Exploring the outer realms of contemporary music, sound and visual arts, Bristol New Music returns for five days and nights of rolling concerts, performances, audiovisual works and installations.
The sixth edition of the biennial festival takes place across exhibition spaces, venues, concert halls and unusual locations around the city.
BNM 26 welcomes artists from four continents, showcasing new work and collaborations across borders and disciplines, taking in contemporary ensemble music, club futurism, improvised rock, spectral jazz, bagpipe drone, electronic composition, expanded cinema, sub-bass experimentation, off-grid installations, hypnotic acapella, and more.
Bristol New Music was founded in 2014 by Bristol Beacon and St George’s Bristol, art spaces Arnolfini and Spike Island, and Bristol University’s Department of Music, and now involves a number of independent arts and music venues.
Presented by Bristol New Music, Bristol Beacon, St George’s Bristol, Arnolfini, Spike Island, and Bristol University’s Department of Music
Format: Standing
Age: All ages (Under 18s to be accompanied by an adult)
Content warning
All shows contain strobe lighting and haze effects. Please contact access@bristolbeacon.org if you have questions about access.
BNM concerts and events will take place at venues including Bristol Beacon, Arnolfini, Spike Island, St George’s Bristol, Victoria Rooms, Strange Brew, The Cube and Kit Form.
Festival Programme
@xcrswx
ãssia ghendir
Cara Tolmie + Rian Treanor
claire rousay
Cole Pulice
Eliana Glass
emptyset
Erwan Keravec
Ex-Easter Island Head
FRANKIE +
Kelman Duran
GHOST DUBS
Harry Górski-Brown + Wojciech Rusin + Phaedra Ensemble
Hatis Noit
KMRU
Jasmine Wood + Pavel Milyakov
Lucy Railton
Mark Knoop
Merope
Olukemi Lijadu
Orcutt Shelley Miller
Saint Abdullah +
Eomac + Rebecca Salvadori
Shui Mo Ensemble
Yas Clarke
Plus more tba
Independent Label Market
Sat 25 Apr 2026, 12:00 – 17:00
Bridgehouse
Independent Label Market joins forces with Bristol New Music to bring its signature market experience to Bristol, giving music fans the chance to meet the teams behind their favourite labels, uncover exclusive releases and vinyl rarities, and celebrate the city’s thriving independent music scene.
Free entry
Shows
These events are ticketed by Bristol Beacon. View the full festival programme.
Listen to the BNM 2026 playlist
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Event Ticket Coverage
Protect yourself against unforeseen circumstances with Booking Protect and get a full refund if you’re unable to attend.
Contemporary
Jazz
Rock and Pop
Arooj Aftab with London Contemporary Orchestra conducted by Robert Ames
Community
Education
Families
Jazz
Reggae
Rock and Pop
Fusion Fest
Rhythm and Groove: Lunchtime Reggae Jam
Classical
Community
Education
Electronic
Experimental
Hip hop
Jazz
R&B
Rap
Rock and Pop
Fusion Fest
