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Eat Drink Bristol Fashion – 2nd – 3rd May 2020
Founded by Josh Eggleton, Michelin Star Chef, and Local Farmer Luke Hasell, in 2012, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion will be held at Castle Park on the 2nd and 3rd of May 2020, presenting Root, Yurt Lush and Eat Drink Bristol Fashion. This event will be even bigger and better than ever before, with the celebrations lasting for 2 whole days!
Eat Drink Bristol Fashion started off as a one-off secret Sunday lunch event by Pony & Trap, Tipi Events, and the Community Farm. Considering its humble beginnings, it’s amazing to see what it’s become – Bristol’s Placemaking Initiative adopted Eat Drink Bristol Fashion and made its first appearance as a pop-up festival in Bristol’s Queen Square, showing off the Best of Bristol’s restaurant scene and attracting over 10,000 visitors. The festival has grown in popularity year on year.
Even though it was originally Josh Eggleton’s and Luke Hansell’s brilliant idea to showcase the flavours of Bristol, this year’s event pairs up with Team Love, the organisers of two of the City’s most popular festivals Love Saves The Day and The Downs Festival. This iconic teaming will result in 48 hours of fun, with non-stop feasting and food alongside music and live acts as well as DJs – the complete fun package.
Eat Drink Bristol Fashion celebrates the very best of the Bristol food scene, not just the excess of great restaurants and chefs in Bristol, but also the affluence of the regional manufacturers and contributors. The flagship festival increased business with an intense ‘field to fork’ spirit. Festival organizers worked closely with the suppliers and manufacturers in Bristol and Somerset.
Along with the support they provided to the community food systems, Eat Drink Bristol Fashion also use other ways to make their venues as sustainable as possible. Visitors can have a great time enjoying the tastes of Bristol without any feelings of guilt. They are always working to improve their sustainability.
Their venues, Yurt Lush and Root, help out as well. Yurt Lush is pleased to sport the three-star Sustainable Restaurant Association rating and Root has SRA’s backing. SRA is an organization that supports over 6000 food-service sites to help them achieve substantial and appreciable change. At Yurt Lush, they aim to promote sustainability in the food industry to make everyone else aware of its importance and having achieved SRA’s 3 stars has put them in the top 81% of restaurants with sustainability in the South West.
The festival will have a proud and enchanting display of Bristol’s culinary skills, ranging from its Restaurants to communities, talks open to all, encouraging conversations about food in the City, Street food, Bars with local drinks, Kids workshops, School of Food classes, and a banqueting tent with some extra special surprises, music from Bristol’s own Doreen Doreen, Laid Black, Steve Rice, The 45’s, Queen Bee, Red Ray & the Reprobates and more. Everything a festival should be. See the 2020 Programme for more details. Tickets available now.
There is no dedicated car park for Castle Park. You can park in the multi-story carpark “The Galleries” opposite the park.
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You may also be interested in the following – Great things to do in Bristol

If you are looking for Self-Catering Accommodation for your next trip to Bristol, we have the perfect place for families and groups of friends – Contact me for availability clare@buryhillfarm.com or check availability for more information HERE
Our Favourite Parks in Bristol
We are blessed with many lovely parks and open spaces in Bristol. If you are looking for free things to do with the kids, visiting a park would be top of the list. So, here’s a selection of great Parks with great play equipment and areas for families with children of all ages.
Hengrove Park
Hengrove park welcomes visitors with a lot of greenery and open spaces that are as refreshing as they are full of activities to enjoy. The park provides everything from sandpits and climbing frames for children from different age groups. It also has a café, cinema, bingo hall, and free Wi-Fi for you to avail and enjoy as your children burn off some energy.
Not only that, but some of the most talked-about attractions of the park include a “wheel park” for skateboards, rollerblades, and BMX riders and a part that allows visitors to fly small model aircrafts and drones. Or you can relax in the wildlife area at the west end, with plenty of grassy areas to have a picnic and watch the world go by. In short, Hengrove has something for everyone. It doesn’t have a dedicated carpark, but there is plenty of parking in the surrounding areas.
Hengrove Park, Hengrove Way, Hengrove, Bristol BS14 0HR. Visit the Website for more information.
St. George’s Park
Where Hengrove focuses on modern facilities and greenery, St. George’s Park is a very old and historic place that still boasts some of its Victorian architecture at its main entrance. One of the most loved parks by visitors, it is comprised of acres of lush green grass with a beautiful lake in the middle where different kinds of birds have nested. It offers spaces that are natural, pet-friendly, and safe for children to play in.
Other attractions include a wheel park for skateboards, scooters, and BMX, tennis and golf courts, and a café kiosk with an outdoor seating area. The park also includes a dog-free playground. There is a massive lake with resident fish and birds, but it does not allow fishing. The Park doesn’t have a dedicated car park, but there is plenty of nearby parking.
St George’s Park, Church Rd, Whitehall, Bristol BS5 7AA. Visit the Website for more information.
