Bristol Harbour Festival the event of the summer

July 25, 2019

It was Tom’s birthday over the weekend and it happened to fall on the date of the Bristol Harbour Festival. One of my favorite things about being a parent is creating traditions and revisiting memories. Whether it’s visiting the same beach each summer or Easter at granny’s house, revisiting photos from each year and seeing how they’ve grown, it’s just magic.

I am so excited to chat about one of my absolute favorite times in Bristol – the Bristol Harbour Festival! If you haven’t been before, imagine this: the Bristol Harbour coming alive like it’s in full-on party mode, and everyone’s invited – yes, including all ages.

Bristol Harbour Festival

We took the kids to Bristol Harbour Festival last year just a couple of weeks before we made the move to this side of the city so it’s amazing to be able to have this on our doorstep this year. You can see pics from last year here and how little Mabli is!

Picture it, the whole harbour area bursting with a sort of happy chaos that only a festival can provide. We’re talking about boats bedecked with bunting, the air filled with an eclectic mix of music, and a parade of people from every walk of life adding splashes of colour all around.

This isn’t just any festival. This is where the whole city seems to beam with pride at the harbourside Bristol, showcasing its maritime heritage. There’s a sense of unity that’s infectious. And the best bit? It’s one of those rare festivals that feels as though it was crafted with families in mind. There’s just so much for the kids to do at Bristol docks that you can almost guarantee a good night’s sleep afterward (and let’s be honest, that’s the real win, right?).

I think I found it a bit full-on last year with just how hot and busy it was and that we had to travel 45 minutes each way to get there. Being able to step out of our house and have this five minutes away just makes me so thankful for our new neighborhood. This year seemed much quieter and more organised, there were also a lot more small stages and designated family areas. Did I mention I love this city of ours? We ended the day with take-out from Bethas Pizza. Perfect.

From the buzzing atmosphere around the Amphitheatre to the serene vibe by the SS Great Britain, it’s like Bristol decides to have a massive makeover – and she looks gorgeous!

Every nook by the harbourside offers something different. One minute the kiddos might be spellbound by a street performer juggling fire, and the next you’re all grooving to a live band. But for me, what truly stands out about this Bristol festival is how it seems to slow time down a bit. You know how we always say we should stop and embrace the moment? The Harbour Festival feels like it gives you this glorious permission to do just that. Whether you’re admiring a local artist, floating down Bristol harbourside on a ferry trip, or just sitting and watching the laughter-infused chaos with your family, it’s all about soaking in those little instants of joy.

I guess what I’m really trying to say, in all my rambling, chatty way is this: the Bristol Harbour Festival isn’t just an event, it’s an experience. One that engraves itself on your heart and has you talking about it for weeks after. And isn’t that what the best times are made of? Big, heart-bursting memories made with your little tribe. So, if you haven’t already, put this festival in Bristol on your must-do list. It’s an absolute treasure of a weekend.

The day before was Tom’s birthday. We had a pretty quiet one, Wilf was at school but we took Mabli out for smoothies and then checked out the ‘fluffy library’ at Arnolfini which I’d defo recommend. The piece is actually about feminism but it’s also just a super fun place to take kids. I could have well had a nap in there, mmm cosy.