The 42nd Bristol Harbour Festival attracted 250,000 visitors over the weekend, for a feast of music, dance, circus and fireworks.
 
More than 200 boats featured during Bristol’s flagship event on 26-28 July, along the two-mile stretch of the Bristol waterfront, said the organiser, Richmond Event Management (REM).
 
“In spite of the rain, the spirit of Bristol shone through in Queen Square on Saturday with people dancing before the grand fireworks finale,” said festival organiser Mike Richmond. “Sunday brought thousands out with every corner of the festival being explored. We are very lucky as a city to be able to showcase so much local talent and stage a festival of this scale and plans are underway for 2014 already.”
 
This year’s highlights included an outdoor concert in Queen’s Square with DJ Derek’s outdoor swansong, a fireworks display, and Castle Park, featuring pirates, sea shanties, mermaids and storytelling aboard a giant pirate ship.
 
In 2012, the event recorded its highest ever attendance of more than 300,000.
 
Earlier this year, REM were awarded a three-year contract to run the festival, on behalf of Bristol City Council. “The festival’s three-year contract is a real demonstration of the council’s continued commitment to supporting culture and performance arts in the city,” said councillor Simon Cook.