Oldbury Court Estate (Vassell’s Park)
One of the most attractive and appealing aspects of the Oldbury Court Estate is that it has multiple enchanting panoramas to offer and is an ideal site for natural photography – such is its beauty and greenery. It includes a highly aesthetic woodland and riverside paths combined with a modern and attractive picnic area and play area. The park offers different activities for children of all ages including a water and sand play with a pirate play ship, swings, a roundabout, seesaw, spinner and slide, nest swing, slide, rock feature with a rope bridge, slingshot, dish spinner, zip wire, and much more. The play area is fenced to make it dog-free.
The park also has a lovely café kiosk, a terrace next to the play park, a tea hut, two football pitches, a cricket pitch, a protected area for wildlife, and also some fishing spots in River Frome. This very popular park has it has it’s own very large car park. Visit the Website for more information. Oldbury Court Estate, Oldbury Court Road, Fishponds, Bristol, BS16 2JH
This very popular park has it has it’s own very large car park.
Blaise Castle Estate
Blaise Castle is another great tourist attraction with a very interesting history. The place showed signs of occupation in the Neolithic era, and the castle was built out of ashlar stone with limestone dressings back in the 18th century. The land has been one of the most popular and famous tourist attractions of Bristol ever since – mentioned in several literary works by famous writers and also praised by many other notable personalities.
The parkland around the castle includes a museum, plant nursery, café, play area, multiple walking courses, cricket pitch, picnic spots with benches, grassed spaces for sports, and also a lily pond. You could easily spend the whole day there exploring. This is such a large park there are two free car parks, one off of Kings Weston Road at BS10 7QS the other smaller car park is of The Dingle at BS9 2PA. Visit the Website for more information.
Greville Smyth Park
The Greville Smyth park is another prominent place to go and relax while allowing your children to indulge in different healthy games and activities. It includes a dog-free play area for children under 12 years of age as well as one for teenagers, three football pitches, a ping-pong table, tennis courts, outdoor exercise stations with great equipment for adults, and also a bowling green.
The park boasts a very generous amount of open space and is the perfect place to chill out, relax with friends and family for picnic snacks and a game of frisbee. Greville Smyth Park, Ashton Road, Ashton, Bristol BS3 2EA.
Visit the Website for more information.
Begbrook Green Park
Another one of Bristol’s great attractions, the Begbrook Green Park includes a very engaging play area for children of all ages that is fenced to keep it dog free. The toddler play area is separate with a climbing frame, cargo net, slide, swings, and nest swing. For older children, the park provides a rock-climbing wall with a cargo net. Adults can also indulge in different activities at any of the four outdoor exercise stations and enjoy the equipment provided by the park. There are football pitches, a bowling green, all-weather pitches, and also some changing rooms for the sports pitches included.
Begbrook Green Park, Frenchay Park Road, Bristol, BS16 1JG. Visit the Website for more information.
If you are looking for Self-Catering Accommodation for your next trip to Bristol, we have the perfect place for families and groups of friends – Contact me for availability clare@buryhillfarm.com or check availability for more information HERE
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Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival-26th-29th March 2020
Bristol International Jazz and Blues Festival- an unforgettable journey of culture, fun & entertainment.
Jazz is upon us, Bristol is going to be rocked again by top-notch jazz maestros from 26th March to 29th March. The awe-inspiring event is going to be organised for the eighth time assembled with spectacular gigs at St George’s, Bristol Folk House, Fiddlers, O2 Academy, Bambalan.
There will also be a fantastic number of workshops held at Bristol Folk House, free stages at Bambalan and Colston Hall and films at the Watershed. The finest performers from all over Europe, the USA and the UK will be there to celebrate music. Below are some of the highlights of this spectacular.
Saxophone Legend Pee-wee Elis show
Saxophonist Pee Wee Ellis was the engineer of James Brown’s time characterising soul works of art of the late ’60s, presenting the dynamic game plans and rebuffing rhythms that would characterise the developing language of funk. This great musician will rock the stage in Bristol by playing the Blues. This event will also promote his own selection of archetypal compositions along with a group of performers.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 27th March, 9.30 pm – Venue: St Georges – Tickets: £26, £22, £18 + bf – Genres: Blues
Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars plus UWE Big Band
Real dashing duos are on their way to Bristol for blowing your mind with mesmerisation. Both Ronnie Scott’s All-Stars and Bristol’s very own UWE (University of West England) Big Band are all set to make this festival a memorable one with their charming performances. Both the bands will jointly present some of the best Jazz tracks you have ever heard or seen. Don’t sit idle, get your tickets now!
Concert Info: Date and Time: 26th March, 8 pm – Venue: 1532 Theatre – Tickets: £20, £15, £10 + bf – Genres: Big Band
Paul Jones Big Band Blues Bash
Set yourself up for the splendid show of legendary singer, actor, television presenter Paul Jones. He will be performing for The Blues Band once again backed by the powerhouse stage artists of his own selection. Being a doctor of music (University of Portsmouth), his songs have been recorded by a varied bunch, including early Steppenwolf and Helen Shapiro.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 26th March, 8 pm – Venue: St Georges – Tickets £26, £22, £18 + bf – Genres: Blues, Big Band
The James Bond Concert
Get yourself ready for the jaw-dropping performance of renowned international conductor and music revolutionary Charles Hazlewood at O2 Academy. He will be batoning guest vocalists along with a group of 30 handpicked all-star orchestra. From “Dr. No”(1962) from “Spectre”(2015), all the emblematic tracks of James Bond will be performed to bethink your favourite era of Bond!
