20 Aug 2026
From first dance to last orders, here’s how to make the most of Old City Sounds
The full programme and set times are now live ahead of Bristol’s free Bank Holiday festival on Saturday 29 August.
Old City Sounds returns next weekend, bringing a huge celebration of music to the Old City. From live bands and family activities to silent discos and late-night DJ takeovers, the Bank Holiday festival offers something for all ages.
Taking place on Saturday 29 August, the free family-friendly festival will run from 12pm until 4am across 11 venues: Bristol Old Vic, Mr Wolfs, The Old Duke, Mother’s Ruin, The Crown, The Library, Seamus O’Donnell’s, St Nicholas Market, Franco Manca, The Glassboat and St Stephen’s Church.
With just over a week to go, the full programme is now live, including set times and venue information to help festivalgoers plan their day.
Now in its fourth year, Old City Sounds is curated to be explored, with each venue offering their own distinct programmes, all just a short walk from one another. Visitors can pick out their must-see performances and build a full day around the programme, or simply head into the Old City and follow the music.
Some of the festival’s biggest names will take to the stage at Mr Wolfs, which has doubled its offering for 2026. Bristol Northern Soul Club and KIMA MOON are among the homegrown highlights, alongside Chris Jagger & The Terraplanes, led by the brother of Rolling Stones frontman Mick Jagger. Reef founder Jack Bessant will also take to the stage as a headline act and festival favourite DJ Jambo will round off the evening.
Elsewhere, Bristol Old Vic will mix big band, brass and dancing, with Bristol Community Big Band, free Lindy Hop classes and a late-night set from Bristol favourites The ZuZu Men. On King Street, The Old Duke marks nearly 60 years of its beloved jazz festival with an all-day celebration, including The Patsy Gamble Blues Collective.
Families can head to St Stephen’s Church, where the dedicated Kids Zone returns with a packed day of free entertainment. Afidance’s African Drumming Workshop is among the highlights, alongside music performances, crafts and activities before a family rave rounds off the day.
For a more laid-back festival experience, Sofar Sounds will bring an intimate live session to Franco Manca, while The Glassboat hosts its popular silent disco overlooking Bristol’s harbour. Seamus O’Donnell’s offers country, indie and folk, including Devils Doorbell, while DJ Paradisco provides the soundtrack for those stopping for food at St Nicholas Market.
As evening arrives, the programme shifts towards Bristol’s nightlife. Mother’s Ruin moves from live bands outside to DJs across its indoor spaces, culminating with Get Weird: YGF Dex ft. The Loud Pack.
The Crown will keep the party going until 4am with a Void Radio takeover and some of Bristol’s underground electronic music communities. Highlights include Rogue Frequency: Glovez and No More All Male Lineups presenting K-SHA b2b Karmae T, before the festival’s final set in the early hours.
Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, said:
“What makes Old City Sounds really special is the incredible range of programmes our venues have created individually, which together make up the festival. Each venue brings its own character, audience and sound to the day, creating a truly unique experience across the Old City.
From a family rave and creative workshops to live music and some of the city’s best DJ collectives, there really is something for everyone, whatever your age or musical taste. And it’s all completely free, giving people the opportunity to discover new artists, experience some of Bristol’s brilliant independent venues and enjoy everything the Old City has to offer.
Now the set times are live, people can start picking their must-sees, but I’d also encourage everyone to leave some room to discover something unexpected. That’s what Old City Sounds is all about, bringing people together to explore the Old City, supporting our local artists, venues and hospitality businesses and celebrating just how much creativity and culture there is right here on our doorstep. I am incredibly proud of what we have created together and can’t wait to see the Old City filled with music, creativity and people once again.”
For the full programme and set times, visit oldcitysounds.co.uk