6 summer festivals with a difference

2^nd July

Part immersive art trail, part magical city-wide festival. Dozens of life-size unicorn sculptures, each uniquely decorated by local artists, pop up across Bristol, culminating in an auction for charity. Expect unicorn-themed food and a glitter explosion of colour and creativity.

31^st July

Not your typical festival – this eco-conscious utopia runs entirely on renewable energy. Expect solar-powered music stages, off-grid living workshops, permaculture gardening, ethical food, and a mellow, utopian vibe. Perfect for those seeking conscious connection with people and planet.

25^th – 28^th July

This intimate, unplugged festival is all about self-expression, wellness, and dancing in the grass. Enjoy yoga at sunrise, tribal drumming circles, circus skills workshops, and barefoot discos. It’s community-centric and delightfully uncommercial – think campfires and face paint, not main stages and headliners.

5^th – 6^th July

An intimate offshoot of the now-retired Blissfields, Camp Bliss is a reimagined creative retreat: think spoken word by campfire, immersive games, communal cooking, and woodland discos. It’s more like a magical sleepover for grown-ups than a traditional festival.

19^th – 20^th July

A whimsical mix of artisan market, fairy cosplay, vintage tea rooms, and magical-themed workshops. Not a traditional music festival, but a delight for fans of the fantastical, especially those into DIY, fantasy fashion, and glitter everything.