Concert Info: Date & Time: 27th March, 8pm – Venue: O2 Academy – Tickets: £25.50, £28.75 – Genres: Big Band, Pop, Special Events
A Bristol Sound
The magnificent WDC (Worm Disco Club) is extremely glad to share what’s potentially the best news yet! ‘Worm Disks’ will be propelled in 2020 with the mission of giving new, contemporary acts from around the UK. They are glad to declare that at the Bristol Jazz and Blues Festival 2020, WDC is tossing a ‘Worm Disks’ mark LAUNCH PARTY including three preferred Bristol-based acts:-
Waldo’s gift – developed as another power in the UK jazz scene. Conceived out of their improvisatory residency at Bristol’s The Gallimaufry, the band immediately picked up a reputation in their old neighbourhood before accomplishing more extensive national consideration.
Snazzback – an 8 piece band, who have been working intimately with vocalist China Bowls for their most recent performances. They pool their diverse tastes and investigate music from around the globe through acts of spontaneity and joint effort. Snazzback’s most recent synthesis consolidates the weight of present-day bass music with dynamic artistic game plans, skirting on punk and free jazz now and again as much as hip-jump and soul.
Run Logan Run – Utilizing roundabout breathing and FX, Run Logan Run makes music that is both ruthless and lovely, without the utilisation of circle pedals or sponsorship tracks. These extraordinary features make them stand out from other bands.
Concert Info: Date & Time: 27th March, 8 pm-2 am – Venue: Fiddlers – Tickets: £10, £12.50 + bf – Genres: Contemporary, Jazz, Special Events, Modern Jazz
Jump Blues with Chris Corcoran-Workshop
Nominated by UK Blues Federation, for Blues Instrumentalist of the year, Chris Corcoran has been titled as “Guitarist of the guitarists”. This man has been performing consistently for more than 20 years across the UK and Europe. His workshop will give you in-depth knowledge about improving your playing style as well as the techniques of driving the audience. Buy your tickets now and grab the opportunity to learn.
Concert Info: Date & Time: 28th March, 12pm-2pm – Venue: The Folk House – Tickets: £20 + bf – Genres: Blues
The Heartthrob Duos Performance: Kairos 4TET + Emilia Martensson
Being the perfect blender of classic and contemporary, Kairos 4TET are quickly turning into a foundation of the British jazz scene. They are unique – overcoming any issues among classic and contemporary; the jazz colloquialism and the genealogy of tune; fierce furrows, consuming spontaneous creations and songs that wait long after the music stops. They will be performing cooperatively with Swedish vocalist Emilia Martensson, who has been associating both as a singer and composer for a long time. Prepare yourself for this greatest Jazz show on earth at St Georges.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 28th March, 2 pm – Venue: St Georges – Tickets: £15 + bf – Genres: Contemporary Jazz, Traditional Jazz
Andy Hague Featuring “The Blues and The Abstract Truth”
Andy Hague is a cult figure renowned for being a Bristol-based trumpeter and drummer. He has also been a performer and an organizer for the past 25 years which makes him an ultimate artist. Along with his fellow musicians Freddie Hubbard, Eric Dolphy, Bill Evans, Paul Chambers and Roy Haynes, he is going to be the spellbinder crackerjack of the day. Try not to be late for purchasing tickets for this choice occasion and appreciate the show with families and companions.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 29th March, 2 pm – Venue: St Georges – Tickets: £15 + bf – Genres: Blues
The Ultimate Jazz Dames Presentation
The theme of Jazz will be redefined by the top class troupe of singers and instrumentalists like Rebecca Nash, Sara Colman, Ruth Hammond, Katya Gorrie as they are back by public demand. Extraordinary voices with, out-of-the world instrumental skills are going to make your evening the best of the bests. Get buckled up and run for tickets so that you can enjoy the exciting event with your family and friends.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 27th March, 7 pm – Venue: St Georges – Tickets: £22, £17, £12 + bf – Genres: Traditional Jazz
Tricia Boutte Cookery Workshop
Rooted in New Orleans, Tricia Boutte aka “Sista Teedy” is one of a kind super talented performer. She is the niece of international Jazz vocalist Lillian Boutte. Teedy has just appreciated a rich vocal vocation acting in an assortment of melodic settings. Her collection covers jazz, principles, R&B, pop, soul, gospel and Caribbean music. That being said, this extremely skilful lady is also a renowned chef. Bring a pen and paper with you because, in this event, you will get to learn the exquisite recipe of Southern State cuisine.
Concert Info: Date & Time: 29th March 10 am- Venue: The Folk House – Tickets: £5 + bf – Genres: Special Events, Workshop
Colston Hall Free Stage Show
The Colston Hall stage is all set to exhibit the brilliant performances of the school and university bands. You will be surely amazed by the superior and engaging acts discharged by these young talents. Get ready and enjoy the bewildering event lined up from 11 am to 4.45 pm.
