Queen Square

Bristol Rising and Dance Tent at Queen Square

A proper showcase of the best of Bristol and welcoming communities from across the city, Bristol Rising and the Dance Tent will present emerging artists from grassroots music and dance institutions.
In collaboration with Access Creative College and DbS institute, Bristol Rising will present Bristol’s up-and-coming musicians with a special ‘Next Level’ take-over with local talent Marns, Ssadcharlie, Ava Zarate, Rellz & YB Micz, Laura Dia and Sambee.

From belly dancing to interpretive storytelling performances, the Dance tent is back this year with an eclectic range of dance groups and performances from Bristol Community Dance School, Movema and cultural centre Trinity Community Arts. Festival goers can expect to be dazzled with performances from dance troupes L.A Dance, Gerry’s Attic, Bristol Ballroom and more!
Guests can also expect a Queer and Drag DJ night as well as music takeovers from local radio host, Miranda Rae.

A woman with shoulder-length hair sits on carpeted stairs, leaning against a wall. The image is bathed in a red light, creating a dramatic and moody atmosphere. She is wearing a checkered shirt and appears to be looking away from the camera.

Liv Charley

22-year-old singer Liv Charley has an unapologetic passion for music. Her soft sounds mixed with RnB gives listeners a soulful insight into her love for music. Having released her first album last year, Liv is ready to take on the music world with her sweet voice and passionate lyrics.

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A person in a black outfit is lying on their stomach on a white bed, resting their head on their hand. A red circular speaker is on the bed beside them. The image is framed like a polaroid photo.

Biba

Biba is a singer-songwriter from Somerset who draws from her own experiences to craft immersive and storytelling sounds. Her dynamic and emotional voice adds depth and dimension to her music, offering a moving and transformative experience for every listener.

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A woman with long, curly brown hair and light skin is indoors. She is wearing glasses on her head, small earrings, and a black jacket. The background shows a modern interior with glass panels and wooden surfaces.

Elarbe

Elarbe is a young singer/songwriter/rapper from Bristol. Using her music as therapy, she aims to inspire young people through her lyrics to explore new paths, seize opportunities and pursue their dreams.

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A person wearing a fuzzy hat and a sequined outfit is playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone on stage. The background is dimly lit with purple lights.

Hannah Mae

Hannah Mae is a young solo artist from Bristol, dedicated to sharing her unique sounds with the world. Accompanied by her guitar, she loves to create music that resonates on a deep level, hoping to inspire listeners to express themselves in their own unique ways—whether that be through emotional reflection or dancing along to the rhythm.

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Rosie

Rosie, a Bristol singer-songwriter, delivers emotive and engaging performances. A student at Access Creative College, she's achieved notable success in her first year, performing at top Bristol venues like Bristol Beacon, Rough Trade, and Bristol Hippodrome.

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A person with short hair and a nose ring is looking at a yellow flower held up to their left. They are wearing a colourful vest with green, yellow, pink, and purple patches over a white shirt. The background is a plain grey wall.

Dandelion

Dandelion is a music artist from Bristol. Over the past five years, they have been writing songs that reflect their experiences with mental health and queer identity. Their music, rooted in the Alternative Pop and Indie Pop genres, captures the essence of their journey. Dandelion is excited to share their story and is seeking support as they navigate the music industry.

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Black and white image of a person with long hair, dressed in a black outfit, standing confidently. The background features abstract orange designs and the words "NEXT LEVEL" in bold violet text. The bottom has a yellow bar with the text "ARTIST MARNS.

Marns

Bristol-based singer Marns began performing at 16, and defies musical norms with a voice that transcends genres. Known for her soulful melodies and experimentation, Marns has carved her path in the music industry since the age of 14. Her musical style is a fusion of neo-soul with elements of experimentation that push boundaries. Inspired by Raye, she infuses her soulful voice with eclectic sounds.

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Black and white photograph of a person standing with a serious expression, wearing a t-shirt featuring a cat graphic. The background is black with orange abstract designs. The text "NEXT LEVEL" appears in the top right, and "ARTIST SSADCHARLIE" at the bottom.

Ssadcharlie

Starting UK theatre tours at the age of four, Ssadcharlie developed a passion for music within Bristol's vibrant scene, releasing their own work as a teenager. Their experimental sound blends hip hop and punk, exploring themes of homophobia, love, and adolescence. Their third album, Beautifully Uncomfortable (2022), cemented their unique style.

