It’s almost upon us, the biggest event of the year in Bristol and the weekend when it takes half an hour to walk from Bordeaux Quay to Queen Square. Yes, it’s the Harbour Festival, and as Brunel would say on those great adverts for the ss Great Britain: “Let’s celebrate!”

There is far too much to write about here, so here are some of our highlights:

King Street     100 young performers from Bristol Old Vic’s Young Company are taking to the cobbled streets to perform three specially commissioned pieces of work featuring live music, original text and physical theatre.

Castle Park     The festival has this year for the first time expanded into Castle Park, where there will be the circus stage, children’s play area and the Tate Movie Project, which will see the creation of an animated film made by children from across the UK.

The Renewable Energy Stage     An eclectic performance programme from a stage powered only by bicycles and solar generators. To be found in the Amphitheatre area.

Queen Square     One of the best places in which to watch live music, featuring the St Paul’s Reggae Orchestra, Sheelanagig, Salsanova and much more. This is also where the continental market can be found.

Thekla     On Sunday, the good ship Thekla will be taken over by the best of Blackheart Studios. Expect dirty rock ‘n’ roll from The John E Vistic Experience, Howlin’ Lord, The Hinkley Veltones, The Dirty Roger and Toyface.

Cascade Steps     Always some great music here, focussing on mellow, folk, acoustic and world sounds. Look out especially for The Cedar and Ian Perry.

The fireworks     Always a spectacular end to Saturday night. Thanks to Paul Box for the stunning photograph below.