DIASPORA! 26 programme
The online programme for DIASPORA! 26 has officially arrived. Following the success of our 2024 pilot, we’ve doubled the duration for 2026, returning from 1–10 May to celebrate the cultural diversity of Bristol and the South West region. This year’s line-up is a testament to the collaborative spirit of our city. Working closely with community groups, artists, partners and venues, we aim to act as a unified stage for local, underrepresented talent.
Something for everyone
With over 100 events spanning the ten-day festival period, there really is something for everyone, from wellbeing workshops to talks and performances, crafts, exhibitions, family-friendly events and more, loads of which is free or pay-what-you-can. We also have lots of free places for asylum seekers, refugees and anyone who needs one – email hello@diverseartistsnetwork.com to find out more.
A global community
Rarely has it been more important to stand together as a global community. We hope the festival serves as a vital space for much-needed celebration and connection. Click on the dates below to see what’s happening each day. Click on any event to find out more and book your place. We can’t wait to see you there!
RAIN/RUIN by Phillip Lai
31 Jan 2026 • 10:00 AM
Spike Island presents a major solo exhibition of new work by Phillip Lai (b.1969, Kuala Lumpur), bringing together a body…
Feedback by Olukemi Lijadu
31 Jan 2026 • 10:00 AM
Spike Island presents Feedback, the largest solo exhibition by Nigerian-British artist, filmmaker and DJ Olukemi Lijadu. Developed through research in…
A land as big as her skin by Mounira Al Solh
28 Feb 2026 • 11:00 AM
Lebanese artist Mounira Al Solh invites you into a vivid world where ancient mythology collides with contemporary experience. In this…
Returning by Jason Wesaw
13 Mar 2026 • 12:00 AM
In this series of minimalist oil pastel drawings, curated by Rainmaker Gallery, Jason Wesaw reflects on reconnection, resilience and the…
Queendom Rising: Portraits of Diaspora by George Netana
07 Apr 2026 • 12:00 AM
Queendom Rising is a new photography exhibition by Bristol-based photographer George Netana celebrating women from Bristol’s diverse diaspora communities. This portrait series…
CRAZE WORLD by BÓLÁRINWÁ
07 Apr 2026 • 10:00 AM
Rooted in West African cultural heritage, CRAZE WORLD uses symbols, figures and patterns to confront social issues such as racism,…
Sacred Fire Ritual
30 Apr 2026 • 7:00 PM
Join Carole Nomessin, Elemental Medicine Woman, for this sacred fire ritual from the Huichol people of Mexico, loaned to the…
CRAZE WORLD Exhibition Party
30 Apr 2026 • 7:00 PM
The Snug, Tobacco Factory Cafe Bar, BS3 1TF Join artist BÓLÁRINWÁ for the closing of CRAZE WORLD, an exciting exhibition…
Voices of the Diaspora
01 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Diaspora Island gathers Bristol-based artists with roots across the world, weaving together perspectives on the human condition and the shifting…
Spike Island Open Studios
01 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
This hugely popular annual event gives you access to explore the studios, see works-in-progress, learn about different creative processes, and…
First Friday
01 May 2026 • 5:00 PM
First Friday is a monthly social and showcasing event open to anyone. It takes place in the Pervasive Media Studio…
DIASPORA! 2026 Opening Ceremony
01 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Join us at The Station for the launch of DIASPORA! 2026, our city-wide celebration of cultural diversity through the arts.…
Voices of DIASPORA! Launch Party
01 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Come and join us for the launch of the Voices of DIASPORA! exhibition, curated by artist Emma Allen, showing at…
Meditate & Create
01 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Explore safety, support and grounding within your mind and body in this workshop embodying the earth element through creative visualisation.…
Auntie Flo (full band show) + Moncaya LIVE
01 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
With a unique electronic and jazz fusion, Brian d’Souza’s Auntie Flo live band brings together a host of talented musicians…
Faris Ishaq in Concert
01 May 2026 • 8:00 PM
Reflecting on an increasingly digitised world, JASAD (Arabic for Body) draws from the breath-centred essence of the Nay (ca. 5,000…
Somatic DJ Set
01 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Head to the Pipe & Slippers on Stokes Croft for a stellar DJ set from Devon-born artist, Somatic. No need…
Afon Sistema with Mestre of Maracatu
