Bristol’s vibrant music and arts scene is set to welcome back Jam on the Horizon for its highly anticipated third edition on May 3rd. Established as the city’s earliest open-air festival, the event continues to grow, with this year’s celebration expanding to feature two additional street parties, hosted by The Jam Jar and Lost Horizon.
At its core, Jam on the Horizon is a love letter to independent culture, embracing global sounds, dynamic performances, and culinary delights from around the world. The festival, held in St Judes, showcases the diversity that Bristol thrives on, blending grassroots venues, live music, and immersive street festivities into a single, electrifying day.
This year’s edition brings an exciting collaboration with AnExperience, setting the stage for their festival in June with a showcase of Samba troupes, live music, and a hand-built hi-fi sound system that promises to deliver impeccable sonic quality. Revelers can expect the streets to come alive with rhythmic beats and feel-good energy, with a specially curated selection of award-winning street food from the South West adding to the experience.
For those craving a deep dive into classic grooves, Kesh promises an authentic street party atmosphere, spinning a mix of soul, ska, rocksteady, and vintage R&B to create a true community vibe. Meanwhile, Lost Horizon teams up with Bristol’s own 1Relation Sound, bringing an unmistakable dub and reggae atmosphere to their street takeover.
Inside the festival’s main venues, the 2025 lineup is a true smorgasbord of Jazz, World, and Electronic sounds. From the hypnotic grooves of Guts and My Analog Journal to the mesmerizing Sudanese psych-funk of The Scorpios, the music offering is as rich as ever. Adding even more depth, Allysha Joy, Australia’s rising neo-soul star, will take the stage backed by Close Counters, promising an unforgettable performance.
Hadie Abido, Director & Co-Founder at The Jam Jar, highlights the significance of the event:
"We are really excited to bring Jam on the Horizon back for its third year. This event is a collaborative effort between some of Bristol’s amazing independent venues and is becoming an essential platform for cultures from around the world in Bristol."
As Jam on the Horizon grows in scale and reputation, it stands as a testament to Bristol’s commitment to independent artistry, cultural exchange, and community spirit. With music, food, and open-air celebrations setting the scene, this one-day festival is ready to kick off the summer season with style.
So, whether you're a music lover, a street party enthusiast, or a curious festival-goer, May 3rd marks a date you won’t want to miss.
Photos below taken from the 2024 event
