It’s been a bumpy ride for UPFEST since the pandemic. Rising costs have forced the cancellation of events, the introduction of new locations and formats, and a switch to a biannual model. Europe’s largest live street art festival has had to evolve to survive. But it’s still helping to prove that Bristol is the UK’s street art capital.
UPFEST, one of the key dates in Bristol’s calendar, will return after a year off from Friday, May 15 to Sunday, May 31, 2026. A 17-day programme will deliver everything from colourful mural painting to creative workshops, live events and community-led projects across Bedminster, Southville and even new locations in the city.
Melo, aka Bristol-based muralist Esme Lowe, will lead this year’s festival as the headlining Festival Artist. Known for her bold characters, playful colour palettes and strong connection to place, you may recognise her work from the recent large-scale live painting at Bristol Amphitheatre during the Women’s Rugby World Cup.
Who else is involved in UPFEST?
A mega 300 artists will create more than 120 large-scale murals alongside workshops, live painting and community-led projects across Bedminster, Southville and beyond. Just a handful of names include: Audrey Kawasaki, a Japanese-American, UK-based artist who draws on influences from Art Nouveau to Japanese manga.
Artez, one of Serbia’s leading muralists, whose distinctive work blends realism and illustration; UK artist Will Blood brings his signature style, reimagining familiar characters through detailed, anatomical compositions; and the one-and-only Bristol graffiti pioneer and street art legend Inkie also returns.
Further names include SATR, whose atmospheric animal portraits combine spray-paint atomisation with traditional Eastern techniques; Cheo, one of Bristol’s best-known street artists, recognised for his vibrant, cartoon-inspired characters; and Lucas Antics, a duo creating immersive, narrative-led murals that transform public spaces.
The line-up also features Australian muralist Sophi Odling, whose vivid, dreamlike works reflect the cultures and communities she encounters; Brazilian artist Rafamon, known for her striking, politically engaged murals; Dale Grimshaw, whose work draws on personal history and early graffiti influences; and US-based muralist Miss Birdy, whose colourful, community-focused pieces bring storytelling to urban spaces.
What else can we expect from the 2026 festival?
Alongside the street murals, UPFEST has announced the first artists for its Tobacco Factory Saturday Sessions. Rosie McLay, a Bristol-based artist known for her intricate mark-making, will take part alongside ANXTI, whose work raises awareness of male mental health. They will be joined by more than 150 artists across the three Saturdays, delivering live painting, workshops and interactive experiences.
This is all on top of the recently announced Quakers Art Lane that will kick off UPFEST 2026 with a permanent outdoor gallery at Cabot Circus. The project, running from Friday, April 24 to Tuesday, May 5, will feature new murals from artists HazardOne, Melo, Insane51, My Dog Sighs and Inkie. The completion of the ‘art’ lane will signal the start of the festival.
The 2026 edition will also have five Scale-Up artist opportunities, supporting artists to work at a significantly larger scale and develop their practice. Meanwhile, a new youth-led project in Hartcliffe, delivered in partnership with Youth Moves, will extend the festival’s community impact there.
“UPFEST has always been about bringing world-class artists together with the energy of Bristol’s streets, and this announcement really sets the tone for 2026,” said Steve Hayles, Co-Founder of UPFEST. “From globally recognised names to emerging talent, the diversity of styles and stories in this line-up is incredible. “
To learn more about the UPFEST 2026 programme details and locations, head here.
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