9 Jul 2026
Jack Bessant, Chris Jagger and Bristol favourites join biggest-ever Mr Wolfs line-up this August bank holiday
Platinum-selling rock musicians, award-winning blues artists and Bristol favourites set to come together for a full day of free live music on Saturday 29 August
One of Bristol’s most celebrated grassroots music venues has unveiled its biggest-ever Bank Holiday programme, with Reef founder Jack Bessant and acclaimed singer-songwriter Chris Jagger leading a full day of free live music at Mr Wolfs on Saturday 29 August, as part of Old City Sounds.
Bringing together internationally recognised musicians, award-winning blues artists and some of Bristol’s finest homegrown talent, the line-up spans rock, blues, soul, funk, ska, Northern Soul and festival DJs, giving audiences the chance to experience an exceptional day of live music completely free over the August Bank Holiday weekend.
This year’s Legacy Artist is Jack Bessant, bassist and founding member of platinum-selling British rock band Reef. Alongside his internationally recognised work with the legendary band, Bessant has built an acclaimed solo career blending Americana, folk, blues and rock. A passionate supporter of grassroots music, he also founded The Cheddar Experiment open mic night to nurture emerging musicians. During his appearance at Mr Wolfs he’ll be using a backing band of players who perform regularly on Wednesdays at Mr Wolfs for The Donut Filler Jam.
Joining him are Chris Jagger & The Terraplanes, bringing together acclaimed singer-songwriter Chris Jagger, brother of the Rolling Stones’ frontman Mick Jagger, with UK Blues Federation Emerging Act of the Year 2023 winners The Terraplanes. Combining blues, roots and Americana, the collaboration follows the release of new music earlier this year and promises one of the standout performances of the weekend.
The programme also features Bristol ska-fusion favourites Technicolour Steam Train, garage rock duo Bite The Buffalo, glam-inspired art rock artist Kima Moon and Bristol Northern Soul Club.
One of Bristol’s fastest-growing dance communities, Bristol Northern Soul Club has introduced a new generation to the iconic dance movement since launching in 2021. Award Nominated Finalist for Best event in Bristol 4 years in a row, and featured in the New York Times, the collective has helped fuel a resurgence in Northern Soul culture, bringing its unmistakable blend of rare American soul records, high-energy dancing and infectious atmosphere to audiences old and new.
Closing the outdoor stage is Bristol DJ Jambo, whose festival appearances include Glastonbury, Boomtown, Shambala, Wilderness and Stowaway. Returning after drawing crowds at Old City Sounds in previous years, he will round off the evening with a high-energy festival-style DJ set.
For more than 20 years, Mr Wolfs has been one of Bristol’s defining grassroots music venues, championing emerging artists alongside established names seven nights a week. Family-run and proudly independent, the venue has built a reputation for showcasing everything from funk, jazz and blues to indie and alternative rock, while supporting the city’s music scene through open mic nights, weekly jam sessions and partnerships with local creatives. It has become one of Bristol’s best-loved venues for discovering new music and experiencing live performances in an intimate setting.
Rhys Friery, Booking Manager at Mr Wolfs, said:
"We're incredibly proud of this year's programme. To have artists of Jack Bessant and Chris Jagger's calibre performing alongside award-winning local acts and some of Bristol's most exciting emerging musicians is exactly what Mr Wolfs is all about. For more than 20 years we've championed live music every night of the week, and this line-up celebrates everything we love about Bristol's music scene. The fact that audiences can experience it all for free makes it even more special."Mr Wolfs’ programme forms part of Old City Sounds, Bristol BID’s free city-wide music festival, which returns on Saturday 29 August. The festival transforms Bristol’s historic Old City into one of the South West’s biggest free celebrations of live music, with performances taking place across King Street, Welsh Back, St Nicholas Street and independent venues throughout the day.
Sabrina Shutter, Senior Project Events Manager at Bristol BID, said:
"Mr Wolfs consistently delivers one of the standout programmes of Old City Sounds, and this year's line-up is undoubtedly its strongest yet. The quality and diversity of artists performing completely free is remarkable and perfectly reflects what Old City Sounds is all about – celebrating Bristol's outstanding independent venues while giving audiences the chance to discover incredible live music across the city."Further venue line-ups and festival programming will be announced in the coming weeks. For more information, visit oldcitysounds.co.uk.