01 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Mestre Gilmar Santana is a master of maracatu de baque virado from Igarassu, Pernambuco, Brazil, and a direct heir of…
Marla Kether Presents: Kilengi Dance Party
01 May 2026 • 11:00 PM
Kilengi Dance Party is coming back to The Jam Jar this May. What better way to kick off DIASPORA! than…
Circus in St Pauls
02 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Join Circomedia in Portland Square this Early May Bank Holiday weekend for a fantastic, diaspora-led day of free, family friendly…
Out of Many: The Diverse Artists Network Exhibition
02 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
Come and explore the work of the Diverse Artists Network, the Bristol-based development agency behind the DIASPORA! festival, through this…
Internal Conversations
02 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Ten African and Caribbean women across generations come together to sit, reflect and speak, opening a rare and intimate window…
Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Tashi Shabdro Tibetan Dance Workshop
02 May 2026 • 12:15 PM
Tashi Shabdro is a popular Tibetan circle dance performed during festive and joyful occasions. Join a large group, led by…
Flag Up Your Identity – Easton Community Centre
02 May 2026 • 1:30 PM
A creative craft workshop open to all ages, where participants use recycled materials and textiles to create a flag or…
Jam on the Horizon
02 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
5 venues, 8 Stages and 15 hours of music from all around the world. All day and night, you can…
Storytelling & World-making
02 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Side eYe is excited to be delivering a workshop on storytelling and world-making. They’ll be working through different mediums of…
DIASPORA! Online: Connecting Across Borders: Collaboration, Migration & Socially Engaged Practice
02 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Join artist Marina Moreno for an online talk exploring her practice, with a focus on collaboration and socially engaged work.…
Steel & Beats
02 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Join musician Alphonse Daudet Touna for a steel pan workshop exploring African Caribbean melodies and rhythms. By the end of…
Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Try Persian Dance & Have Fun
02 May 2026 • 2:15 PM
Join Medea for this Persian dance taster workshop focused on popular and accessible dances from Iran. This session offers an…
A Love Letter to Broadmead: Five Women, One Show
02 May 2026 • 3:00 PM
Five women from completely different backgrounds bring their own unique solo performances to this showcase. Taking place in an empty…
Dance Day at The Island Dance Space: Freedom Soul Dance
02 May 2026 • 4:15 PM
Freedom Soul Dance is a beautiful combination of West African, freestyle and contemporary dance, led by dance practitioner, penny Marie.…
DIASPORA! Online: African & African Diasporic Poetry, Bristol
02 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Four local poets read and discuss their work alongside contributors from the Africa Migration Report Poetry Anthology series. This series…
Daluka Circle: Sudanese Women’s Rhythms
02 May 2026 • 6:30 PM
Experience the vibrant rhythms of the Sudanese Daluka, a drum that is central to women’s celebrations. This session showcases Aghani…
Comediasians
02 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
The UK’s premier pan-Asian improv group are back with their mission to bring epic laughs from the diasporASIA to Bristol.…
Azumei DJ Set
02 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
An eclectic DJ set, mixing genres from the Caribbean, UK, South Africa and Brazil. No need to book, just turn…
HOUSE OF UNITY
02 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
French collective House of Unity bring their explosive fusion of live instrumentation and electronic club energy to The Canteen this…
Bridging Resistance with Fusion Bellydance
03 May 2026 • 10:15 AM
This workshop introduces the origins and techniques of Fusion Bellydance, offering a relaxed approach to its distinctive movements. Participants will…
Social Sundays at Kings Chase
03 May 2026 • 10:30 AM
A vibrant community market, featuring local makers, family friendly activities and delicious food vendors. Come along and celebrate your local…
Sound Baths at The Mount Without
03 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
Relax, release & reconnect through healing vibrations with magical gong practitioner, Annette, and singing bowl sensation, Rounik. Come and join…
