from the core stages and performances and into the community.
Taking place from Friday, July 18 to Sunday, July 20, in collaboration with Bristol City Centre Business Improvement District (BID) and Redcliffe & Temple BID, the Fringe Festival provides bars, restaurants, cafes, retailers, galleries and creative spaces with an opportunity to attract new audiences and enhance Bristol’s vibrant festival experience. Last year’s participating venues took full advantage of the additional footfall the festival brings to the city centre by entertaining their customers with live music, comedy and interactive performances.
Last year’s Fringe saw a range of performances and events take place across the city. No.1 Harbourside hosted The Zuzumen, who played late into the night, while The Christmas Steps Pub featured a ‘Banoffee Pies’ showcase with live music and a BBQ.
The Glassboat presented Sing & Tonic sessions with live music and gin tastings and underground club Death Disco created a unique experience by serving frozen margaritas alongside a DJ lineup. Venues can curate their own programming or select from a range of participation packages, which include everything from marketing support to professionally curated entertainment by the festival team.
Kieran Day, general manager at No.1 Harbourside said that “No.1 Harbourside was rocking on Saturday night with The Zuzumen playing classics until late. A weekend filled with the best music and the best artists in the best city, we love Bristol.”
Businesses will also be supporting Bristol’s creative community by providing more performance spaces for local artists, musicians and cultural organisations. Supported by Bristol City Centre BID and Redcliffe & Temple BID, the Fringe connects local businesses with Bristol’s thriving arts scene, fostering further economic and community growth.
Vicky Lee, director of Bristol City Centre BID, said: “The Bristol Harbour Festival is a highlight of the city’s cultural calendar, bringing people together to celebrate the city’s incredible creative spirit. The launch of the Fringe Festival last year added a new dimension, giving local businesses the opportunity to engage with festival audiences in a unique way.
“Venues that took part last year saw a real boost, with vibrant crowds and memorable moments. We are delighted to support the festival once again and look forward to seeing even more of Bristol’s best performers and creators taking over venues across the city.”
Noemi Antonelli and Alex Mahoney, directors at Swans Events, said: “The launch of the Fringe at the Bristol Harbour Festival was an incredible success and we are thrilled to bring it back. Every year, we receive applications from hundreds of artists, performers, dancers, poets, circus acts and theatre groups eager to be part of the festival.
“The Fringe allows us to showcase even more of Bristol’s incredible talent while giving independent venues a platform to engage new audiences. Bristol is known for its creative energy and the Fringe is the perfect way to unite artists and venues for an unforgettable festival experience.”
Interested venues can download the Fringe Festival details and participation packages from the Bristol Harbour Festival website. They can also get in touch at [email protected]