Festival Dates: Friday 17th - Sunday 19th July 2026
Water Programme Times:
- Saturday 18th July 11am - 8pm
- Sunday 19th July 11am - 6pm
This application is for ON THE WATER ACTIVITY & VISITING EXHIBITING VESSELS. This means any activity that you propose must take place on the water or on a vessel located in Bristol's floating harbour between Prince Street Bridge and Underfall Yard. For example:
- Floating performances
- Water shows & spectacles
- Watersports & stunts
- Races
- Have-a-go sessions / participatory activity
- Boat displays / floatillas
- Tall Ships and exhibiting boats
- Any other on the water experiences
Locations
The 2026 Bristol Harbour Festival will mark a bold new chapter for one of the South West’s most loved cultural events, as organisers confirm a refocused, fully harbourside layout that brings the city’s waterfront to the centre of the celebration.
There will be two main water arenas this year, which will host shows, stunts, races and displays: the original water arena next to Prince Street Bridge plus as a second arena in the Baltic Wharf/Underfall Yard area. Have-go-sessions, participatory activity and exhibiting vessels will be located between the two.
Funding
Bristol Harbour Festival is partially funded by Bristol City Council and Bristol BID with additional funds raised by the production team. We ensure all artists are paid for their participation but welcome applications from those with existing or prospective funding who wish to partner with us. This allows us to include even more artists!
Selection Process
The programme for the 2026 festival will be selected by Swans Events, Bristol City Council, Bristol BID and a local steering group. Applications will be assessed against the criteria outlined below:
- The quality of the idea
- How strongly the idea connects to the event themes and locations
- Potential audience reach
- Value for money
Please note, there is limited space and budget so not all applicants will be successful, however, with your permission, we will keep your details on file for future events. Your details will be shared with the Bristol Harbour Festival Team (Bristol City Council, Bristol BID, Swans Events, Proud Events, Plaster Creative Communications and festival steering group) and potentially fringe partners who may contact you to perform outside of the main programme.
You will be added to the mailing list to receive future Expression of Interest applications for Bristol Harbour Festival. If you have any questions about the festival or the application process please contact us on harbourfestival@proudevents.co.uk.