Bristol's Festival Summer

The Bristol summer event calendar has until this year been dominated by the massive Ashton Court Festival. To some it was an annual highlight, to others a waste of time and good riddance to it. For those wondering where to go to enjoy some sunshine (there's nothing wrong with being an optimist, it IS going to be sunny!) have a ganders at what I've been able to dig up for you...

Even though the big one is no more, there are still plenty of summery events being held at Ashton Court. In August I prepare myself for a well earned crick in the neck as the skies fill with life and colour at the Bristol International Balloon and Kite Festivals. Fret not, the festivals don't end once the sun goes down, the balloons are simply replaced with dramatic firework displays.

 For those of you feeling nautical, there are the cheerful races at the Boating Regatta. Then the following weekend watch vibrant street theatre and water displays at the Harbour Festival among hundreds of ships and yachts. 

If, like me, you prefer your festivals with a pint of cider and some live music head to the Olive Shed on the last weekend in July and the first weekend in August. I love the August Bank Holiday King Street Jazz Festival outside the Old Duke, there's a really high spirited, warm atmosphere and some excellent music late into the night...and in case you're wondering...it's not ALL jazz ; )

If you're worried about neglecting your culture hat, dust it off and take it to one of the Shakespeare Festival's outdoor performances at Brandon Hill, Queen Square or Bristol Zoo Gardens. As long as the weather's with you I can't recommend it enough as a unique way to spend the day and nourish your mind.

If September arrives and you're still feeling lively, The Soil Association Organic Food Festival has market stalls, food cruises and art displays on the harbourside. On 20^th September the waterfront and Amphitheatre are hosting The Bristol Festival, it's the first of its kind and promises us music, art, cabaret and live graffiti. The line up has yet to be confirmed and it is aiming to replace Ashton Court as Bristol's number one summer festival....only time will tell if it achieves that goal but I think it's safe to assume that the city has plenty to occupy us Bristolians should it fail.

If you've been busy this year and have already been to some summer festivals (such as The Love Food Festival at Paintworks or St Paul's Carnival), let us know what you thought of them..