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Upfest returning to south Bristol
Europe’s largest event featuring street art Upfest officially returns to south Bristol this weekend after a one-year break.
The biannual cultural event, called Upfest presents, is set to pop up at multiple venues across Bedminster and BS3 for a two-week run, replacing its usual two-day festival in Greville Smyth Park which was scaled back in 2023 due to rising costs.
This year’s program includes free-to-attend workshops, live painting, artist talks, arts activities, panel discussions, theatre, comedy and street art tours.
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The event is ticketed but free to attend, with about half of its funding coming from Arts Council England.
Upfest Presents has been running a crowdfunder to raise £10,000 to support the artists and activities at this year’s cultural showcase.
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More than 100 artists are taking part this year, including Artez from Serbia and Audrey Kawasaki from Los Angeles. Trans artist and activist Mister Samo will be headlining the event.
The Upfest Gallery, on North Street, will showcase a diverse range of street art with pieces from Inkie to Audrey.
One featured artist is Caryn Koh. Originally from Malaysia and now based in Swindon, Caryn rediscovered her passion for the arts after working in the medical field.
The event will also feature the Japanese-American painter, Audrey Kawasaki, known for her distinctive portrayals of young, adolescent women.
Bristol-based street artist, Andy Council, will be leading ‘Dino Drawing’ workshops – photo: Plaster
Upfest co-founder Stephen Hayles said: “There will be tonnes for artists, art lovers and families to get involved in, while you can pop down and see murals being created throughout the whole period.
“Huge thanks to Arts Council England for giving us the opportunity to create the event this year and we’re looking forward to supporting local artists as well as welcoming artists from all over the world to Bristol.”
Upfest has been running for 15 years since its inception by a handful of artists who painted together in a yard.
For more information about Upfest Presents, visit www.upfest.co.uk/page/upfest-festival
Main photo: Plaster
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