From 150 balloons setting off from an old country estate, to a 10 day programme packed with puppetry, Bristol has some of the most breath-taking, and quirky festivals in the world

In a city which seems to have a different original event every day, and with the summer so packed with some of the most weird and wonderful festivals in the UK we’ve put together our some of our favourites.

1. Balloon Fiesta (10th-13th August)

Perhaps the most quintessentially Bristolian event in the calendar is the Bristol Balloon Fiesta. Europe’s largest annual meeting of hot air balloons takes place at Ashton Court, just over the majestic Clifton Suspension Bridge. This year between 10th and 13th August more than 150 hot air balloons from around the globe will take part alongside fairground rides and entertainment. Entry to the site is free with a supplement for car parking.

Bristol Balloon Fiesta at Night by UlyssesThirtyOne

2. Bristol Harbour Festival (21st-23rd July)

Bristol Harbour Festival is widely regarded as one of the biggest and best free festivals in the UK. This year, the festival will see three impressive tall ships return to Bristol (The Phoenix, The Earl of Pembroke and The Kaskelot) to join the 250 boats moored along the four-mile stretch of Harbourside for the festival. If the nautical theme doesn’t quite tickle your fancy, the Lloyds Amphitheatre will host a huge outdoor concert with the likes of Roots Manuva and The Outlook Orchestra. Right in the middle of the action The Bristol will be hosting live music, an outdoor bar, BBQ, and hog roast.

Bristol Harbour Festival by Shawn Spencer-Smith

3. Grillstock (1st-2nd July 2017)

Combining the best of BBQ and music, Bristol’s eighth annual Grillstock Festival will be taking place just a stones through from The Bristol on Bristol Harbourside. Billed as a weekend of Meat, Music and Mayhem, this year’s headliners for the UK’s greatest celebration of barbecue and music are none other than The Darkness, The Pharcyde and Craig Charles. For real BBQ lovers we suggest the ‘Pit Crew’ ticket which includes four free drinks, two free meals and a £15 merchandise voucher. Now that’s finger lickin’ good.

4. Bristol Pride (29th June-9th July)

For theatre, comedy and even a dog-show, head down to one of the UK’s largest Pride events at Millennium Square, just over the river from The Bristol. With 10 days of events leading up to the Pride Day Festival, a massive multi-stage gathering, it is no surprised that the event was named in the top 3 reasons why people visit the city in 2015. This year looks set to be one of the biggest yet with the legendary Busted headlining on Saturday 8th July.

5. Bristol Festival of Puppetry (1st-10th September)

Returning for the fifth time, in the true spirit of Bristolian quirkiness, the Bristol Festival of Puppetry will be taking over Tobacco Factory for their 10 day programme packed with puppets. This year will see performances from Rouge 28; one of the UK’s few ethnically diverse puppetry companies, and Hijinx; who are known for their work with disabled performers. For films, parades, workshops and talks celebrating all things animated on stage and screen, there is only one place to be in the first week of September this year. 

Photographs from  Flickr.