HotFest celebrates the value and wonder of the crafted word in all its forms. Written, spoken, sung, chanted, shouted, painted, mimed and danced, this is where the established and the up-and-coming share the beauty of their craft, and invite us into new ways of seeing the world.

“The form will take reflection from the times” (Frazey Ford)

Founded in 2020, HotFest is an early autumn festival, based around Bristol’s quirky west harbour, in pubs, chapels and tents, on the cobbles, and under the afternoon sky. It’s also a monthly words and music gig held ‘on the hill’ (The Eldon House) and ‘on the
barge’ (The Grain Barge).

We’ve all heard that cliché about the ‘power of words’, but what happens when we start taking it really seriously? Are we ready to hear things as they are? HotFest is unashamedly about sight, sound and feeling, fire and passion, rage and love, laughter and tears, joy and fury:

• Diverse poets young and old, published and not, and spoken word artists.Local bands and small music sets including folk, bluegrass, jazz and classical.
• Prose writers or critics sharing insights and inspiring debate.
• Edgy, avant-garde small theatre sets, dance pieces and cabaret shows.
• Workshops about starting out as a writer, using writing for therapy and building skills in poetry.
• A bit of rap, a bit of comedy, a bit of soap-box philosophy, a bit of burlesque and a lot of love!!

Oh, and by the way… if you’re worried that wordy festivals are all highfalutin, arty-farty, exclusive events only for educated middle class people, Please! Please! Please! think again! If you are even vaguely intrigued by the idea, then this festival is for you. So many
of our writers, performers and musicians come from backgrounds in which the arts weren’t available or encouraged, and they are doing wonderful things with their craft – breaking down barriers, creating new worlds, bringing new perspectives on old ideas, and connecting people with sounds and symbols that you can’t get any other way. All you need is an open mind, and, trust me(!), you’re welcome here!!