Beyond the Gaze of Glasto: The Festival Gems You May Be Missing in Bristol

If you’re a music fan who didn’t make it to Worthy Farm in person this year, chances are you’ll have turned on the TV or radio and caught up with some of the Glasto coverage and highlights. The sheer joy of Elton’s farewell concert, the 80s nostalgia of Rick Astley or the epic guitar solos of Slash – the festival, as reported in this article by Bristol 24/7, did not disappoint. However, despite the history-making performances, whether it’s the high price of the tickets, the questionable toilet facilities, or the incredibly huge crowds; Glastonbury won’t be for everyone. Luckily this iconic festival is just a tiny part of Bristol’s thriving music scene with countless alternative festivals located right in the heart of the city.

Life Beyond the Pyramid Stage
If you’re travelling to the area from further afield, spending all your holiday time -and budget- on one event may seem a little extreme. By considering alternative and smaller-scale festivals, music lovers will still be able to see some incredible acts but at a fraction of the price of Glasto. As many of the alternative festivals are located in the heart of the city, you’ll also be able to immerse yourself in all the history, culture and natural beauty Bristol has to offer.

Tickets Please!
If you’re the designated trip planner, you’ll be aware of the challenge of correlating festival bookings, accommodation and transport to get your group to the right place at the right time. Luckily, Bristol has an incredibly well-connected airport, home to plenty of airlines and providers that can help you book everything in one place. If you fly to Bristol with Opodo, you can also use their online search tool to book car hire and accommodation in addition to your flights. Speeding up the process like this will leave you free to focus on the music!

The Best of Bristol 
With everything from pop to punk and rap to retro, Bristol is home to one of the most eclectic music scenes around, with festivals catering for all ages, budgets and musical tastes.  So if you’ve decided it’s time to start booking a summer of music, read on to find some of the best music festivals in Bristol.
Please note that all prices are correct at the time of writing and some tickets may be subject to a booking fee.

SIREN FESTIVAL

What is it?
A three-day festival hosting an eclectic mix of dance acts, electronic DJs and plenty of drum and bass. The festival also prides itself on showcasing some of the best independent food traders, offering everything from award-winning burgers to gourmet tacos. This is certainly one of Bristol’s more grown-up music festivals and do be aware they operate a strictly over-18s policy.

Headliners and notable acts
Fabio and Grooverider, The Outlook Orchestra, Sean Paul.

When is it?
July 27-29

Where is it?
Bristol Amphitheatre, Harbourside

Camping?
No.

Tickets:
From £33.

VALLEYFEST
What is it?

Look at ValleyFest as an entry-level festival! This family-friendly event is perfect for first time festival-goers and people of all ages with numerous activities and events created specifically for children and teens. ValleyFest is as much about the food as it is about the music with demonstrations from top chefs, an array of street food vendors and open-fire cooking- you can even book yourself a banquet.

Headliners and notable acts
Bananarama, Scouting for Girls, The Kooks.

When is it?
August 3-6.

Where is it?
Denny Lane, Chew Magna, Bristol.

Camping?
Free for those who have bought a weekend ticket. Other onsite accommodation is available.

Tickets:
Weekend tickets with camping from £175. Day tickets from £60.

FORWARDS

What is it?
This interesting festival brings together some of the biggest names in international music alongside new and emerging artists from the area. As well as music, the festival offers a platform for artists, writers and thinkers to host and take part in debates and discussions surrounding big societal and cultural issues.

Headliners and notable acts
Erykah Badu, Bonobo, Aphex Twin, Primal Scream

When is it?
September 1-2

Where is it?
The Downs

Camping?
No

Tickets:
From £68 for adults and £18 for children.

NASS FESTIVAL

What is it?
In addition to the music- all things dance, rap and hip-hop, this four-day festival is all about celebrating street culture in the form of art, skateboarding and BMX.

Headliners and notable acts
Wu-Tang Clan, Example, Hannah Laing.

When is it?
July 6-9

Where is it?
Shepton Mallet

Camping?
Only those over 15 years of age are permitted to camp at the festival

Tickets:
Camping tickets from £165. Day tickets from £69

BRISTOL PRIDE

What is it?
Much more than a music festival, this lively event celebrates the LGBT+ community. There are plenty of activities and events leading up to the day, with the festival itself host to some exciting music acts as well as an all-new family area. Named as one of the top 50 Pride festivals in the world  this is a not-be-missed event if you’re in the area.

Headliners and notable acts
Natalie Imbruglia, Jake Shears

When is it?
June 24-July 9

Where is it?
The Downs

Camping?
No

Tickets:
Everyone will be asked for a voluntary donation of £4 on the day. Alternatively, wristbands are available to buy here.

BARN ON THE FARM

What is it?
Barn on the Farm is an award-winning independent festival that offers a platform for emerging artists (both Ed Sheeran and Lewis Capaldi have performed here previously).  Expect smaller, more intimate staging, an eclectic range of styles and genres and the chance to see some future stars of tomorrow.

Headliners and notable acts
Gangs of Youths, Bleachers and Holly Humberstone

When is it?
June 29-July 1

Where is it?
Over Farm, Gloucester

Camping?
Free for those who have bought a ticket. Separate-day tickets are available

Tickets:
Weekend tickets from £190. Day tickets from £90

THE BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA
What is it?
Although technically not a music festival, the Balloon Fiesta is jam-packed with local bands on the acoustic bandstand and if you happen to be visiting the city in August, you’d be mad to miss this fantastic event.
Witness the mass ascent of hundreds of colourful balloons then take part in the huge range of activities for all ages that take place throughout the park. For some more music and magic, visitors can return to the park in the evening where the balloons will light up alongside a score provided by BBC Radio Bristol.

Headliners and notable acts
Lots of local bands plus music from BBC Radio Bristol

When is it?
August 10-13

Where is it?
Ashton Court

Camping?
No

Tickets:
This is a free event with various ticket options for the private enclosure. Car parking tickets must be bought in advance.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
Flying to Bristol
The city is easily accessed by one of the country’s fastest-growing international airports which lies just a short six mile drive from the city centre.

Where to stay
If you’re not camping at a festival, when it comes to accommodation in Bristol, guests can get a good night’s rest in everything from a converted sugar warehouse to a magnificent Tudor castle to a budget-friendly self-catered apartment.

Drinking and Dining
When you’ve had enough of festival fare head into the city to find an array of quirky cafes and high-end dining. Don’t forget to hit one of the independent breweries for some traditional Somerset cider!
Finally, for more ideas about what to see and where to go, take a look at Bristol 247.com for more information about everything Bristol has to offer.