Europe’s Largest Street Art Festival Returns to Bristol

On May 17, Europe’s largest street art and graffiti festival kicked off in Bristol. The 17-day event, UPFEST Presents, features a variety of workshops and activities across multiple venues in the BS3 area, offering an immersive experience for art enthusiasts and travelers alike.

UPFEST Presents offers free workshops, including painting, street art tours, and drama sessions. Activities range from ‘can art’ with Rose Popay to Posca paint-pen workshops and the signature doodle wall. The festival also features artist panel discussions, open-creative sessions, and more. Notably, Bristol-based street art icon Andy Council will lead ‘Dino Drawing’ workshops on May 25 and 26, using Faber-Castell pencils.

Alix Smith from Tape Art Project will conduct tape art design sessions and a large public installation at the Tobacco Factory, using mt Masking Tape from Japan. These workshops take place at various venues in Southville and Bedminster, allowing attendees to explore the BS3 area through artistic activities.

Steve Hayles, co-founder of UPFEST PRESENTS, noted that over 100 workshops have been organized with support from Arts Council England. He emphasized that the festival will span three weekends and the May half-term, providing ample opportunities for attendees to discover new skills and interests. The collaboration with volunteers and Yuup has helped bring this extensive series of events together.

Lewis Wright, Head of Partnerships at Yuup, highlighted the significance of partnering with the festival, which has welcomed local and international artists over the past 15 years. This year’s collaboration aims to offer tailor-made experiences to people in Bristol, Bath, Birmingham, and soon Cardiff, providing a platform for independent businesses to share their skills.

Bristol, known for its vibrant street art scene, is the perfect backdrop for this festival. Visitors can explore the city's rich artistic heritage, from the famous murals of Banksy to the colorful graffiti that adorns many of its streets. UPFEST Presents promises to be a dynamic event that fosters community through creativity and artistic expression. Attendees can expect a wide range of activities in Bristol’s vibrant BS3 area, making it a must-visit for travelers seeking a unique cultural experience.