Concert Info: Date and Time: 29th March, 11 am – Venue: Colston Hall – Genres: Swing, Big Band, Contemporary Jazz, Traditional Jazz, Modern Jazz
To wrap it up, Bristol city is going to have a series of astounding events from 26th March to 29th March. Entertain yourself and your dear ones with the ecstatic joyride. There are so many great things to do in Bristol and this is one of them! The great Bristol International Jazz & Blues Festival awaits you!
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A Walking Tour in Bristol
Do you like TV documentaries? Do you listen to Radio 4? Do you read non-fiction? Do you enjoy being told a story? Then I’m confident an informative walking tour would enhance your Bristol City stay.
A web search is your starting point for any number of walking tours, including “Bristol Highlights” (which is the one we took) and others focusing on “Bristol Merchants and The Slave Trade”, or visiting the sites of local-lad Banksy’s murals. (You’d heard rumours Banksy was a girl? Well…on our tour the Guide pointed out his alma mater and assured us many could attest to his identity.)
The cost varies, but, for example, the 2 hour “Bristol Highlights” tour is conducted by a qualified Blue Badge Guide and costs just £6 per person. Unfortunately, the morning start wasn’t suitable for our group of seven and so I started to explore the possibility of a private, exclusive, tour. I found a number of commercial tour operators but – frankly – the costs were prohibitive, e.g. £29 per person. However, I’m glad I persevered because it seems the Blue Badge Guides are self-employed and can be contracted for private tours. I came to an arrangement with the Blue Badge Guide who had conducted the same “Bristol Highlights” tour that morning for 27(!) “walk-ins” to the Tourist Information Office, to repeat the tour exclusively for us that afternoon at a cost of just £80.
Our Guide – it goes without saying – had the gift of storytelling along with an encyclopaedic knowledge of all the significant dates in Bristol’s history. (He couldn’t fail to impress someone who submitted an entire History examination paper without once referencing a specific date – or indeed the reigning monarch!) He touched on ancient history; the growth of the Bristol docks and trading; Bristol’s role in the Slave Trade (no more, and no less, than a number of other cities heavily involved in overseas trading; both here and in Europe); Bristol Cream Sherry; and good ol’ Isambard Brunel and the railways.
An enthusiastic, knowledgeable and local Guide will not only introduce you to the ‘major’ sites such as Bristol Cathedral – which arguably you might have tripped over unaided – although apparently a lot of people do mistake St Mary Redcliffe Church for Bristol’s cathedral – but point out the less-obvious such as how the whole consists of parts dating back to the 12th century but then the twin towers were completed comparatively recently in 1888 (you can hardly see the joins).
We learned there are underground caverns (inaccessible now) where the warehouses once stood and these proved invaluable in protecting the expensive (and highly flammable) goods destined for import/export and provided a USP (unique selling point) for Bristol Docks. We heard that Cary Grant used to come back to Bristol regularly to visit his Mum.
Whilst I’m sure every Guide has a tried and trusted “script”, a knowledgeable Guide will be quite prepared to answer queries or spend more time on a topic in which people show a particular interest and they are always pleased to receive snippets of knowledge from their visitors which, I’m sure, they add to their own collection. For example our Guide pointed out the Wills Building donated to the University by the tobacco family which employed thousands in the area and I was able to tell him there was also a factory in Swindon where my mother worked in the early ’50s.
If you like a story…if you like learning new facts…consider arranging your own exclusive walking tour whilst you are in Bristol, I’m sure you’ll enjoy it.
A special thanks to Anne Brown-Robins, who wrote this post following a recent stay with us at Bury Hill Farm Bristol.
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The Wave Bristol – Opening November 2019 | Book Now
From today the much-anticipated opening day of The Wave, Bristol, is available to book. The first sessions for the general public start on 18th November 2019 and you can book them now. The Wave is an inland surf destination that allows people to surf on consistent safe waves all year round, without having to go to the sea.
Every aspect of The Wave has been designed to give the maximum amount of fun for everyone. Whether you are a beginner or an accomplished surfer this will be the safe place to go. The ground-breaking technology can create up to an amazing 1,000 quality waves per hour, that’s one every 10 seconds, ranging from 50cm to 2m in height in this massive 180 metres-long surfing lake.
The Wave will be at a beautiful site in Easter Compton, Bristol and will not only have a wave pool, but it will also include a natural swimming lake, barefoot trails, a rope and tunnels course, foraging areas and gardens of various types including sensory, healing, culinary and herbs gardens. There will also be a clubhouse serving delicious food and surf shop. Making it a great space where people can become happier by connecting with water, nature, each other and themselves.
All levels of ability can enjoy this great experience, whether it’s a child getting on a board for the first time or a professional surfer training for the Olympics. Sessions can be booked according to your experience.
