Set sail for the Bristol Harbour Festival

AN ANNUAL festival taking place on Bristol’s waterfront returns this weekend, promising a vibrant mix of artists, musicians, street stalls and circus acts.

The three-day Bristol Harbour Festival, starting on Friday, will see two miles of the city, from Brunel’s SS Great Britain to M Shed and from Queen Square to Castle Park, turned into a lively celebration of Bristol’s maritime heritage.

Hundreds of sailing vessels, from historic ships and boats to pleasure yachts and harbour ferries, will line the waters of the River Avon.

Among the attractions on the water will also be demonstrations by Newfoundland rescue dogs, owned by David Pugh from Clapton-in-Gordano, who have for many years helped to raise money for charity through rescue demonstrations.

The free festival attracts more than 200,000 visitors every year.

At Castle Park, activities for youngsters including storytelling, face painting and rides will be on offer, and Cirque Bijou will dazzle crowds with a full circus stage. Queen Square will host a range of music from soul to reggae and funk.

Millennium Square will be packed with street performers including ballet, salsa and Bollywood.

The Amphitheatre will host a mixture of music, locally-sourced food and interactive ‘eco-living’ zones.

The Bristol Harbour Festival 2012 will take place at locations throughout Bristol from Friday to Sunday.

Entry is free, while many events and activities are also free.