Upfest 2023 cancelled
Organisers say costs have got too great
Bristol's hugely popular street art festival Upfest, the biggest event of its kind in Europe, will not happen in 2023.
Organisers have announced the news this morning (December 2), saying rising costs have made it unviable.
Upfest attracts more than 50,000 visitors over the festival weekend and sees iconic murals painted on buildings across Bedminster each year, but the event is always free to attend which for next year, organisers say makes it economically impossible to hold.
In order to put the event on again in 2024, organisers say they need to raise "at least" £180,000.
Steve Hayles, Upfest co-founder said: “We’re gutted to not be putting on the festival in 2023 but the risk to the organisation is just too great.
"We know our visitors love the festival and it has played a big part in making Bedminster a street art hub for the city and has become known internationally for it.
"With rising infrastructure costs, site fees and without funding, we won't be able to raise the funds we need in 2023 to keep the festival free, so instead we will turn our attention to 2024.
"Anyone who would like to support or sponsor the festival in 2024 would be very welcome and please do get in touch."
Upfest 2022 saw the festival move to a brand-new location at Greville Smyth Park, as well as Ashton Gate Stadium and the Tobacco Factory, and saw over 400 artists from 70 countries congregate for a weekend of street art.
The Upfest team will focus on other projects and interventions throughout 2023 including artist exhibitions at their North Street Gallery, as well as getting a head start on 2024 planning.