Bristol Harbour Festival to return for 50th anniversary this summer
The event usually attracts around a quarter of a million people
The Bristol Harbour Festival will be back this summer, for its 50th anniversary celebration.
Organisers have announced it will run from July 15 to 18, with "a fleet of feature vessels" expected in the harbour as well as more than 300 visiting boats.
The event has not taken place since 2019 because of the coronavirus pandemic, but usually attracts 250,000 visitors.
Councillor Ellie King, Cabinet Member for Public Health, Communities and Bristol One City says its return marks "a turning moment in Bristol's recent history".
"It represents a new beginning by celebrating the backbone of the city’s heritage," she said.
"The festival will provide opportunities for communities across the city to get involved through art and music projects whilst providing the chance for individuals or groups to perform to an audience of tens of thousands.
"With over one mile of entertainment planned across the harbourside, this year’s festival provides the perfect setting for us all to reconnect with the city and our communities.”
The festival has opened an Expression of Interest programme for those wanting to perform and get involved with the festival this year, hoping to attract new performers into the festival from all corners of the city.
In 2019 80 percent of performers came through the expression of interest applications, with all kinds of performances welcome, they say.
Applications close on March 31 2022.
The theme of this year's festival will be "Ebb and Flow", which organisers say wil look at the "changing face of the city" in line with the transformation of the harbour over the last 50 years.
There will also be a focus on diversity, with eight artists set to work with seven communities and community partners to bring to life stories reflecting the ebb and flow of the people of Bristol through installations around the harbour, creating a performative and interactive trail.
Specially raised and designated viewing areas will be installed in key areas, with a respite area also set up in M-Shed for those needing a break.
Bristol Harbour Festival is organised by Bristol City Council.
For more information you can visit the festival's website here, or follow @BristolHarbFest on Twitter, @BristolHarbourFest on Instagram and @BristolHarbourFestival on Facebook.