Family Fun Day at The Ranch Adventure Playground
03 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
Head to the Ranch Adventure Playground in Southmead for a day of family fun. Textile artist Ruth Ramsay will be…
Bristol Folk Festival: Vulva Voce
03 May 2026 • 1:30 PM
Vulva Voce re-write the ‘string quartet’ as we know it. Taking influence from folk, jazz, classical, techno and funk, they…
Bristol Folk Festival: Amadou Diagne
03 May 2026 • 1:30 PM
Amadou Diagne has centuries of West African Music at his fingertips. A former member of The National Orchestra of Senegal,…
West African Singing Workshop with Batch Gueye
03 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
In this workshop, artist, singer and dancer Batch Gueye leads you through traditional griot songs from West Africa. Drawing from…
Live Bristol: DIASPORA! 26 special
03 May 2026 • 5:00 PM
Live Bristol is a monthly mixed-genre music platform dedicated to uplifting emerging artists and strengthening the grassroots scene. Rooted in…
Dancing & Drawing with Sachin & Anna
04 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Come dance and draw with dancers with Sachin and Anna. This session is a special for DIASPORA!, offering festival-goers the…
Bristol Harbour History Tour: DIASPORA! Special
04 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Enjoy a tour of the harbour from the water in this special collaboration with Bristol Community Ferry Boats for DIASPORA!…
Collective Dreaming for the Future with Many Minds
04 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
‘What we cannot imagine cannot come into being’ – bell hooks Join mental health and performance charity Many Minds for…
Makaani Arts Hosts: Spirit of SWANA
04 May 2026 • 1:00 PM
Makaani Arts is a new collective aiming to champion and showcase music and cultural crafts from the Southwest Asian and…
Sing with Soul
04 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Come and sing soulful, a cappella arrangements by 20th century soul icons. All singing levels welcome. About Dionne Dionne Draper…
Miniature Worlds of Broadmead: A Model-Making Workshop
04 May 2026 • 3:00 PM
Join artist and set designer Alexia Dobre for Miniature Worlds of Broadmead, a hands-on creative workshop rooted in giving old…
Foli – Bristol Djembe Players
04 May 2026 • 8:00 PM
Join Mamadou Keita, from Guinea-Conakry, for a mixed-level Djembe workshop at the Jam Jar, inviting you to play and sing…
Hazed Date
04 May 2026 • 8:30 PM
Formed in 2025 by singer-songwriter Yiran Liu, Hazed Date is a Bristol-based five-piece emerging from the city’s vibrant Queer POC…
Flow & Radiate
05 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
Are you feeling stuck in your creative process or unsure how to start a new idea? When we encounter roadblocks,…
Raising the Red: Red Dress Day Craft Workshop
05 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Join us for a meaningful and creative afternoon as we come together to mark Red Dress Day, honouring Indigenous women…
One Foot in the Dark
05 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
An exciting new dance-theatre-spoken word collaboration from Divija Melally and Saili Katebe. One Foot In The Dark is an exploration…
Nine Sixteenths @ Exeter Phoenix
05 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
In 2004, in the SuperBowl halftime show finale, 23 year old Justin Timberlake ripped off 37 year old Janet Jackson’s…
Riddim – Reggae/Dub jam
05 May 2026 • 8:30 PM
Monthly live Roots Reggae and Dub session at The Canteen, hosted by legendary drummer Alex Dawson (Hotsteppas/Run Come Down). Special…
Creative Cuppa
06 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Join the DIASPORA! special of this regular, friendly creative drop-in space. You will get the chance to imagine, design and…
DIASPORA! Online: The Fight Well Project: Finding Hope & Validation Within Black Women’s Health
06 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
The Fight Well Project is a theatre show and engagement project exploring the validation and respect of Black women’s bodies…
Writing to Resist
06 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
A gentle creative writing and journalling workshop exploring identity, memory, culture and liberation. Through accessible prompts and grounding wellbeing practices,…
DIASPORA! Online: What We Inherit, What We Carry: An Introduction to Systemic Constellations
06 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
This participatory workshop led by facilitator, Katie Despres, uses Systemic Constellations to explore how family, culture and histories of migration…
