UWE Live Music Society recently held their annual Battle of the Bands at the Frenchay campus. The winners of the competition were 'Dead Zebra Funk' a local funk band who also attend the university. The Bristol Festival Community Group offered the winners the opportunity to play at The Bristol Festival 2008, on the weekend of 20th and 21st September. One of the groups main aims is to support, encourage and inspire local up and coming talent, and this is a perfect way for the band to get some exposure and gain new fans!

The Bristol Festival 2008

A brand new festival being organised for 2008 by volunteers who feel it's what the community needs; an exciting and interactive community festival showcasing Southwest talent!

The city wide festival is on Saturday 20th and Sunday 21st September 2008. The main outdoor hub featuring stages, entertainment, food and family fun is based around Bristol's renowned Amphitheatre and Waterfront Square, with a variety of indoor venues also hosting festival events including an exciting evening programme of club nights and gigs. See the news section for more information.

Built from the ground up, the Bristol Festival aims to involve YOU, the people of Bristol and the South-West, at every opportunity to ensure we get the community festival celebrating the region's music, theatre, arts and local culture that people want. We also have a year round programme of fundraisers, workshops, art events and other community projects.

There are many opportunities to get involved, from attending the Public Consultations, or volunteering at fundraising events, to helping out in the office or even managing a Bristol Festival project. See the Contact page to get in touch, or fill in the volunteer form. We would also like to hear your views, so tell us what you want from the festival and join in the discussions on the Forum page.

It's Your Festival, Get Involved!

The Bristol Festival is pleased to announce our newest sponsors!

City of Bristol College

City of Bristol College offers 100's of full and part-time day and evening courses throughout Bristol. Improve your skills, gain a qualification or learn for leisure with us. www.cityofbristol.ac.uk

Redrow Homes

Redrow is a proud sponsor of the Bristol Festival and supports the community ethos behind the event. The award-winning housebuilder is creating a whole new community at the urban village of Cheswick, in Filton, and is also building new homes in Stoke Gifford. www.redrow.co.uk

Mainline Employment Ltd

Independent recruitment consultancy celebrate opening their new city centre office by proudly supporting the new festival and the region's community. www.mainlineemployment.co.uk

You can find out more about these sponsors on our sponsors page.

Our new Bristol Festival logo and artwork was made by Alex Donne

Weekend Warmup at Mr Wolfs.

A new Bristol Festival Fundraiser night at the famous and friendly Mr Wolfs Noodle Bar, St Stephens Street.