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Black and white image of a person wearing glasses and a sweatshirt, posing with one hand behind their head. The background has a colorful design with scribbles and the text "NEXT LEVEL" at the top right. Below, a yellow banner reads "ARTIST AVA ZARATE.

AVA Zarate

London-born, Bristol-based artist Ava Zarate began her songwriting journey at the age of 12 and continued to refine her craft throughout lockdown. Her music is a unique blend of alt-pop, folk, R&B, and psychedelia, creating a rich and diverse sound. With two recent singles already released and an EP on the horizon, Ava is quickly making a name for herself.

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Black and white photo of two young men standing side by side, wearing hoodies and jackets, with smiles and relaxed poses. Text overlay reads "NEXT LEVEL" at the top and "ARTISTS' RELLZ & YB MICZ" at the bottom. An abstract orange scribble is in the background.

Rellz & Y.B Micz

Dynamic rap duo from Bristol, Rellz & Y.B Micz, began their journey together through freestyle sessions where their natural chemistry became apparent. Over time, they’ve grown as a duo, captivating audiences with their energetic performances and sick beats. Sharing their music across the city, they’ve generated a buzz around them in time for their debut release later this summer.

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Black and white image of a woman with long, curly hair wearing a crocheted top. She stands against a dark, abstract background with orange graffiti-like elements. Text on the image reads "Next Level" at the top, and "Artist Laura Dia" at the bottom.

Laura Dia

Nigerian-Irish singer from Bristol, Laura Dia, transitioned from YouTube covers to independent music production in 2020. Her diverse sound blends R&B, Pop, Soul, and influences from indie rock and hip hop, reflecting her West-African heritage. Recognized by BBC Radio, she recently released her debut visual EP, "Oh Dia," exploring themes of self-love and healing.

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A man wearing sunglasses, a leather jacket, and baggy jeans stands confidently against a dark, abstract background with orange scribbles. The text "NEXT LEVEL" appears in bold purple and black at the top right corner, and "ARTIST SAMBEE" is displayed at the bottom in yellow and black.

Sambee

Bristol-based artist Sambee blends Afro-Alternative, R&B, and Soul sounds with Nigerian flair. Inspired by Burna Boy and Wizkid, he crafts infectious melodies and poignant storytelling. A POPBOYS member, his debut album set the stage for his upcoming project, "Big Head." Get ready for good vibes and great fashion.

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A person with curly hair wearing a black shirt is looking into the camera. The photo is taken indoors near a window, with sunlight casting shadows on their face.

Jraggz

Bristol-based up and coming rapper Jraggz mixes genres to create a unique sound. Seamlessly pairing chilled out uk rap with some high energy beats, Jraggz is sure to make his mark on Bristol’s music scene.

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Black and white image of a musician with short hair playing an acoustic guitar and singing into a microphone. The musician is wearing a sweater with the word "Nirvana" printed on it. Two bright stage lights are positioned in the background.

Akira

AKIRA is a rising star in Bristol’s music industry, known for a unique sound and style that has captivated local audiences. With a passion for creating music across various genres, AKIRA's work is both meaningful and entertaining, appealing to a wide range of listeners. Their innovative approach and dynamic performances continue to draw in new fans, establishing AKIRA as a versatile and compelling artist on the rise.

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Band performing on stage in a dimly lit venue. A guitarist plays on the left, while the vocalist jumps mid-air, holding a microphone. Drums and amplifiers are visible in the background.

LAKEDOWN

LAKEDOWN is a 4-piece indie rock band from Bristol, formed in 2022. Known for their guitar-heavy, groove-driven sound influenced by 90s/2000s alternative music, they evolved from a college covers band to releasing their debut single "Smashed." They continue to energise audiences with their sharp, fun performances.

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Tara Devi

Tara Devi is a multi-instrumentalist and singer based near Bristol. Still finding her voice in the music industry, she couldn't be more excited to share a diverse and unique blend of folk, pop and world music.

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A person with short hair and sunglasses is passionately singing into a microphone on stage. They are wearing a vibrant, pink, long-sleeved top with heart patterns and blue jeans. A blurred background of stage equipment is visible behind them.