DIASPORA! on Screen
06 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Hosted by film blogger and critic Oreoluwa Ige (Binge God), this session features a selection of films from Inaz Hussain…
Un|Earthed – Of Mothers, Grandmothers & Freedom
06 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
Colonial history has wiped many stories off the map. In this one-woman show, Inez Aponte follows a fragile thread back…
One Foot in the Dark
06 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
An exciting new dance-theatre-spoken word collaboration from Divija Melally and Saili Katebe. One Foot In The Dark is an exploration…
Writing for Wellbeing with Agata Palmer
07 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
This creative writing session uses mindfulness techniques to celebrate your unique self. Held in a supportive and playful atmosphere, the…
Sewing Craft Day: Make Your Own Tote Bag
07 May 2026 • 11:30 AM
The Great Oak Tree Hub invites you to a fun and friendly sewing craft day. Come along and learn how…
ATTIC Teas: Breathe & Brew
07 May 2026 • 11:30 AM
A contemplative and guided tea experience that will nourish the body, soothe the mind and excite the spirit. Tea has…
DIASPORA! Online: Estate to Stage: Echoes, Breath & Words
07 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Join poet, Sharena Lee Satti, for this all-abilities workshop exploring how identity and home can shape creative expression. The session…
Community x Arts x Tech Meetups
07 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
A free monthly meet-up for creatives, artists and technologists interested in making things happen in/with communities. Whether you already work…
Neurodiversity and Creative Freelancing: Elevate Us
07 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Big Team are hosting our annual Elevate Us networking event. The aim of this event is to explore how people…
Raise the Bar: Poems of DIASPORA!
07 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
Raise the Bar Raise the Bar presents Poems of DIASPORA! Featuring four headline poets, representing four different continents: Daljit Nagra,…
Nubiyan Twist
07 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
Expect ultra-tight musicianship and unstoppable energy as Nubiyan Twist bring their electrifying blend of jazz, afrobeat, soul, hip-hop and dance…
Ego Ella May
07 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
Drawing from an expansive palette of R&B, neo soul, contemporary jazz and poetic songwriting, British-Nigerian award-winning singer-songwriter and musician Ego…
Priscilla Andersohn
07 May 2026 • 8:30 PM
Priscilla Andersohn is a singer/ songwriter rooted in the London/ Bristol scene. She crafts atmospheric alternative pop built on live…
Tuto Barrios
07 May 2026 • 9:45 PM
Tuto Barrios creates a vibrant fusion of multi-instrumental Colombian roots and electronic production. Charango, marimba, gaitas and percussion weave through…
Giulia with a G
07 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
A genre-spanning set to keep you moving and grooving with our very own Giulia with a G. Expect percussive and…
WORKSHOP: Playback Theatre – An Introduction
08 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Bristol’s long-running Playback Theatre Company offers you an exciting opportunity to experience the basics of Playback Theatre. Come to The…
Kurdish Diaspora: Talks, Film & Music
08 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Join us for an afternoon of conversation, short film and live music exploring the Kurdish situation in the Middle East.…
Meadows to Meaders 6: BAC in Time Theatre show
08 May 2026 • 6:45 PM
Be transported BAC in Time on Friday 8 May 2026 – VE Day with a community show performed underneath Concorde.…
Sound Bath and Guided Meditation at the Wild Goose Space
08 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
Relax, release & re-balance body & soul in a heart-opening, healing Sound Bath in Bristol with Sound Therapist, Rounik Sethi.…
Kiota Open Mic
08 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
People from the Global Majority, who may or may not identify as Artists, are invited to come and share their…
Azumei DJ Set
08 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Eclectic DJ set, mixing genres from the Carribbean, UK, South Africa and Brazil. No need to book just turn up.…
JAZPA ONE DJ Set
08 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Join stellar DJ and professional vibez-merchant JAZPA ONE for a set of eclectic Afro-centric bangers to get those gun fingers…
