.

We’re starting to think about next year, we’re starting to think about Upfest, the last one was excellent, it was big, some might say it had got a little too big, but no, it wasn’t too big, it was a brilliant weekend, it was fun, it was full of life and it was a pleasure to be one of the artists invited to paint at it (even if finding hotel space in Bristol was a bit of a challenge that weekend). Upfest 2022 was brilliant, it didn’t happen last year, funding issues, we really need it back this year, Upfest is proper engagement and right now they’re fundraising…

“Since our first festival in 2008, Upfest has always been free to register for an artist space and for visitors to attend. We want to keep it that way. In 2022, we had over 1,000 applications for 400 festival artist spaces and around 50,000 people joined us over the festival weekend at Greville Smyth Park and the Tobacco Factory in Bedminster, Bristol. There’s a huge amount that goes into running a festival on this scale and keeping it as safe, accessible and welcoming as possible.

Costs have gone up by over 15% on the last festival and even after finding ways to bring the budget down, we have a significant amount to raise. Whether you can make a one-off donation, join our exclusive Patreon community, become a sponsor, or get involved as a volunteer, every contribution makes a real difference to how we’re able to bring the festival back in 2024″.

Explore more here and hopefully see you in Bristol in 2024

Previously on these pages

ORGAN THING: Upfest, It was just cheering, the whole thing, the whole weekend in the Bristol sunshine, the people, the art, the positive feeling around Bedminster for Upfest 2022…