Bristol Folk Festival
The best of folk & roots, in our favourite city.
Bristol Folk Festival is the beating heart of a thriving Folk Scene in the city & wider South West.
Each year we invite the queens, kings & bright young things of folk to Bristol & invite you to join them. Jump into a 3-day celebration of folk music in all its joyous musical forms.
“…the whole of this brilliant festival makes Bristol feel like the best place on earth” – Bristol 247
Bristol Folk Festival was revived in 2019 by an all-new team. headed by Creative Director Dr Anna Rutherford. Anna is responsible for the programme, working collaboratively with the folk & roots scene in the city.
Dr Rutherford founded Bristol Pride & has led multiple cultural organisations, venues, festivals & events across the region. She brings an unstoppable creative energy & passion for folk.
Since 2019 we have welcomed Kate Rusby, Jon Boden, The Breath, Eliza Carthy, Cara Dillon, The Longest Johns, O’Hooley & Tidow, Kris Drever, Grace Petrie, Lady Maisery & more to Bristol Folk Festival.
Visitors travel from all across the UK to visit the festival. With a reputation for fabulous music & a friendly vibe, most of our events sell out, so early booking is advised.
We collaborate with the city’s most beautiful spaces from Cathedrals to concert halls, but always make space for the small bustling hot houses of music. We nurture the local, as South West artists & community groups nestle amongst famous names.
Bristol Folk Festival is independent & not funded. We are driven by love for the music & wonderful festival volunteers.