Learn to surf in a supportive environment, with 2-hour sessions. Everything that you will need is provided – wetsuits, boots and surfboards. Learn about water safety, surf equipment, body positioning etc and then experience the fantastic rush of surfing along a wave. The coaches will be with you for the duration. Prices start from £55 – Adults, £45 – 6 – 16 years. Lessons for more advanced surfers are also available at these prices.
Or if you are more experienced they have sessions for intermediate and advanced surfers – just catch some waves with a 1-hour session. Prices start from £40 -Adults, £35 – 6 – 16 years. All the booking information is on the website.
Spectators are welcome to join you and watch the action. Prices are £5 – Adults, 6-16 years – £2.50 and under 6’s are free.
If you are interested in the History of The Wave, where the idea came from and how it works, where all the Wave locations are, watch this interesting video.
I can’t wait for this to be open. This is going to be a great asset to Bristol. I’ve already booked my session and I am really looking forward to it. The Wave is just 6.7 miles away from our Self-Catering Accommodation, Bury Hill Farm Bristol. If you are visiting and looking for accommodation check out our website www.buryhillfarmbristol.com or check availability
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El Puerto – Authentic Spanish Tapas Bar and Restaurant in Bristol
Housed in one of Bristol’s historic Harbourside Buildings on Princes Street, you will find this super independently owned Spanish Tapas Restaurant which first opened back in 2002.
As you walk into the restaurant the rustic tiled floor, beamed ceilings, whitewashed walls, Spanish music and lively atmosphere, gives a very authentic Spanish feel. There is a nice choice of tables from cosy intimate corners for a romantic meal for two through to large tables for bigger parties or groups. Join them on Sunday evenings for live flamenco dancing, live Spanish music and traditional paella from 7.30 pm.
We visited in July with a couple of friends from out of town who were in Bristol for a Salsa dancing event. I suggested El Puerto as I have visited there many times over the years, always enjoyed the food and I hadn’t been there for at least a year or so.
The reservation was made for 8pm, when we arrived our friends were already enjoying a drink at the bar. We were shown to our table by a jolly fellow and our orders taken shortly afterwards. One of our friends had indicated he was looking to eat something fairly substantial so I suggest one of the main meals (fish, steak or mixed grill etc) but upon viewing the menu he also decided there was such a good choice of Tapas we should share a variety of these (a very good decision in my eyes).
Tapas dishes range from £4 – £7 each and in my opinion are good value for money, they are large enough that 3 per person is more than enough for even the hungriest of us, 10 or 12 between a group of four give a really varied selection. A separate gluten free menu and vegetarian options are also available. There is also a fairly large wine list, a very good selection of Spanish beers and of course Sangria. See their full Menu.
We ordered an array of dishes, including – Chorizo a la plancha (grilled chorizo sausage), Pollo Ajillo (chicken in garlic & white wine sauce), Costillas Crujientes (crispy pork ribs), Chuletitas de cordero (Lamb Chops marinated in garlic), Espeto de Sardinas (Sardines cooked over charcoal), Pescaditos (Whirebait), Patatas Bravas & Patatas Ali Oli (deep fried potatoes with spicy tomato sauce and with garlic mayonnaise), Abondigas (meatballs in tomato sauce), to name but a few (my mouth is seriously watering just writing these !) We were also served bread with aioli and olives while our tapas was being prepared.
The dishes were brought to the table freshly as they were prepared, a few at a time, which in my opinion is ideal as none get the chance to go cold whilst eating and makes for an extended period of chatting whilst eating and drinking. I opted for a bottle of wine recommended by the waiter and the boys had Estrella, both were going down very well.
After we finished the tapas only two of us decided that we had just enough space to fit one of the mouth-watering homemade desserts on offer. I went for the El Puerto Strawberry Mess (their take on an Eton Mess with Fresh Strawberries, Organic Cream, Ice Cream & Meringue) which was absolutely delightful.
To summarise our night out El Peurto was fantastic – good company in pleasant surroundings, lovely atmosphere, scrumptious food, nice cold beers and friendly attentive service.
El Puerto has changed management a few times over the years, the new owner “Kani” took over just a few months ago and is keeping up the reputation of being Bristol’s #1 Spanish Tapas Restaurant.
57 Prince Street, Bristol BS1 4QH – 01179 256014 – 01179 279279 – email info@el-puerto.co.uk
Parking is available right opposite in The Grove car park – £3 from 6pm – midnight
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Bristol Balloon Fiesta 8th – 11th August 2019
Not long to go now for Bristol’s International Balloon Fiesta. This is Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons, attracting over 130 Hot Air Balloons from across the world. So if you are looking for free things to do in Bristol this is the place for you. Tens of thousands of visitors from across the country and beyond come to celebrate this spectacular event. It is celebrating its 41st anniversary in 2019 and will be bigger and better than ever before.
The Fiesta is truly a sight that can only be seen in Bristol and is held over four days in August every year, at Ashton Court Estate. There is so much to keep you busy during the day including the mass ascents where as many as 100 balloons launch at the same time, twice per day at 6am and 6pm, subject to weather conditions. There are also shows and entertainment, fairground rides, food stalls, fantastic trade and craft stands and fireworks. It’s also a great opportunity to have a ride in a balloon.
