Led by the Diverse Artists Network (DAN), the festival builds on the success of its 2024 pilot, doubling in scale and ambition. With around 100 events taking place across ten days, DIASPORA! 26 offers a powerful showcase of artistic expression — from exhibitions and theatre to spoken word, live music, workshops and family-friendly events.
More than a festival, DIASPORA! is a collective moment. It brings together artists, venues and communities under one shared platform, creating space for voices and stories that are too often overlooked. In a city as culturally rich as Bristol, it is a timely and important celebration — one that reflects the lived realities, histories and futures of its people.
At the heart of DIASPORA! is a commitment to visibility and belonging. The festival exists to amplify the “unheard and undiscovered”, ensuring that diverse communities are not only included, but centred. In doing so, it offers audiences a deeper and more authentic cultural experience — one shaped by heritage, identity and connection.
Deasy Bamford, Founding Director of DAN and DIASPORA!, describes this year’s programme as a reflection of Bristol’s unique spirit:
“This year’s festival is a true testament to the power of collaboration and the unique spirit of Bristol. By working together with our incredible partners and artists, we have created a platform that not only showcases world-class talent but also ensures that every community feels seen, heard and celebrated.”
The festival has been thoughtfully designed to welcome audiences at every pace. Mornings begin with wellbeing sessions, afternoons offer talks and interactive workshops, and evenings build into powerful performances, DJ sets and live music — creating a rhythm that invites people to engage in ways that suit them.
Accessibility is central to the festival’s ethos. A wide range of free events sit alongside a flexible pay-what-you-can ticketing model, helping to remove barriers to participation. Free places are also available for asylum seekers, refugees and others who may need support, reinforcing the festival’s commitment to inclusion and equity.
Programme highlights
A number of standout events shape this year’s programme:
- Diverse Artists Network Exhibition at Arnolfini (1 May – 26 July)
A major exhibition exploring the history of DAN and showcasing work from its dynamic community of artists. - Love Letter to Broadmead (2 – 4 May)
A bold reimagining of the city centre, transforming streets and shop windows into stages and screens. - Raise the Bar: Poems of DIASPORA! (7 May)
An evening of powerful spoken word, featuring poets from four continents alongside a global DJ set. - Global Majority Environment Gathering (9 May)
A space for dialogue, reflection and action on climate justice, led by voices from Global Majority communities. - Desi Day at Arnolfini (9 May)
A vibrant celebration of South Asian culture, bringing together music, performance and community connection. - Dur-Dur Band International at Bristol Beacon (10 May)
A spectacular closing event from the legendary Somali disco pioneers.
Throughout the festival, young creatives and community media groups will be capturing the experience, documenting DIASPORA! from the ground and ensuring its stories are shared through the voices of the next generation.
Supported by The Hugo Burge Foundation and Arts Council England, DIASPORA! 26 stands as a powerful example of what can be achieved through collaboration, creativity and a shared commitment to representation.
At a time when cultural spaces still do not always reflect the diversity of the communities they serve, DIASPORA! offers something vital — a platform where culture is not an afterthought, but the foundation. A space where stories are told with honesty, pride and purpose.
For Bristol, and for audiences across the UK, DIASPORA! 26 is more than a festival. It is a statement — of presence, of creativity, and of the power of communities coming together to be seen and heard.
Listings Information
DIASPORA! 26
Thursday 1 May – Sunday 10 May 2026
Various venues across Bristol and the South West
Tickets: Free events available
Pay-what-you-can options available
Access: Free places available for asylum seekers, refugees and those who need support
Email: hello@diverseartistsnetwork.com