East Bristol’s free independent arts festival Redfest returns with a woodland theme this year – boasting live music, art and silent film screenings at different venues in and around Redfield from 1 to 5 August.
St George Park is the setting for the biggest Redfest all-day event yet, with nine hours of live music including dub from One Shot, soulful singer songwriter Bashema and electro-ska from headliners Magnus Puto – all set in the middle of Bristol’s prettiest Victorian park.
There will be plenty more fun for adults and children alike, featuring a dedicated kid’s tent with art and circus workshops from Circomedia, a market selling everything from vintage clothes to handmade gifts, and a massage tent for tired mums and dads. Kids can also take part in drama workshops all day from The Travelling Light Theatre Company, tree climbing, silly Olympics, giant games or riding on the teacups.
Add in a real ale & cider bar, Caribbean food and Lebanese style wraps – all sourced from local businesses – and it’s a recipe for family fun. Local venues, The Old Stillage, Red Lion and Café Grounded will host a wide range of events during the evenings ranging from a silent movie with a live piano score on Wednesday night, to drum & bass DJs at The Old Stillage on Sunday, and everything else you could imagine in between.
Redfest Creative Director and owner of Blue Skies Photography Simon Webb explains: “We set up Redfest because we didn’t think there were enough arts related events and activities in Redfield, despite having three cinemas in its time. The area is also a hotbed of talent, and we wanted to provide a platform to showcase this. This year we are expecting upwards of 2000 people. We have a hardworking team of volunteers who give their time for free to make this happen, and together with amazing support from the local business community, the council and local community organisations we are starting to put Redfield back on the cultural map.”
Free programmes are available now from The Old Stillage, Red Lion, Café Grounded, The Plough, Smiths Autos, Dig In and other shops on Church Road. The full programme of events at Redfest Bristol can also be seen at www.redfestbristol.co.uk