The night glow is also something not to miss, the hot-air balloons light up their burners in time to music. Night glows are usually on the Thursday and Saturday from 9pm and usually last for an hour and is then followed with a firework finale. Some people see this as the highlight of the Fiesta.
The event was first held in 1970 and is now one of the largest in Europe and takes place in the Aston Court Estate annually. For it’s 40th Anniversary some of the most iconic shapes returned to mark this huge milestone. These included favourites like Superbike, the Michelin Man, a special huge birthday cake shaped balloon, a pair of Bertie Bassett’s.
What to Expect this year at Bristol Balloon Fiesta
Free entry to this amazing fun family 4 day event. Be prepared and bring your breaksfast, disposable bbqs are welcome or there is plenty on offer from hot food outlets. Enjoy browsing around lots of trade and craft stands, grab a drink from the public bars, relax and enjoy the entertainment and Live Music on offer throughout the Fiesta.
Thursday 8th August – 12.00 pm – Opening Day – Hot Air Balloons are tethered throughout the afternoon. After a weather briefing at 6pm (weather allowing), there will be the first mass ascent. At 9.00 pm this is followed by the very popular nightglow, 25 hot air balloons turn into light bulbs, glowing in time to the music and to finish an amazing firework display.
Friday 9th August – Two mass Hot Air Balloons ascents. The first is at 6.00 am. 8.00 am Model Hot Air Balloon Competitions. 12.00 pm Hot Air Balloon Tethering. 6.00 pm the second Hot Air Balloon mass ascent.
Saturday 10th August – Two mass Hot Air Balloons ascents. 6.00 am mass Hot Air Balloon ascent. 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm Entertainment in the Arena. 6.00 pm Another mass ascent. 9.00 pm The nightglow with firework finale.
Sunday 11th August – Two mass Hot Air Balloons ascents. 6.00 am mass Hot Air Balloon ascent. 12.00 pm to 5.00 pm Entertainment in the Arena. 6.00 pm Another mass ascent.
Balloon rides are available during the event. Booking in advance is necessary and can be made via the following ride operators – Baily Balloons, Bristol Balloons, Elite Air, First Flight & ABC Flights Ltd.
TRAVEL AND PARKING
Entry to the Fiesta is free, but parking is charged from £9.14 to £27.69 depending on the parking area. Tickets must be purchased in advance. Last entry to the Fiesta car park is 5 pm each day, spaces are expected to sell out quickly, so you need to book asap. There are signs, which are yellow to guide travellers to the correct car park and it’s best not to follow your sat-nav directions as there is more than one entrance. Find out more and book TICKETS.
If you’re coming from the North, M5 Junction 19: take the A369 towards Bristol city centre.
From the South, M5 Junction 21: take the A370 towards Bristol.
From the East or West, M4 Junction 20: take the M5 southbound, leaving at junction 19 for the A369 towards Bristol city centre.
The First Bus Balloon Shuttle bus service is operated by First Bus, from Temple Meads Train Station and the City Centre – Metrobus Stop C2, Colston Avenue to the Balloon Fiesta. Tickets can be purchased on the bus with no need to pre-book. Buses will run every few minutes.
Tickets are just £3 single or £5 for a day ticket, with a special group ticket of £15 which allows up to five adults to travel together. We’ve introduced two new ticket features for 2019: up to two children (15 and under) can travel free with each fare-paying adult and you can buy discounted tickets in advance of the day on the First Bus mTicket app.
You can buy adult day and group shuttle bus tickets on the mTicket app and save money! Just download the First Bus app, click on the mTickets tab and select the Bristol area. Click on Special Events tickets and choose an adult day ticket for only £4 or group (up to 5 adults travelling together) for only £12 per day. This allows unlimited travel on the shuttle bus only for one day.
Address – Ashton Court Estate, Long Ashton, Bristol, BS41 9JN
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Noah’s Ark Zoo Farm

Bristol Harbour Festival 19th – 21st July 2019
The Bristol Harbour Festival is back this weekend – Friday 19th July to Sunday 21st July. Celebrating its 47th year, this free festival brings over 250,000 people together and is held annually to celebrate the city’s maritime heritage and the importance of Bristol’s docks and harbour.
Most of the activities are free, including live music, street performances, dance acts, interactive theatre, international circus acts, daredevil stunts and a variety of other live entertainments which are held on or near the waterfront of Bristol Harbour.
The outside venues include Queen Square, Lloyds Amphitheatre, Narrow Quay, Merchants, Quay, Hannover Quay, Millennium Square and Cathedral Walk, with seagoing vessels moored nearby. The liveliest part of the festival is quayside and the main attractions are entertainment designed to engage all the communities of Bristol, as well as entertain the thousands of visitors to the city.
Find your way around the Bristol Harbour Festival’s Performance Areas – Downloadable Map See the program of events further down the page.
Market Locations
Narrow Quay, Merchants Quay, Queens Square and Hannover Quay
The City has hosted the festival since 1971, when it was started as part of an, ultimately successful, attempt to save the docks from being filled in. In 2012, the festival attracted over 200,000 visitors, its highest ever attendance at that time, with the Irene and the Matthew being two of the tall ships in attendance that year.
