Dot to Dot festival (Bristol)
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Get ready for the ultimate one-day music party with Dot To Dot Festival in Bristol! This annual event takes over the city each spring, turning Bristol into a live music playground. Picture an indie-music treasure hunt: intimate bars, hip clubs, and iconic concert halls all hosting back-to-back live sets. As you hop from stage to stage, you’ll encounter a lineup bursting with fresh talent - a mix of rising stars and fan favourites that make new music so exciting. Dot To Dot is all about discovery and fun, with a friendly crowd and an inclusive atmosphere. The energy is electric from afternoon until night, and Bristol’s streets hum with music at every turn.
Since its launch, Dot To Dot has earned a reputation for championing the hottest new artists. Each year’s lineup features dozens of bands and solo acts across diverse styles - from indie rock and catchy pop to electronic beats and experimental sounds. The schedule is yours to craft: stay in one venue for a favourite act or keep moving to discover as many performances as possible. Festival-goers thrive on chance encounters - it’s common to stumble on an incredible band you’ve never heard before. No matter where you wander, you’ll find the perfect soundtrack for your day.
Bristol itself adds to the fun. In spring, flowers bloom along the waterfront and colourful street art brightens old brick walls. As you move between gigs, you can sample from Bristol’s renowned food trucks and breweries - the city is famous for craft beer and creative food. The vibe stays upbeat and welcoming all day. And since Dot To Dot uses existing city venues, you won’t be camping out or trekking through muddy fields; instead, you slip into comfortable venues with great sound systems and everything you need (bars, restrooms, snacks) right on site.
By mid-afternoon, the city buzzes with live music in every corner. Whether you’re exploring solo or with friends, Dot To Dot is built for seamless festival fun: no tents, no muddy shoes - just great tunes and good company. Wear comfy shoes, bring a friend, and enjoy hopping from venue to venue. Some attendees prefer to stick to one big stage, while others wander to maximize their discoveries. If your feet need a break, local buses and taxis are easy to find, or try a rental bike - Bristol is surprisingly bike-friendly. As night falls, the energy ramps up: after-hours shows and surprise pop-up performances keep the party going well into the night.
In short, Dot To Dot is a can’t-miss celebration for anyone who loves discovering new music. With a compact schedule and a friendly crowd, it’s the perfect way to spend a day in Bristol. By the evening, you might find your new favourite band and have swapped stories with fellow fans. Every attendee leaves with a playlist of memories. Don’t miss your chance to be part of the next edition - tickets tend to sell out quickly, so plan ahead and get ready to join the fun!
Bristol is easy to reach by many modes of transport. Bristol Airport (BRS), about 8 miles southeast of the city centre, has flights from major UK and European cities. From the airport, express buses (like the Airport Flyer A1) run frequently to Bristol Temple Meads station or the city hub, reaching downtown in roughly 30 minutes. Train travellers will find Bristol Temple Meads is the city’s main railway hub, with fast services from London (Paddington station, around 2 hours), Birmingham, Manchester, Cardiff and beyond. Bristol Parkway station serves the north part of the city with links to the M4 corridor. For coach travel, the Bristol Coach Station (near the city centre) is served by National Express and other carriers from London and cities throughout the UK.
By car, Bristol sits at the junction of the M4 motorway (from London) and the M5 motorway (from the Midlands). Follow signs for the city centre or Bristol Temple Meads if coming via the motorway. Parking is available but can be limited in the centre during busy weekends. Consider using Park & Ride services at Long Ashton (A370), Portway (M5 west) or Temple Meads (near station) to shuttle into town. Otherwise, public car parks (often labelled NCP or university parking) are scattered around the city, usually with overnight options. Driving apps like Google Maps or Waze can help avoid congestion, especially along major routes on event days.
Once in Bristol, getting around is straightforward. The city has an extensive bus network (First Bus, Wessex Connect and others) covering most areas. A rapid transit service (MetroBus) runs along major routes into the city. Taxis and ride-share options (Uber, local cabs) are readily available, especially near the train and coach stations. Many festival venues lie within a compact area around the city centre, making walking a great option – Bristol is a surprisingly walkable city. For a fun twist, you can also rent a bicycle (Bristol operates city bike hire schemes) to hop between venues while enjoying the sights.
Accommodation in Bristol ranges from budget hostels to upscale hotels. If you’re attending Dot To Dot in the city centre area, look for lodging in BS1 (city centre, Harbourside) or nearby Clifton, Redcliffe, or Old City. Options include well-known chain hotels, boutique guesthouses, and small B&Bs. For something different, Bristol even has a couple of boat hotels and a youth hostel. In any case, book as early as you can – festival weekends often book up fast. Staying near the city core not only keeps you close to the music venues but also to Bristol’s cafes, pubs, and attractions for a complete visit.
| Name | Star | Distance | Prices From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Beeches Hotel & Conference Centre | 1.8 ml | £68.00 | Book | |
| A4 Hotel | 2.1 ml | £54.00 | Book | |
| Arnos Manor Hotel | 2.2 ml | £48.30 | Book | |
| SummerHouse Bed & Breakfast | 2.3 ml | £100.00 | Book | |
| Windmill Hill Views Apartment | 2.5 ml | £85.00 | Book | |
| The Malago Bed and Breakfast | 2.7 ml | £45.00 | Book | |
| The Manor Lodge Guesthouse | 2.8 ml | £60.00 | Book | |
| Grasmere Court Hotel | 3.0 ml | £71.00 | Book | |
| The Grange Hotel | 3.1 ml | £52.00 | Book | |
| Travelodge Bristol Mitchell Lane | 3.1 ml | £42.00 | Book | |
| The Bristol Hotel - A member of The Doyle Collection | 3.2 ml | £87.12 | Book | |
| YHA Bristol | 3.2 ml | £29.00 | Book | |
| SACO Bristol - West India House | 3.3 ml | £110.40 | Book | |
| Radisson BLU Hotel Bristol | 3.3 ml | £70.40 | Book | |
| Cleyro Apartments - Harbourside | 3.3 ml | £109.00 | Book |
Bristol, City of Bristol England, BS14QS
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