As Europe’s largest street art festival, Upfest draws hundreds of artists to Bristol each year. For 2020, the celebration plans to take over Greville Smyth Park and The Tobacco Factory, which was the original venue in 2008.
Towering walls and murals will be painted in the two weeks leading up to Upfest, ready to be displayed over the festival weekend. If you’re interested in seeing the murals take shape, consider heading to Bristol a couple of days ahead of the event to watch the artists at work.
The Tobacco Factory
Original Upfest venue, the Tobacco Factory, is an appropriate urban backdrop for the creative and vibrant event. Two music stages send their soundtrack drifting through the air, while street food stalls will be ready and waiting to satisfy any craving.
Attendees can also enjoy an urban clothing and food market at the Tobacco Factory, as well as a creative workspace and stages coloured by young performers and professionals.
The Upfest Gallery
If you’re visiting Bristol outside of Upfest weekend, you can still see a little of the action at the Upfest Gallery.
Situated on North Street, Upfest Gallery is the city’s longest-running urban art space and a favourite among locals and visitors alike. Home to the largest range of spray paint colours and Posca pens in Bristol as well as a captivating urban exhibition, it’s well worth a visit while you’re nearby.
How much does the festival cost?
Upfest is free! Whether you’re an artist or an attendee, the festival is totally free for everyone.
Getting there
The nearest train station is Bristol Temple Meads, which is just 20 minutes’ walk from the festival site. If you’re staying in Bristol city centre, just hop on a bus which will take you directly to North Street.
Choosing a hotel
If you’re visiting Bristol for a weekend or even a week, you’ll want to make sure you’ve chosen the most comfortable and welcoming hotel to accommodate your party.
You can choose from plenty of Accor ALL hotels in Bristol city centre, including the Mercure Bristol Grand, which is recommended by the festival officially. The hotel has been recently renovated, so its décor reflects the elegant Grade II building which it occupies. It’s just 30 minutes’ walk from the hotel to the Tobacco Factory, while Greville Smyth Park is slightly further.
More Accor ALL hotels in Bristol include the Mercure Bristol Brigstow and Bristol Holland House, the Novotel Bristol Centre, the ibis Bristol Centre and Temple Meads Quay.
Ready to book your getaway? Download the Accor ALL app on Google Play or the App Store and browse, compare, and book the best hotels from the convenience of your smartphone.
