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Landmark brewery collaboration leads 2025 Bristol Harbour Festival alongside Thatchers Cider return

Bristol’s brewing greats unite for the first time as Thatchers Cider balloon takes flight and the Made In Bristol stage champions emerging local talent and food and drink

27/05/2025

The Bristol Harbour Festival returns from Friday 18 to Sunday 20 July 2025, transforming the city’s historic harbourside into a vibrant, free celebration of South West culture, creativity and community. This year’s edition is headlined by a landmark collaboration between four of Bristol’s most acclaimed breweries – Left Handed Giant, Wiper and True, Bristol Beer Factory and Lost and Grounded Brewers – who will pour side by side for the first time from a series of collaborative harbourside bars.

The partnership is a milestone for Bristol’s independent beer scene, recognised nationally for its innovation, diversity and quality. Each brewery brings a distinct approach to craft brewing; from Left Handed Giant’s proudly community-owned brewery crafting a wide range of beer styles enjoyed through its own vibrant venues to Wiper and True’s Beautiful Beer, brewed with sustainability as a major focus. Then there’s the community-led ethos of Bristol Beer Factory, as well as Lost and Grounded’s globally-respected lagers inspired by traditional German brewing techniques.

“This is more than just a bar – it’s a statement of collaboration and pride in what Bristol can produce,” said Harry Feigen, Director at Proud Events. “Bristol’s breweries are some of the most exciting in the UK and having them work together in the heart of the festival feels like a real moment for the city.

Somerset’s own Thatchers Cider will also return as a key festival partner, continuing their support for West Country culture with the launch of a new competition. Two winners will enjoy a serene hot air balloon flight in the cider makers’ iconic yellow and green balloon, soaring above the harbour for what promises to be one of the weekend’s most unforgettable visual moments. The activation underlines Thatchers Cider’s long-standing connection to the region and its bold approach to championing local life. Those keen to enter should head to the Bristol Harbour Festival social channels.

“Our roots are here in the West Country and we’re proud to support a festival that reflects the quality and innovation of the region.” said Martin Thatcher, fourth-generation cider maker. “The balloon flight is about offering something memorable and uplifting – literally!”

On Sunday, the festival’s Harbour View Stage will shine a spotlight on emerging musical talent from across the city in the much-anticipated Made in Bristol showcase. The programme reflects Bristol’s genre-blending creativity and offers a platform for some of the most unique new voices in the local music scene. Local writer and host Jasmine Yaba Ketibuah-Foley will MC Sunday’s main stage, bringing her sharp wit and stage presence to the festival.

Indie-pop outfit Harmer Jays will bring their textured instrumentation and warm vocals, with influences ranging from The Japanese House to Bon Iver. Horses on the Beach promise an eclectic, high-energy set that fuses Latin rhythms, Balkan jazz, hip hop, ska and reggae – a perfect expression of the city’s cross-cultural musical DNA. Make Friends, known for their thoughtful arrangements and hooks that nod to Bombay Bicycle Club and Everything Everything, offer indie with emotional depth. Louis Cardozo Band rounds out the daytime acts with his fast-paced lyricism and Spanish guitar, influenced by vintage blues, jazz and Latin traditions.

The showcase culminates in a homecoming headline set from The Longest Johns, the UK’s most-streamed folk band and leading lights of the sea-shanty revival. After touring internationally, their return to Bristol promises to be a rousing, sing-along finale to the weekend.

Elsewhere, two much-loved features of the Harbour Festival are also officially confirmed to return for this year’s edition. The popular VIP experience is back, offering festivalgoers a premium way to enjoy the event with added comfort, convenience and top-tier views. VIP ticket holders will have exclusive access to the Amphitheatre’s raised viewing platform – perfect for taking in the Harbour View and On The Water stages – as well as a private bar, welcome drinks tokens and dedicated VIP facilities. A limited number of tickets are available now via Eventbrite.

Also returning is the iconic Queen Square market – an anchor of the festival’s street-level experience and a true celebration of Bristol’s independent creative scene. Traders, makers and food vendors are invited to apply for exhibitor pitches at a special reduced rate of £250. Organisers are calling for regional businesses to help bring this much-loved space to life with the colour, craft and community spirit it’s known for. The market will once again transform Queen Square into a bustling hub of local enterprise, offering festival visitors a unique way to shop, eat and explore.

 

The Bristol Harbour Festival is produced by Proud Events in partnership with Swans Events, and is supported by Bristol City Council, Bristol City Centre BID, and Redcliffe & Temple BID.

For full programme details, updates and competition info, visit bristolharbourfestival.co.uk and follow @bristolharbourfest on social media.

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