With all the glorious weather we’ve been having it’s difficult not to get excited for the festivals you’ve got booked up. But when you live in such a glorious city as Bristol there really is no need to leave your door step as Bristol provides many of it’s own fun happenings over the summer months. The city really does come alive during the summer months with festivals and wonderful celebrations, which is what makes our city truly unique. Here recommend some of the best goings-on in Bristol for when the sun pops its hat on.

Bristol Pride Week, 4^th-12^th July

A week long celebration of the lesbian, gay and bisexual community in Bristol. The festival will see a diverse range of events including a comedy night, sports fun day, dog show, Stonewall conference and theatre night featuring specially curated performance. Pride week is also host to the Bristol Pride film festival at the Watershed and will feature specially selected, and award winning films.

Grillstock Festival, 11-12^th July

One of the highlights of Bristol’s events calendar, Grillstock is back again this year in the amphitheatre. A big celebration of meat, music and mayhem. Going from strength to strength each year, they’ve managed to secure De La Soul and The Heavy as this year’s headliners. It’s a carnivore’s paradise, celebrating a love of food, with an annual King of the Grill BBQ competition, plus chilli and hot dog eating contests. You’d better come hungry.

The Harborside Festival, 17-19^th July

This Bristol institution has been going since 1971, and it’s still free to enter. Invading the harbourside, from the amphitheatre to College Green year on year, in 2015 the Harbour Festival promises live music, dance workshops, circus performers, a celebration of the city’s maritime heritage, and of course plenty of decent grub from Bristol’s finest. Take a stroll down the harbor, buy a cold beer and you will not be disappointed.

The Balloon Fiesta, 6-9^th August

Perhaps the most iconic and well loved of Bristol’s summer festivals, the annual Balloon Fiesta has been taking place at Ashton Court since 1979, and returns for its 37th year in 2015. The perfect place to enjoy the sunshine with friends or family, alongside the fun fair, carousels and candy floss, there is also the spectacular night-glow event. Plus it’s definitely worth getting up early to watch the morning ascent at least once in your Bristol lifetime.

Best Fest Tribute Festival, 29-30^th August

This new and exciting festival that is coming to Bristol at the end of the summer months is the South West’s largest tribute festival. Buy your ticket in advance, grab some cider, bring the whole family and get singing along with all the acts. From the Spice Girls, to to Oasis and Take That, whatever your guilty pleasure we gurantee you’ll be singing your heart out all weekend. What a fab way to end the summer.