The festival is held every year in July over a weekend and many of the bar and restaurants put on extra entertainment to keep visitors happy during the late evenings. In 2018 visitors were be able to watch for the first time, the Power8 rowing sprints battle it out on the water, as teams from eight cities compete to be the best.
The highlight of this year’s festival will be the arrival of three very special tall ships – The Etoile Molence, Irene and Iris. Also Power8 Sprints will also be headlining with their 350 metre, high octane rowing action on the water.
More than 250 boats of varying shapes and sizes will be tied up at every available mooring along a four-mile stretch of the Harbourside, with familiar sights such as the SS Great Britain and the Matthew all set to appear.
There’s so much entertainment to keep you engaged, including music at the huge outdoor concert area “the Lloyds Amphitheatre”, top quality circus and street theatre acts from Circus Bijou. Western Boat Show, showcasing all kinds of sailing boats and power boats, rowing competitions, general fun and games in the water, dedicated family areas, plus the Continental Food Market at Queens Square, a fantastic line-up from across France, Italy, Spain and Germany providing olives, cheese, crepes and more, an experience for the taste buds together with traditional gifts and crafts and lots of Harbourside fun for everyone.
Travel – Head for the City Centre, follow signs for Harbour Festival. Further travel info Here.
Parking
There is plenty of parking and it is advised to arrive early to get as close as possible to the available Harbourside Parking. You will also find parking within a short walking distance of the Harbour at the following places –
St Mary Redcliffe Car Park, NCP – Redcliffe Parade, NCP – Queens Charlotte Street, Trenchard Street Car Park, The Gallery Car Park, Nelson Street Car Park, College Street Car Park, Mardyke Wharf Car Park, Oldfield Place Car Park
Program of Events
Saturday 20th July
Music – Amphitheatre – Music Stage
12.45 pm Bristol Community Big Band
2.00 pm The Hucklebuck – Blues Music
3.15 pm Camo Clave – Cumbia Music
4.30 pm Phantom Ensemble
5.45 pm Matuki – Afrobeat, reggae fusion
7.15 pm Doreen Doreen – Marsh up Band
8.45 pm Rod Smith RSD
Music – Brunel Stage at SS Great Britain
11.00 am Framptoon Shantymen – All Male Choir
12.00 pm Samba – Reggae drumming band
1.00 pm Ceili – Traditional Irish/Celtic acoustic music
2.00 pm Gentle Hooligans – Rock ‘n ‘ roll fusion
3.00 pm JI & The Rainbirds – Up beat feel-good folk
4.00 pm Eden Root’s Reggae Band – Red hot Reggae
5.00 pm The Bare Souls – Rock, blues, soul and funk fusion band
Music – Centre Stage at Cascade Steps
12.00 pm The Great Sea Choir
12.50 pm Rosina Keri – passionate dreamy pop
1.40 pm The Harrisons – Blues, country and americana band
2.30 pm Barnacle Buoys – Acapella sea shanty singers
3.25 pm Julu Irvine & Heg Brignall – Folk duo
4.20 pm Mireille Mathlener – Vocalist
5.15 pm Laimu – Sultry vocals
Music – Dockside Stage at the Grove
2.00 pm Punk Rock Aerobics
3.00 pm Richard the Fourth – Neo soul and slow funk
3.30 pm Hush Mozey – Miz of spa, punk and garage
4.30 pm The Rupees – Hi energy rock band
5.30 pm Sam Brockington – Fantastic vocal talented singer
6.30 pm Farebrother – Indie rock quartet
7.30 pm Joe Probert – Super cool soul
8.30 pm Katy J Pearson – Catchy melodies
Dance and Entertainment at Millenium Square
11.45 am Bollyred Dance Company
12.15 pm Urban Cookie: Dance Zumba Gold
1.20 pm Performance from Gerry’s Attic Dance Company
1.55 pm Making Tracks Youth Music
2.55 pm 2 O’clock Beauty Queens
3.15 pm Dance Extreme BS13/Storm
3.25 pm Bristol Salsa Ladies Styling Team
3.30 pm Subline Dance Troupe
3.40 pm Rise Youth Dance
5.00 pm Hype Dance
5.20 pm Swing Dance Bristol and Swing Riot
Entertainment, Family Fun Activities, Music and Food at The Circus Playground – Queens Square
Continental Market Food – a selection of everything you will expect will be on offer
Bubbline – Fun with bubbles
A.P.E Project CIC – Mobile Adventure Playground
Sounds Right Phonics Bristol – Music, games, movement, bubbles and poms poms for little ones
Marky Jay – Compere & Street Theatre – Jokes, Juggling and puppets
Avon Valley Wildlife Park – Interact and discover more about small animals
Bristol Taiko – Traditional Japanese Drumming
