Bristol Harbour Festival makes a big splash with on the water programme

On the water programme revealed for Bristol Harbour Festival

Bristol Harbour Festival returns from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 July with its On The Water programme, debuting Red Bull Up The Mast, a glow-in-the-dark flyboarding night show and live music on a floating stage, alongside maritime showcases and activity across the harbour.

A major highlight for 2026, Red Bull Up The Mast will see competitors test their balance, speed and nerve as they race along a greased mast suspended over water to grab a flag and progress through knockout rounds. Inspired by the centuries-old Turkish tradition of Yağlı Direk, the event has already drawn huge crowds in St Andrews and Plymouth, and is expected to be one of the most talked-about moments of the festival when it arrives on Saturday 18th July.

Harbour Festival favourite James Prestwood returns this summer with a new twist, lighting up the harbour with his glow-in-the-dark flyboarding show. He’ll be performing in a full LED suit for the very first time in Bristol on Friday night, opening the water programme for the weekend, as well as bringing his much-loved daytime shows on Saturday, he will launch up to 18 metres above the water with flips, spins and diving aerial tricks, creating a show-stopping spectacle on the water.

Bringing new and visually striking moments to the 2026 festival, Bristol artist Louis Cardozo will perform on a floating stage on Sunday. Known for his blend of blues, soul, jazz and Latin sounds, he’ll be joined by a full band on the harbour.

The On The Water programme sits within a wider festival offering that includes the iconic Pyronaut opening display on Saturday morning and My Future My Choice’s signature cardboard boat race, which sees participants battle to the finish line in fully cardboard creations. An expanded footprint across the harbour will bring even more activity during the weekend, with events taking place at locations including Underfall Yard, Baltic Wharf, SS Great Britain, The Harbour Inlet, Hannover Quay and beyond.

For the first time, On The Water will feature a Sprint Regatta in partnership with Bristol Canoe Club, with applications now open to regional competitors. There will also be a live water rescue demonstration from Avon Fire and Rescue Service on Sunday 19th July, as Bedminster SWIFT crews take to the harbour to simulate a capsized boat scenario using their specialist vessel, Pioneer. Alongside this, the Steam Boat Association of Great Britain will be on the water throughout the weekend, showcasing traditional steam-powered boats and sharing their passion for this unique part of maritime heritage.

There will also be a number of “have a go” sessions across the weekend at Baltic Wharf, giving festival goers the chance to get on the water and immerse themselves in the Bristol Harbour festival. Sessions include SUP and kayak sessions, sailing tasters, wild swimming, Katakanu trips and canoe sessions, brought to the Harbour Festival by SUP Bristol, All Aboard Watersports, Bristol Channel Social Rowers, Young Bristol, and City of Bristol Rowing Club.

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Councillor Tony Dyer, Leader of Bristol City Council, said:

“Bristol Harbour Festival is one of the city’s standout events, and this year’s On The Water programme brings that to life. With Red Bull Up The Mast and new performances on the water, it’s a great example of how the harbour brings people together. We’re looking forward to seeing it enjoyed by so many.”

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Alex Mahoney, Production Director, Swans Events, said:

“This year is about doing something new while reconnecting with what Harbour Festival is all about. We’ve introduced fresh elements to the programme and expanded further along the water, creating more space for performances and making the harbour the true heart of the festival again.”

Registrations for Red Bull Up The Mast will open in June, with participants encouraged to sign up in advance to receive notification when entries go live. A further announcement will follow confirming full event details and participation information.

The 2026 Bristol Harbour Festival will continue to deliver for the city in partnership with Bristol Business Improvement District – spotlighting local talent, supporting the city’s businesses, welcoming thousands of visitors and reinforcing Bristol’s identity as a creative and cultural destination with the harbour at its heart.

For more information and updates from Bristol Harbour Festival, head to the website and follow on Instagram and Facebook.