EL01SE

EL01SE is a 20-year-old multi-genre singer-songwriter from Bristol, dedicated to using her music to help others. Known for her transparent lyrics and refusal to be confined to a single genre, she creates a diverse and authentic musical experience. Her unique tone sets her apart, and performing has played a crucial role in boosting her confidence. EL01SE's heartfelt and versatile approach continues to resonate with a growing audience.

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A DJ with a beard and a cap is focused on mixing music at a DJ console. He is using various controls on the Pioneer equipment, with headphones resting around his neck. The scene is illuminated with colourful lights, adding a vibrant atmosphere.

Senshun

Senshun is a Bristol based DJ taking their listeners on a journey back to the beginning of the rave. From Old skool and breakbeat sounds, to house and jungle, Senshun pays homage to the nostalgic sounds of the 90’s.

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Muneera Pilgrim

International Poet, Cultural Producer, Writer, Broadcaster and TEDx speaker Muneera Pilgrim will be opening the Southwest Soundsystem stage.

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A performer in a short, ruffled dress and tall boots energetically sings and holds a microphone on a dimly lit stage. Bright lights shine from behind, creating a dramatic silhouette. A screen in the background displays the words "mahala presents.

Tianna

TIANNA is a rising neo-soul and vocal jazz star. Her debut EP Morning Conversations paid tribute to many of her earliest influences, taking cues from the likes of Joy Crookes and Jorja Smith to create its delicate, sun-kissed atmosphere. TIANNA continues to push her artistic boundaries by incorporating electronic and dance elements into her music and live shows.

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Bold white text reading "WORD LIFE" against a dark, textured background. The letters have a distressed, worn effect, adding a gritty appearance.

Wordlife Showcase

Krazy has selected a handpicked line up of artists from his record label to perform a showcase at the Bristol Harbour Festival! Performing a lot of the hit tracks they have released, as well as upcoming tracks ranging from UK Garage to Hip hop, grime and Drum and Bass, with names like Rising Son, Impact Merv, Iggz, Kali-Mist, Yung UK, Origin and Kray Bristol, to name a few of the rappers that will be alongside Krazy, who will be performing tracks from his new album, as well as Hembz, Jay Brooks, Caravan Boyce, K.A and Claudie Short that will be singing live! Expect an amazing show from some of the finest artists and musicians the city has to offer.

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A woman with dark hair and a black choker stands in a dimly lit narrow hallway, holding something to the side of her face. She gazes directly at the camera, framed by a vertical black bar. The image is in black and white, creating a moody atmosphere.

Mary Mina

Mary Mina has proudly launched her debut self-produced solo project. After securing a pivotal grant from the Arts Council in 2023, she embarked on a profound journey of artistic self-discovery under the guidance of Grammy winning producer Mike Mangini. Amidst this transformative period, Mary faced severe personal hardships which ended up profoundly shaping her music, leading to the creation of ‘7 Weeks’ a single that charts her path from sorrow to self-empowerment.

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A man wearing a black sweatshirt with a gold design, black jeans, and tan sneakers squats on outdoor steps. He also wears a black cap with a gold emblem, and the background shows a building with wooden siding and large windows.

FRILLA Presents La La Land with Ms Lex and Millie Whitestone

Frilla, a groundbreaking eclectic electronic music artist and producer from Bristol, has carved a unique niche in music, blending Drum & Bass, Garage, House music and rap to create their own eclectic sound. As Frilla embarks on new musical adventures, his boundary-pushing approach ensures a lasting impact on the industry. Stay tuned for the unfolding musical journey of Frilla, a true pioneer in electronic music.

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KRUSH & guests

Krush seamlessly intertwines the raw emotions of R&B and Hip Hop creating a unique musical style that resonates with authenticity and gritty passion. Currently the only female artist representing Bristol at BS3 Live festival at Ashton Gate Stadium this June, KRUSH continues to hold her own amongst the big established names in the music industry.

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A person with curly red hair, wearing a pink top with large red heart prints and denim pants, rests their head on their hand in front of a pink background. They have a relaxed expression and are looking directly at the camera.

Liila So

Liila So is a 23 year old independent singer/songwriter from Bristol. Her catchy pop tunes are paired with honest and down to earth lyrics, and draws inspiration from artists such as Anne Marie, Mae Muller and Jorja Smith.

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A woman stands on a dimly lit stage, passionately singing into a microphone with her eyes closed. She wears a red long-sleeved crop top and blue high-waisted shorts. Behind her are musical instruments, including a drum set and a guitar.

