The Thunderbolt and POLYGAZE are back this August with their most ambitious event to date, THUNDERFEST, a three-day family-friendly music festival celebrating Bristol’s independent music scene.
Taking place across the August Bank Holiday weekend, 28th - 30th August 2026, THUNDERFEST will feature 20 local bands and artists across two stages at The Thunderbolt.
Following the success of last year’s Garden Party, The Thunderbolt and POLYGAZE are collaborating once again to support Bristol’s independent music scene and showcase emerging local talent.
The Main Stage sits at the heart of The Thunderbolt, and will feature 12 bands across the festival. Friday dedicated to punk, Saturday focusing on blues and rock, and Sunday showcasing indie and alternative rock.
The Bandstand is tucked away in the venue's humble and sunny beer garden, and will host 8 acoustic solo/duo acts across Saturday and Sunday, alongside the return of The Thunderbolt Pub Quiz.
THUNDERFEST invites you to come and enjoy some amazing grassroots music in the sun with your friends and family. All festival profits will be reinvested into supporting Bristol’s grassroots music scene.
We have a range of affordable tickets on offer for the whole weekend and individual days
Tickets are available now via
Follow The Thunderbolt and POLYGAZE for festival updates, lineup announcements and ticket information.
PRIDDICE BROTHERS BAND
Played Glastonbury Festival 3 times including playing at The Rabbit Hole. Also performed at Ashton Gate, Thekla, Fleece, Louisiana, Godney Gathering and Home Farm Fest. Supported Beans On Toast, Nick Parker, Gaz Brookfield and King Eider.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2K8S5b9EBD9mv0MzCi6uV1?si=qptW18BfSceJNr7shOcZWw
VONJ
Vonj is a self taught musician born in Kenya & currently active in the UK, Song writing is his passion,
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ob08aFDARrLHDDzoc59hG?si=QI7mjeTWTh-uc4lWeV8TIQ
HAYDEN LLOYD
Hayden Lloyd, an award winning, vibrant guitarist and singer/songwriter hailing from Bath and now thriving in Birmingham, UK, crafts a captivating fusion of blues, rock, and funk with soulful nuances and diverse influences, culminating in his distinct captive sound. Fronting his dynamic trio, Hayden brings forth a revitalising blend of classic blues and soul, infused with a contemporary alternative rock edge, featuring the rhythmic prowess of Luke Ellis on drums and the solid bass grooves of Matilda Jones.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3SYVblff7e3KNH8sspHoCN?si=hRilYA9mTEaBt0BL4nXuTg
SUNKATS
ELLY HOPKINS
Elly Hopkins is a Bristol-based alt-folk-rock artist blending southern rock, soul, folk and grunge into a gutsy, vintage-inspired sound. A former jazz vocalist turned songwriter, she brings courage, emotional depth and sharp lyricism to her debut EP 'Animal', recorded at Humm Studios. With commanding vocals and an honest, introspective style, Hopkins explores themes like jealousy, self-doubt and betrayal with raw authenticity. She has performed on major stages including the Royal Albert Hall, Glastonbury and BBC Radio, and now steps forward with her first original release—bold, soulful and defiantly her own.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4QU6qe6zuUXPAobMxl1KBi?si=c-QErr78TyKCzUSnlKRM1w
CADEN STOWE
Professional maker of sweet vibrations, folding up some noise…
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4CPOf0rmxluMrULqrXBxiP?si=0IOeWDhARv27cnvDsx1iUA
EVA PARFITT
Eva Parfitt is a Bristol-based songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Exeter, Devon. Her music features tender melodies and captivating chord progressions, pushing the borders of Folk in new directions.
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2Pz8HtcwtZvx0hwF45TYsP?si=UTQLyEC3RluVLuRdDOwTbA
ANGUS CROUCH
https://www.instagram.com/angus_crouch/
