As preparations continue around the docks and excitement builds ahead of this weekend’s Harbour Festival, I’m sharing my foreword from this year’s festival booklet.

Welcome to this very special Bristol Harbour Festival – the first since the start of the pandemic.

Since 1971, communities from across Bristol have celebrated the special setting of the harbour and docks. Five decades on, our city’s diverse and creative talent comes together for one of the biggest outdoor family events of the year.

Here in Bristol, we take huge pride in our local artists and growing number of community groups, all at the beating-heart of this world class creative event. Free to enjoy for all, the festival brings together some of the best of our city’s exceptional culture, as we share in our sense of community and place.

From its unique maritime history, to its role today as a working harbour and wonderful place for Bristolians and visitors alike to enjoy, our docks remain integral to the very fabric of our vibrant city. Over 50 years since the first Harbour Festival, I am very much looking forward to our city coming together to celebrate once again- and enjoying some great local food and drink!

I wish you all a fantastic, safe, and enjoyable 2022 Bristol Harbour Festival.