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.

NOTHING RHYMES WITH ORANGE

Nothing Rhymes With Orange are a Bristol-based Indie Rock band tearing up the scene with raw, chaotic energy and fiery performances. Producing clear cut originals ranging from heartfelt ballads such as latest single ‘Shearwater’ to festival anthems like ‘Stepping Up My Spine’, all championed by James Threlfall on BBC Introducing in the West.

SOFTKICKS

3 DAYS OF WONDER

3 Days of Wonder are an award winning Devon based rock band, writing edgy, anthemic songs with an 80's vibe. They combine influences including Foo Fighters, The Police, U2, Big Country and Kings of Leon. Their lyrics have

Description supplied by the event organiser.