Harbour festival announces first music acts

One of the UK's biggest free festivals has announced the first acts for its 2026 line-up.

Bristol Harbour Festival takes over the city for one weekend every July and this year's event will see Fedzilla, Sam and the Womp and local boy Dr Meaker take to the stage on the first night.

The event, which will be held from Friday, 17 July to Sunday, 19 July, brings hundreds of thousands of people to the waterfront to enjoy the best art, music and performances that the city has to offer.

"We want the programme to properly reflect what's happening in Bristol right now," said Noemi Antonelli, the festival's music programming lead.

Tony Dyer, leader of Bristol City Council, said: "Bristol Harbour Festival is a highlight of our cultural calendar, bringing communities together and showcasing the creativity that makes our city distinctive.

"This first wave of artists announced for the festival reflects the strength and diversity of Bristol's music scene, from established names to emerging local talent."

Many local performers take part in the festival through the Made in Bristol showcase.

"The response to Made in Bristol - more than 300 artists getting in touch - says everything about how much talent there is here. Our job is to give that talent a serious stage," said Antonelli.

This year will also see the introduction of a new busking stage at Cascade Steps, while Millennium Square will host folk and Americana on Saturday, followed by soul and funk on Sunday.

Thekla will once again host the festival's ticketed silent disco.

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