Bristol Community Festival 2026
We’re pleased to announce that the Bristol Community Festival is returning from 6–13 June 2026, with a week of community‑led events across the city and a final celebration at City Hall on Saturday 13 June.
This year’s festival will shine a light on the people, groups and volunteers whose everyday social action strengthens Bristol. Throughout the week, we’ll be celebrating connection, belonging and the shared experiences that help build community cohesion and highlight the creative ways groups bring people together, create welcoming spaces and support relationships across the city.
Can Do Bristol will once again act as the festival hub, hosting the full programme of events and making it easier for residents, volunteers and community groups to get involved.
Community organisations or resident-led groups were invited to apply for 18 grants of up to £500 to contribute towards the costs of hosting an event during the festival, plus an extra £150 for accessibility related expenditure.
These grants were available to groups working in and with the top 30% most deprived areas in Bristol and citywide equalities communities.
Grant applications have now closed.
Hosting a self-funded event
If you're a voluntary organisation or resident-led group that doesn't need funding to organise an event, or are not based in a priority area, you can still apply to host an event as part of the festival.
You will not receive a grant, but your event will be included in the festival programme and associated marketing.
Apply to host a self-funded event
- odtBristol Community Festival: self funded event application form (odt, 67 KB).
- odtBristol Community Festival: event grant application form simplified version. (odt, 838 KB)
You must complete your application by Sunday 3 May 2026.
If you’re interested in attending events during the festival, subscribe to the Bristol Community Festival email list for updates.