Bristol Sounds

Tuesday
The Kooks

Friday
Orchestral Manoeuvres In The Dark

Saturday
The Streets

Sunday
Royel Otis

More acts to be announced...

Bristol is easily accessible by air and rail. Bristol Airport (BRS) offers flights from across the UK and Europe and lies about 8 miles (13 km) south of the city center. The airport is connected to Bristol’s center by the frequent Airport Flyer bus (route A1), which stops at Bristol Temple Meads train station and downtown. Bristol Temple Meads is the city’s main rail hub, with regular trains from London Paddington, Cardiff, Birmingham and beyond. The station is a roughly 10–15 minute walk or a short taxi ride from Canons Marsh Amphitheatre. Long-distance coaches (National Express, Megabus) also serve Bristol and drop off at the nearby bus station next to Temple Meads.

If you’re driving, Bristol sits near the junction of the M4 (from London) and the M5 (from the south). These feed into the M32 which leads directly into the city center. (Tip: allow extra time on the M32 and city streets when events are on.) There is very little parking adjacent to the harbour venue itself. The closest parking garages are in the city center – for example at Millennium Square (near Broadmead) or around Cabot Circus – usually a short bus or taxi ride from the festival site. Another option is a Park & Ride facility on the outskirts of Bristol (such as Portway or Long Ashton), where you can park outside the city and take a bus into town.

Getting around Bristol is straightforward for locals and visitors alike. Several bus routes serve stops near the waterfront; for example, look for services that stop at Anchor Road or Millennium Square. In practice, First Bus routes like the 8, 9, 70 or 75 generally run close to the city center and harbour area (check a current map or website to confirm). Bristol Ferry Boats also operate a passenger ferry service on the floating harbour – a fun way to travel if you have time. If you prefer a taxi or ride-share, there are usually plenty waiting in central Bristol. Many drivers will drop you at the venue entrance on the waterfront. Late-night buses and additional taxis are generally available after shows, but booking ahead is advisable on busy nights.

For accommodation, Bristol has options to suit any budget, but remember that summer is a busy season. Staying around the city center will put you within easy reach of the amphitheatre. Areas like Harbourside, Queen Square, Redcliffe and up towards Cabot Circus have many hotels, guesthouses and serviced apartments. Clifton (reachable by water bus or road) is also a popular neighbourhood with good transit links to the venue. Book as early as possible – many visitors come for Bristol Sounds and rooms fill up fast. If city-center options are running out, you might also look slightly outside Bristol. The nearby cities of Bath or Cardiff have plenty of hotels and are connected by direct trains, offering a one-hour ride back into Bristol. Whichever you choose, plan to arrive in good time for the concerts and enjoy exploring this lively city.