Artist Info
Welcome to UPFEST 2026 celebrating anything and everything that brightens up our streets.
Artist registration for Upfest 2026 is now closed
Artist FAQs
Have a question then please check out the answers below if you still can’t find the answer then email the team at artists@upfest.co.uk
How do I register to paint at the festival?
Register via the artist info page between 16th Feb and the 1st March
When can I paint?
Permanent Wall – All wall painting will take place between the 15th & 29th May
Temporary Boards – will be painted on 16th, 23rd, 30th May
Temporary Boards – will be painted on 16th, 23rd, 30th May
Where will UPFEST take place?
UPFEST will take place In Bedminster (BS3) which is situated in South Bristol
How big are the painting spaces?
The space allocated will be based on what you request during registration, we have spaces from 1.2m x 1.2m through to full buildings.
Pairs & Crews
If you are interested collaborating with other artists then please ensure all participants have registered then email artists@upfest.co.uk with the name of each person so we can match the registrations. (please ensure you have all requested the same size/ type of space)
What will I be painting on?
Once you have been allocated a space we will send you information with the exact size, location, image and surface.
How much does it cost?
Upfest is free! It is free to register and if you’re accepted to paint, it’s still free! It is also free for visitors to attend the festival.
Does Upfest pay for my materials?
Permanent Wall – Yes all materials will be covered along with access equipment where required
Temporary Boards– there will be an allocation of 4 cans of MTN paint or 6 posca, or a combination of 2 cans of paint and 3 posca
Temporary Boards– there will be an allocation of 4 cans of MTN paint or 6 posca, or a combination of 2 cans of paint and 3 posca
Does Upfest pay for my travel / accommodation?
Permanent Wall – We don’t pay travel, but we will provide accommodation for visiting artists for the period whilst you are painting (1- 5 days depending on wall size)
Temporary Boards – No due to the number of artists we don’t cover travel or accommodation
Temporary Boards – No due to the number of artists we don’t cover travel or accommodation
Does upfest pay an artist Fee?
No due to the number of artists painting we can’t pay artist fees
Can I change the size of space I requested?
Yes, as long as we have the space available, email artists@upfest.co.uk with your artist name and size you would like to paint and we will see what we can do.
I can no longer attend what do I do?
Please email artists@upfest.co.uk, with your artist name, this is really important to allow us to reallocate the space to one of the artists on our reserve list.
I can’t attend can I give my space to someone else?
No, as we have a reserve list in place
How do I get to Bedminster?
Walking: Bedminster and the festival is roughly a 30 min walk from Bristol City Centre, use the postcode BS3 1JF to find us.
Bike, or Dott e-scooter and e-bikes: There are bike racks opposite the gallery and along North Street at various locations.
Train: The nearest mainline station is Bristol Temple Meads this is a 35 min walk to the gallery. Local line stations are Bedminster and Parson Street these are a 15 min walk
Bus: From Bristol city centre there is a bus service direct to North Street this is the number 24 and can be found outside the Sainsburys on Broad Quay.
Coach: The nearest coach station is Bristol central station this is a 35 min walk to the gallery.
Car Share: There are several car share websites available here are a few options. (gocarshare.com, blablacar.co.uk, liftshare.com)
Please note if travelling by car Bristol has a ULEZ system in place along with resident parking schemes please visit Bristol City Council website for specific information.
Bike, or Dott e-scooter and e-bikes: There are bike racks opposite the gallery and along North Street at various locations.
Train: The nearest mainline station is Bristol Temple Meads this is a 35 min walk to the gallery. Local line stations are Bedminster and Parson Street these are a 15 min walk
Bus: From Bristol city centre there is a bus service direct to North Street this is the number 24 and can be found outside the Sainsburys on Broad Quay.
Coach: The nearest coach station is Bristol central station this is a 35 min walk to the gallery.
Car Share: There are several car share websites available here are a few options. (gocarshare.com, blablacar.co.uk, liftshare.com)
Please note if travelling by car Bristol has a ULEZ system in place along with resident parking schemes please visit Bristol City Council website for specific information.
What’s the closest airport to Bedminster?
Bristol International airport 6.5 miles (airport bus or taxi’s available for transfer to Bedminster)
When shall I arrive?
Permanent Wall – Once you have been accepted, we will be in touch to discuss painting times within the 17 day period.
Temporary Boards– You will be allocated on of the three Saturdays ( 16th/ 23rd /30th)
Temporary Boards– You will be allocated on of the three Saturdays ( 16th/ 23rd /30th)
Where do I go on the first day?
Permanent Wall – You will need to arrive at the Upfest gallery, 198 North Street, Bristol. BS31JF, unless otherwise agreed via email.
Temporary Boards – You will need to arrive at the Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Bristol. BS31TF,
Temporary Boards – You will need to arrive at the Tobacco Factory, Raleigh Road, Bristol. BS31TF,
Can I get my profile added to the Upfest website?
Yes, We will need a square profile image from you, it needs to be 600 x 600 pixels at 300dpi Usually it would be a picture of your street work or studio work. The image will be used to promote you online so find a good image.
Whilst some of you have provided us with a short profile already, please could everyone resubmit a profile up to 100 words (along with your profile image), describing you, your work and why you do it, Email to artists@upfest.co.uk
Whilst some of you have provided us with a short profile already, please could everyone resubmit a profile up to 100 words (along with your profile image), describing you, your work and why you do it, Email to artists@upfest.co.uk
How do I order my materials?
We will be in touch with how to order materials once your space has been allocated
Where do I collect my paint?
Permanent Wall – All paint orders will be ready for collection when you arrive at the Upfest gallery
Temporary boards – All paint orders will be ready for collection at registration at the Tobacco factory
Temporary boards – All paint orders will be ready for collection at registration at the Tobacco factory
Can I sell artwork?
Yes, there will be a number of exhibitions throughout the programme. Details on how to submit artwork will be announced soon
Scale Up 2026
Have you ever imagined seeing your work on the street, but don’t know how to start? Would you like to learn how to scale up your artwork?
We are looking for five practicing artists who are interested in taking their work to the next level.
For the second time, we are running a mentoring programme for five artists to be mentored by some of Bristol’s finest street artists. Culminating in an artwork being created during UPFEST 2026 (15th- 31st May).
To be eligible you need to be over 18, Bristol based (or able to easily travel at own expense), and have not painted anything in public over 1sqM
Mentoring will be for up to 20 hours and will take place during a mutually agreed time in April / May
