Bristol Upfest street art festival returns for 2024

Street art festival Upfest is to return to south Bristol this summer after it was cancelled in 2023.

Bosses said the event did not take place last year due to rising costs of the festival.

This year, backed by Arts Council England, it is back for a two-week run rather than two days.

Festival co-founder Steve Hayles said it represented a "new incarnation" for the festival this year.

It was started by a handful of artists painting together in a yard more than 15 years ago.

Running from 18 May to 2 June, artists are being invited to paint large scale murals on buildings throughout Bedminster and the wider BS3 area.

More than 100 "artist spots" have been made available.

Artists have until 25 February to register their interest in painting the walls of Bedminster.

This year's itinerary also includes free to attend workshops, artist talks, theatre and comedy.

Mr Hayles said there would be "a huge spectrum of other activities across a two-week period".

"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."

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