The city has hosted the festival since 1971, when it was started as part of an ultimately successful attempt to save the docks from being filled in.

Cirque Bijou's famous circus stage takes over Castle Park, next to an interactive children's area, which featured a pirate ship in 2013.

SS Great Britain hosts an outdoor stage with BBC Radio Bristol, while Happy City creates an interactive area within Lloyds Amphitheatre to demonstrate all the elements which make up a happy life.

In 2013 the Thekla Harbour Stage was created in Muddock to showcase up and coming bands alongside a new festival bandstand.

[9][10][11] In previous years entertainment has included Beth Rowley, the Hot 8 Brass Band, DJ Derek, The Blessing, The Bristol Ambling Band, Phantom Limb, Kid Carpet, Natty, Barry Adamson and VV Brown.