Bocadcalupa Arts – Bee Garden
Avon Valley Wildlife Trust
Baby Racing
Cirocomedia – Youth Circus Showcase and Workshops
Giddy Kipper – Sloth Time
Tiny Little Clouds Theatre – How to Build a rainbow
Don’t Drop The Beat – Live Drumming and Juggling
Above & Beyond – Mini Flying Trapeze Rig
Dragonbird Theatre – Pyjama Island
Angie Mack – The Super Hooper Jula Hooping Street Show
Korri Aulakh – World Class Aerialist performances
Rob Lewis – Cello
Kat Lyons Storytelling and Spoken Word
King Edmunds Acrobatic Club
Angie Mack – Have a go Hula Hoop Workshops
Cathedral Walk – Spoken Word, Music and Performances
11.30 am Poetry Machine – Performance
12.00 pm South West Showcase – Performance
1.00 pm Yoniverse Takeover – Performance
2.00 pm Guest Artist – Joelle Taylor – Performance
2.30 pm Poetry Machine – Performance, Family
2.50 pm South West Showcash – Performance, Family
4.30 pm Guest Artists – Rebecca Tantony and Dominie Hooper – Performance & Music
On the water Themes Maritime & Sports
10.00 am Family Maritime Trail – Complete the trail for a chance to win a boat kit
12.00 pm Young Shipwrights Boat Race – Cardboard boat race
12.45 pm The Aircraft Carrier Challenge
1.15 pm Bristol Cardboard Boat Race – A 250 metre cardboard boat race
2.30 pm Newfound Friends – Dogs shows us their lifesaving skills
3.50pm Jet Ski Stunts
Bristol Harbour Festival – Sunday 20th July
Music – Amphitheatre – Music Stage
12.00 pm Tan Teddy – Sharing Jamaican culture through song
1.10 pm Nuala Honan – Folk music from Bristol based Australian singer-songwriter
2:20 pm Amdodu Diagne & Yakar – Modern blues and funk
3:30 pm Dizaeli – Jazz-tinged band
5:00 pm Sheelanaig – Balkan swing, celtic music
Brunels Stage at SS Great Britain
11.00 am South Wales Clarinet Choir
12.00 pm North Somerset Samba – Reggae drumming band
1.00 pm Bee Bakare – Soulful pop
2.00 pm Zyla – Soul-infused funk
3.00 pm Sol Feo – Rock, funk, grunge, metal and folk bended band
4.00 pm Baraka – Afro beat dance band
Centre Stage at Cascade Steps
12.00 pm Storm Force 10 – Shanty band
12.50 pm Jodie Mellor – Singer
1.40 pm Bristol Sea Slugs – Shanty, folk band
2.30 pm Charlie Limm – Vocalist
3.25 pm Jazz the Two of us – Jazz classics with a twist
4.20 pm Maaike Siegerist – Swinging jazz and dark folk
5.15 pm Sounds of Harlowe – Grunge soul collective
Dockside Stage at the Grove
1.00 pm Gabriel Templar – Indie pop
2.00 pm Luke Marshall Black – Vocalist
4.00 pm RVBY – Quirky pop
5.00 pm Agata – Vocalist
6.00 pm Imprints – Gypsy, pirate, folk-rock band
Millennium Square – Bristol Dances
11.00 am Diddi Dance
11.45 am Dancin Tots
12.20 pm Afon Sistema – Brazilian Dance in Bristol
1.10 pm Mumtaz Dance Company – Bollywood Dance
1.25 pm Original Spinners – Dance, Performance
1.40 pm Untold Dance Theatre – Dance
2.00 pm Cabaret and Drag Dance Show
3.10 pm Funk Supreme
3.20 pm Piloexcersize – Dance
4.20 pm The Hills School of Irish Dance Performance and Workshop
5.00 pm Celidh Dance with Mr Medler – Dance
Cathedral Walk – Spoken Word, Music and Performances
11.30 am Poetry Machine – Performance
12.00 pm South West Showcase – Performance & Music
1.00 pm Guest Artist – Dizraeli – Performance & Music
1.30 pm Poetry Machine – Family Performance
2.00 pm The Urban Word Collective Takeover – Performance
3.00 pm Guest Artist – Deanna Rodger – Performance
3.30 pm Bath Spa University Poetry Showcase – Performance
3.45pm South West Showcase – Performance
4.30 pm Guest Artist – Toby Thomson – Family Performance
On the water Themes Maritime & Sports
10.00 am Family Maritime Trail – Complete the trail for a chance to win a boat kit
12.00 pm Young Shipwrights Boat Race – Cardboard boat race
2.30 pm Newfound Friends – Dogs shows us their lifesaving skills
The Circus Playground – Queens Square
Entertainment, fun for the family, food and Music all day from – 11.00 am – 4.00 pm.
Avon Wildlife Trust, Avon Valley Adventure and Wildlife Park, Bubblina – Family entertainment with bubbles, Sound right phonics Bristol, Circomedia – Circus Workshops – Great Family Fun, Traditional Japanese Drumming, A.P.E Project CIC – Mobile Adventure Playground, Marky Jay – Street Theatre, Bocadalupa Arts – Bee Garden and much more.
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Cuban Rum Bar and Restaraunt Bristol
St Nicholas Indoor Quirky Market
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