Old City Sounds returns to transform Bristol’s historic centre this August Bank Holiday
Posted on: 19 Jun 2026Bristol’s iconic Old City is set to come alive once again with music, culture and family-friendly entertainment as Bristol BID brings back Old City Sounds for its fourth year on Saturday 29 August 2026. The free one-day festival will transform streets, venues and public spaces across the Old City with live performances, creative activities and cultural programming celebrating the area's vibrant independent scene.
Taking place across King Street, Welsh Back, St Nicholas Street and St Stephen’s Church, Old City Sounds is delivered in partnership with local venues and businesses and incorporates the long-running Old Duke Jazz Festival, one of Bristol’s most beloved live music traditions.
Designed to showcase the independent venues, hospitality businesses and creative community that make the Old City a cultural destination, the festival offers a packed programme of music, entertainment and activities for all ages. Returning at the end of the summer holidays, Old City Sounds provides a free and accessible day out for families before the start of the new school term.
Venues that have already announced their inclusion for 2026 include St Stephen’s Church, The Old Duke, Bristol Old Vic, Mr Wolfs, Mothers Ruin, St Nick’s Market, The Library, Seamus O'Donnell’s, The Crown and The Glassboat, with further venues and programming to be announced in the coming months.
Highlights already confirmed include a dedicated Family Zone at St Stephen’s Church featuring live music, craft activities, face painting, circus performers, bubble artists and more. Bristol Old Vic is planning a programme of live music and dance activity, including swing dance workshops with Bristol Swing Riot, performances from Bristol Community Big Band and evening live music performances.
Meanwhile, Mr Wolfs will host an expanded outdoor stage programme featuring live music, DJs and dance activity, with performances from Technicolour Steam Train, Bite The Buffalo, Jack Bessant of Reef, Chris Jagger & The Terraplanes, alongside Bristol Northern Soul collective programming.
Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, said: “Old City Sounds is a celebration of everything that makes Bristol’s Old City so special including its independent venues, talented artists, thriving hospitality businesses and welcoming community spirit. By bringing together music, culture and family-friendly activities in one free event, we’re creating an opportunity for people to explore the area, discover something new and support the businesses that make the Old City such an important part of Bristol’s cultural identity. We’re delighted to be bringing the festival back for a fourth year and look forward to announcing even more exciting venues, artists and activities in the lead up to August.”
As well as creating a vibrant day out for visitors, Old City Sounds helps drive footfall into Bristol city centre, supports local businesses and creatives, encourages collaboration between venues and strengthens the Old City's reputation as one of Bristol’s leading cultural destinations.
Additional details for venues and artists that will participate in this years' event, as well as programming will be announced over the coming months.
Article by:
Born and raised in rural Somerset but now making the most of all Bristol has to offer. Alex has a keen interest in Bristol’s music scene, spending a lot of time attending or working gigs, festivals and electronic dance music events. Other passions include Sport, DJing and running club nights.
