Those with eagle eyes may have already spotted that art works for Upfest 2022 have already started to appear all over south Bristol. Europe's largest street art festival promises to be 'bigger and better than ever before' this year, after a two-year hiatus, to mark its 15 year anniversary.
The festival will return on May 28 and 29 in its traditional format with a twist. Fans can expect to see incredible murals emerging all month throughout the streets of Bedminster from street art’s freshest talents over the coming weeks. Then, following three weeks of street painting, the festival weekend will see hundreds of artists painting live with festival hubs at the Tobacco Factory and Ashton Gate Stadium.
This year Upfest will use Greville Smyth Park as its main venue for the first time, with music and live painting at the green space across the weekend. And as if this wasn't exciting enough, there are plenty of activities for families and children to enjoy over the Jubilee weekend.
READ MORE: The best Bristol festivals and events happening this Spring and Summer
Here are some of the most exciting events that you can get signed up to:
Graft Spray Paint Workshops
If you fancy yourself as an artist, you take part in graffiti workshop sessions with a team of professional artists. You will be able to create your own piece of stencil graffiti art on A4 canvas to take home with you.
The Graft artists will help you create your own works using water-based spraypaint and pre-cut stencils. The workshops are suitable for everyone aged nine and over, with no previous experience necessary. You can find out more here.
Dramatic Art With Acting Out
If your little ones like taking centre stage, they can enjoy expressing their arty abilities while having fun. They can come and play drama games with a twist – allowing them to express themselves, explore their imagination, get creative and most of all have fun! This workshop suitable for tiny tots to teens. You can find out more here.
Posca Doodle Wall
Posca Pens are making their return to Upfest for 2022. You can create your own street art with a range of water-based Paintmarkers, suitable for all ages. Bring your own graffiti to the streets! You can find out more here.
Bordeaux Themed Art and Craft for Kids
Bristol Bordeaux Partnership has teamed up with Colourful Minds for some art and craft workshops inspired by two amazing Bordeaux street artists. And guests can go along and join in, making colourful cardboard animals. You can find out more here.
Nacoa Kids Activities
This year the Nacoa kids' area promises bigger and better than ever. Nacoa volunteers will take over an area of Greville Smyth Park for both days, partaking in everything sticky and colourful, from badge making and face painting to making giant paintings.
You can come along have your face painted, browse the vintage stall or just sit and chill with a tea and cake from the lovely volunteers at Nacoa. You can find out more here.
