Upfest is back, hosting a 17 day cultural programme throughout Bedminster and beyond.

From Fri 15th May to Sun 31 st May, artists will be painting across familiar and new walls in the area; a combination of workshops, talks, panel discussions and mini events in collaboration with local venues, for kids, adults, and artists; pop-up art shows; walking tours, plus art battles, live board painting and music.

At Tobacco Factory we will have live painting, art battles, DJs and family fun in the Yard on the 16th, 23rd and 30th May – as well as a dedicated Upfest exhibition throughout the Cafe Bar and Snug. 

Check out the full line-up of DJ’s and workshops below!

DJS

WORKSHOPS

Collaborative Tile Mural

Join our drop-in collaborative tile mural workshop, where each participant creates a unique image on their own tile. Together, these individual pieces come together to form a vibrant, shared artwork that reflects the creativity of the whole community.

Suitable for all ages | 10am-6pm | No booking required, just pop down and get creative!

Molly’s Craft Corner

A kids (ok and adults too) activity table scattered with all things crafty sit down join in and let your imagination run away.

Suitable for all ages | 10am-6pm | No booking required, just pop down and get creative!

Posca Customisation Station

Feel a need for some colour in your home? Then bring down an item to customise from clothing to kitchenware – the Upfest crew will be on hand to share tips and tricks.

Come and join us at the POSCA customisation station, you can bring an item from home (please ensure you have permission) to customise or have a rummage through the recycling box, we have plates, jars, tote bags, clothing and lots more.

Suitable for all ages | 10am-6pm | No Booking required, just pop down and have a go!

Posca Doodle Hut

Do you want to have a try and see how awesome Posca are? Or maybe you just feel like a bit of a doodle.

The Posca Hut will be set up for budding artists to come and have a draw, or even just some colouring in.

Suitable for all ages | 10am-6pm | No Booking required, just pop down and have a go!

Scaling up with Festival Artist Melo

Learn to simplify drawings and translate them into large-scale, bold spray paint designs using the doodle grid method which has become the scaling up method of choice for many of today’s master muralist.

Suitable for ages 14+ | Multiple slots 10am-4pm | BOOK HERE

Posca a character with Ejits

Learn how to draw a super cute cartoon character in the signature style of Bristol artist Ejits!

This is a fun family-friendly workshop for kids and their grown-ups to learn the skills to draw graffiti characters they will love.

Emily (Ejits) will guide you through the process of drawing, colouring with Posca pens, and finishing a charming, character illustration in their style. During the process you will put your own spin on it and make it your own.

Emily will be on hand to answer any questions you may have and provide guidance and feedback to help you improve your work. All the necessary materials will be provided, so all you need to bring is your enthusiasm and creativity.

At the end of the session, you will have completed an illustration of your own unique Ejits-style character, and you will leave with the skills and confidence to continue creating cute characters of your own!

Suitable for ages 8+ | Multiple slots 10.30am-4pm | BOOK HERE