Bristol’s Volksfest is teaming up with the city’s annual urban art festival, Upfest, for this year’s show. Over 40 graffiti artists will be showing off their skills at the event, which will take place from 6-8 June at Washingpool Farm, Easter Compton, the Bristol Post has reported.
Visitors bringing their beloved VWs to the show will have the chance to get them decorated by the artists, who throughout the weekend will also be working together to paint a replica of a New York subway train. Along with urban art displays, there will be crafts, exhibits, car displays, markets and music for all to enjoy. The show, which was set up 20 years ago, attracts thousands of visitors each year.
Classic VW camper vans and beetles are likely to steal the show again this year, and will be on display throughout the weekend. The event will also be hosting its first-ever UK Lowrider Nationals.
Upfest will not be holding a standalone event this year, so art fans wanting to see some truly spectacular displays should make sure they get a Volksfest ticket. The artists will be setting up camp in the farm’s newly refurbished, 1,000 square metre cowshed.
Upfest’s organisers decided to take a year break so they can concentrate on returning bigger and better than ever in 2015. Stephen Hayles, founder of the event, said the year out would allow time for the team to totally redesign the event. He added that merging the festivals for this year means that people will still be able to enjoy some great art.
Hayles noted that there will be 40 artists as opposed to the usual 300, but said that they are some of the best artists the city has to offer. The cowshed will be transformed, with artists working to make the space feel 3D. Hayles confirmed that more details will be released closer to the event.
For more information and for tickets, visit the Bristol Volksfest or Upfest website.
