What's On This July

It’s the middle of summer and festival season is in full swing here in beautiful Bristol. Amid some annual returning favourites, Bristol is offering up some incredible events which we know you’ll love. So get your sunglasses, grab the sun cream and stock up on Pimms – this July is going to be one big party!

1. Bristol Shakespeare Festival – 1^st – 28^th of July

Starting off the month in truly dramatic style, Bristol Shakespeare Festival returns to Bristol. Showcasing some of the old Shakespearian classics in unusual performance spaces, the festival attracts performers from all over the country for a full month of Shakespeare appreciation. Run by a team of dedicated volunteers, the festival brings some of the freshest, most innovative interpretations of the well known plays.

2. Gromit Unleashed 2 – 2^nd of July – 2^nd of September

July 2018 means the start of the hunt for one of the city’s most beloved cartoons. For two months, over 60 Gromit sculptures will be storming back into Bristol, but our favourite Aardman dog won’t be alone – this year he’ll be joined by his good friend Wallace and nemesis Feathers McGraw! Previous years of the arts trail have been huge international successes and we can’t wait to get hunting this month. Find out more about the trail here.

3. Bristol Pride Festival – 2^nd – 15^th of July

If there’s one thing Bristol does exceptionally well, it’s definitely Pride. In a city full of arts, cultural diversity and where being free to be individual is a core value, Pride Festival makes any Bristolian proud. With events including poetry performance, plays and film screenings, a dog show as well as the iconic Pride Parade March, there’s two weeks of non stop events to keep you busy. Pride Day takes place on Saturday the 14^th of July and with Bristol Pride being voted the 2^nd best Pride in the UK, it’s no wonder Bristolians are proud of it!

4. St Paul’s Carnival – 7^th of July

After a lengthy 4 year break, Bristol’s most unique day festival returns with a bang! St Paul’s Carnival began back in 1968 and attracts people from all over the world to the streets of St Paul’s in the city’s biggest celebration of African Caribbean culture. Expect vibrant colours, energetic dancing and breaking down barriers, uniting the wider community of Bristol. We can’t wait to see what treats the carnival will have in store for its big return!

5. Bristol Harbour Festival – 20^th – 22^nd of July

One of Bristol’s most iconic festivals, the Harbour Festival is immensely popular among locals and visitors alike. Bringing together music, dance, circus performances and even your favourite maritime activities, this weekend has everything for everyone. The best part about this festival? It’s completely free for the whole weekend! Experience the fabulous line-up and don’t miss all the incredible extras on offer – it’s the best of Bristol talent, food, drink and fun all wrapped up into one weekend!

6. Upfest – 28^th – 30^th of July

Bristol is known for its array of bold graffiti that pushes the boundaries of political and artistic statements – so what better way to celebrate it than the return of Upfest! Bristol is home to Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival (and probably some of the most photographed artworks in the country!). This year is the 10^th anniversary of the festival, so the dedicated team are hard at work to make it the biggest and best festival ever. Take a peek at the website to find out more.