Ali Austin

For over a year, Ali Austin has been making her mark on the music scene in Bristol and beyond, having played numerous venues such as her own headline show at the Bristol Louisiana, packing out the entire venue. Ali Austin released her long-awaited debut single “I Can’t Breathe” on the 1st of March 2024, earning herself a live performance on BCFM’s ‘Rebel On The Radio’ and an artist spotlight feature on Bristol 24/7. In a world hungry for genuine and emotive music, Ali Austin emerges as a refreshing and mesmerising talent in the R&B genre. With her soulful voice, introspective songwriting, and influences that range from Olivia Dean to Yebba and Lianne La Havas, she paves her own path, leaving an indelible mark on the hearts of all who listen. Describing her music as Soul, R&B Ali also has that real touch of a singer/songwriter sound. The vocals are the real drive for her music, helping to tell a story and express emotion.

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A young woman with curly hair looks directly at the camera. The photo's lighting casts a pink and blue hue over her face and hair, giving it a stylized, artistic feel. She is wearing a pink top, with the colours intensifying her expression and the overall image mood.

Milia Maya

Milia Maya is an R&B/Soul artist based in Bristol with a culturally diverse heritage and deep-rooted musical upbringing. She discovered her passion for music at a young age, becoming a classically trained instrumentalist initially but transitioned into singing, and later realised a natural ability for songwriting. Selling out her first headline at Crofters Rights, as well as her debut single “4AM”, featuring as a showcase track on BBC Introducing in the West, Milia reveals her authentic self and aims to create a space for her listeners to feel understood and heard through her original music and shows.

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ACE CIC Takeover

Aspiration Creation Elevation (ACE) is a youth organisation empowering disadvantaged young people through arts activities, role-model guidance and inspirational experiences. Based in inner-city Bristol, ACE supports a vast array of talented young musicians, helping them build their skills and raise their confidence, so they can one day reach their potential in life.

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A young man with a beard, wearing a blue T-shirt, black and white splatter-pattern pants, and matching black and yellow sneakers, is crouching on the Cascade Steps by Bristol Harbour in front of the cascading waterfall. People are visible in the background, sitting on steps leading up from the waterfall.

CHARLY OT

CHARLY OT combines a fusion of Melodic Vibes and UK Rap, delivering a variety of sounds that captivates audiences. Through his music, CHARLY OT showcases his identity and makes a bold statement, creating an impactful and engaging experience for the listener.

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A person with long hair sits on an old wooden fence by a lake. They are wearing black clothes, and the weather appears to be cloudy. The background features a grassy area, water, and distant hills under the grey sky.

The Underneath

A Genre-hopping set of Indie Rock, Electronica, and Punk. Their style is a unique one, pulling influences from across musical history, making them quite difficult to pin down to any one genre. It serves a reaction to what they consider a very saturated industry of faux punk and generic dance beats, combining bizarre and experimental sound design with driving guitar chords and self-referential lyricism. They have described some of their inspirations as (in no particular order): The 1975, Crywank, Interpol, Moderat, Lovejoy, Radiohead and Martin Garrix .

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Four young men are gathered closely together indoors, posing for the camera. One is holding a guitar, and they are dressed casually. The fisheye lens effect creates a slightly curved, distorted appearance around the edges of the photo. The background is dimly lit.

The Pavillion

The Pavilion is a Bristol-based Modern/Indie Rock band that formed at university through the app Vampr. Taking the city by storm, they have headlined iconic venues such as The Louisiana, Crofters Rights, and Rough Trade. Known for their high-energy walls of sound, The Pavilion also delivers heartfelt lyrical tracks, creating a dynamic and captivating musical experience.

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A musician with short hair plays an electric bass guitar on stage. In the background, another musician is playing drums, and there is a mural on the wall behind them featuring abstract designs in black and white. Stage lights create a warm ambiance.

Sedated Society

SEDATED SOCIETY are a rock trio hailing from the midlands, based in Bristol. They weave around a combination of influences from classic blues guitar music, 60s psychedelic, stoner rock and contemporary indie-alternative rock. Expect raw, soulful vocals, fuzz-laden riffs, high energy drums and grubby low end. For fans of: Jimi Hendrix, The Doors, The White Stripes, Arctic Monkey, Queens of the Stone Age, All Them Witches, Kyuss.

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