Bristol’s Old Market came alive on Saturday, April 12th, as the much-loved Outer Town Festival returned for another unforgettable edition. Known for its unique charm and fiercely independent ethos, this one-day multi-venue extravaganza once again proved why it’s a staple in the city’s music calendar.
Outer Town isn’t your typical festival—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and chaos. With stages tucked into pub doorways and crowds spilling onto the streets, the festival transforms Old Market into a buzzing hub of live music and camaraderie. The atmosphere was electric, with fans squeezing into every nook and cranny to catch as much music as possible. And yes, if crowd-surfing at 4 PM is your thing, this is the place to be.
The day kicked off in style at the Trinity tent with Alphabet, whose smooth indie grooves and punchy drums set the tone for what was to come. Their melancholic Pixies-meets-The Cure vibe was a perfect opener, with tracks like "Artificial Light" showcasing their knack for blending soft vocals with crunching guitars.
Over at the Stag and Hounds, The Scuttlers delivered a set that was as unpredictable as it was captivating. Frontman Myer U Clark’s intense, almost theatrical performance had the crowd enthralled, with moments of improvisation and even a kazoo making an appearance. By the end of their set, they’d won over a host of new fans.
M/X brought raw energy to the Elmer Arms, with their punk-infused set spilling out onto the street. Their snarling declaration, “Punk’s not dead, it’s on life support,” summed up their defiant spirit, and their tight, zestful performance left the crowd buzzing.
Back at Trinity, Mould lived up to their reputation as one of Bristol’s best live acts. Their frenetic 10-song set was a masterclass in balancing noise and melody, with tracks like "Frances" and "Chunks" showcasing their immense power and precision. The crowd sang along passionately, and the band’s infectious energy was impossible to resist.
Knives took the chaos up a notch with their mosh-pit-inducing punk anthems. From the explosive opening beat of "Happiness" to the brain-shaking new single "The Dagger," their set was a whirlwind of high kicks, saxophone solos, and pure joy. At one point, I found myself crowd-surfing into the arms of Mould’s frontman—not once, but twice!
The day ended on a high note with Man/Woman/Chainsaw at The Exchange’s Grand Hall. Their sprawling, genre-defying sound—combining punk, noise, and post-rock with violin flourishes—was the perfect way to close out a day packed with musical discovery.
Outer Town Festival is more than just a day of live music—it’s a celebration of Bristol’s vibrant music scene and the DIY ethos that makes it so special. With its eclectic lineup, intimate venues, and unpretentious atmosphere, it’s a reminder of why live music matters.
As the sun set on Old Market, one thing was clear: Outer Town isn’t just a festival—it’s a community. And I, for one, can’t wait to do it all again next year.
Words and Pictures by Matt Barnes
