Bristol is a vibrant city in the south west of the United Kingdom. It has a rich history, and a truly independent spirit, making it a great place to visit for both work and pleasure.
One of the ways that Bristol likes to showcase its creativity and independence is through a range of festivals. These are unique events and are popular with both locals and visitors.
CAMRA, the Campaign for Real Ale is a well-respected organisation in the UK that has been campaigning for real ale and drinker rights since 1971, and the subject of a pint of good beer is a serious topic amongst its aficionados. 2019 will see the 22nd annual CAMRA Bristol Beer Festival to be held at Brunel’s Old Station at Temple Meads in the centre of Bristol.
Even if you are not a real ale connoisseur, the experience and the setting in this stunning venue is well worth the visit. The Passenger Shed at Brunel’s Old Station is a Grade 1 listed Victorian Building dating back to around 1840. It is part of the Temple Meads station which acts the western terminus for the Great Western Railway which runs from London Paddington and was designed by Isambard Kingdom Brunel. Enjoy the Victorian architecture as you sample an amazing array of real ales and ciders!
The CAMRA Bristol Beer Festival is a very popular and ticketed event, so we advise you to purchase your tickets in advance. Priority is given to CAMRA members, so if you are serious about attending you might even want to join as a member.
The Bristol Craft Beer Festival is a newer edition to our rich Bristol festival culture and is now in its fourth year. It occupies the fantastic Lloyds Amphitheatre site, directly across the water from the M Shed and this year is taking place in June. What better month to site outside in the sunshine and enjoy sampling the host of craft beers on offer! You can try local beers as well as beers from all over the world whilst you enjoy watching the fascinating and vibrant Bristol waterfront.
At the Bristol Craft Beer Festival, you either buy a ticket for a five hour session, or for the whole weekend, and that ticket includes all your beer, a free tasting glass and a programme.
This five night series of gigs on Bristol’s iconic waterfront takes place over the summer solstice. The main stage is right in the heart of Bristol at the Lloyds Amphitheatre overlooking the M Shed and old Bristol docks.
In previous years this popular event has seen the likes of Craig David and the Manic Street Preachers. Keep an eye on the Music Festival News for this year’s line-up and ticket details.
The Bristol Harbour Festival will be in its 47th year this year, and looks to be bigger and better than ever. This fun free festival is all centred along Bristol’s historic harbourside sees over 250,000 visitors enjoying various events, shows, music and entertainment.
It is a great time to visit Bristol and the historic harbourside, and if you are looking for somewhere to stay our luxury serviced apartments at Finzels Reach are the ideal option! These well located apartments are in a quiet location overlooking the River Avon, but are close to all the action!
Hot Air Balloons and Bristol go together hand in hand. On a warm summers evening they can often be seen drifting noiselessly over the city skyline and nearby countryside.
Bristol has long been home to the hot air balloon and in fact the first modern hot air balloon, the Bristol Belle flew here back in 1967. The balloon was the brainchild of a Glaswegian engineer called Don Cameron who went on to develop his own Bristol based company, Cameron Balloons. By the 1970s Bristol had a small but thriving group of balloon enthusiasts and in 1979 the first Bristol International Balloon Festival took place with the launch of 27 balloons.
Today the Bristol International Balloon Festival is the largest in Europe. Around 100 balloons are launched, and over 100,000 spectators watch on each day of the festival. The festival is free to attend and takes place at the Ashton Court Estate to the west of the city. If you wish to park your car at the venue, there is a parking fee.
If you aren’t lucky enough to be in Bristol for our Bristol International Balloon Fiesta, why not organise your own flight in one instead:
Bristol Balloons
Bailey Balloons
Elite Air (UK) Ltd
If you are planning to visit Bristol and you are looking for accommodation during your stay, check out our luxury serviced apartments in the heart of the city at Finzels Reach.
These superbly appointed, modern serviced apartments are in a fantastic location overlooking Castle Park. You are just a 15 minute stroll from Temple Meads station, and the CAMRA Bristol Beer Festival and the M Shed and Bristol Harbourside where you will find the Bristol Craft Beer Festival and the Bristol Sounds Festival. And if you are lucky enough to be visiting for the International Bristol Balloon Fiesta, it is either a 15 minute drive, or why not enjoy a leisurely 30 minute ferry ride to the Nova Scotia ferry stop and walk up the hill to Ashton Court Estate.
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We look forward to seeing you here in Bristol soon.
The Cleyro team