Beat Cleaver & Friends + DJ Rubba Riddims
08 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Beat Cleaver the alien improvisation virtuoso – utilising beatboxing, freestyle rap & live looping/ production to create instant classics in…
Movement Medicine with Ruth Pitter
09 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
This is a session inviting women of the Global Majority to come find the medicine of movement through reconnecting with…
Global Majority Environment Gathering
09 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
Across Bristol, Global Majority communities are already engaging in environmental work in many different ways – through community organising, food…
Flag Up Your Identity
09 May 2026 • 10:00 AM
A creative craft workshop open to all, where participants use recycled materials and textiles to create a flag or banner…
Desi Day: Empowering Women Through Menopause Awareness
09 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
This free session, part of Desi Day – celebrating South Asian culture with a series of events at Arnolfini –…
Desi Day: Bristol Baithaks: Morning Ragas
09 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
A Baithak (‘bair-tak’) is an informal and intimate concert in which raga-based music is performed. This is the first in…
Zine Making Workshop with Mereida Fajardo
09 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
Join artist in residence at Knowle West Media Centre, Mereida Fajardo, for this hands-on creative workshop for beginners to learn…
Create Music with Your Voice: Vocal Workshop with AUGUST
09 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Led by Bristol-based composer, producer, and educator AUGUST, this 2-hour workshop explores the creative possibilities of the human voice. Using…
Desi Day: Desi Futurism DJ Workshop
09 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Bristol-based DJ and producer, Indian Man, leads this interactive workshop. Come and learn how to DJ and explore the creation…
Desi Day: Baisakhi: A Desi New Year & Spring Festival
09 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Baisakhi is a South Asian festival marking the New Year and the arrival of spring. Step into this rich and…
Desi Day: Baisakhi-themed Arts & Crafts for Kids
09 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Join artist Sayambrita Mukherjee for this fun, hands-on children’s workshop, exploring Baisakhi through crafts and cultural learning. Children will explore…
Shifting Seasons Cultural Celebration
09 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Vision Bame CIC presents Shifting Seasons Cultural Celebration. Join us for an afternoon of culture, community and celebration. Free entry,…
Dances of DIASPORA!
09 May 2026 • 3:00 PM
Dance is a universal language. It builds communities, transcends time and holds history in our feet. Dances of DIASPORA! is…
DIASPORA! on Stage: Songs & Stories from the Caribbean Islands
09 May 2026 • 7:00 PM
This musical theatre showcase features work by artists of the Caribbean diaspora, exploring themes of migration, identity and the enduring…
Company SHE Presents: CROWN/تاج
09 May 2026 • 7:30 PM
CROWN/تاج is the UK’s first touring production combining classical Persian dance, contemporary dance and Sufi whirling to tell a story…
IKAMBA DJ Set
09 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
Fusing rhythms from the African diaspora with sounds from across the globe, to delving into the deeper realms of electronic…
MĀDŁY
09 May 2026 • 10:00 PM
MĀDŁY is a multilingual singer, rapper and poet, whose work weaves together the threads of neo-soul, nu-jazz and hip hop.…
WINK Collective DJ Set
09 May 2026 • 11:30 PM
DIASPORA! is thrilled to welcome WINK to the Canteen for their second festival session. Expect sexy basslines, waist whiners and…
West African Dance
10 May 2026 • 10:30 AM
Join Foli – Bristol Djembe Players for a day of playing and dancing together to soulful West African rhythms. Led…
Dance with the Armenian Alphabet
10 May 2026 • 11:00 AM
This creative workshop explores Armenian culture, language and memory through contemporary dance improvisation. Each letter becomes an inspiration for movement…
Spring Rituals Around the World
10 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Join local poet Agata Palmer for a session exploring spring rituals from across the globe. The workshop examines the similarities…
Stories from the Water with Marcus & Shakeel
10 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
Bristol storytellers Marcus Fagon and Shakeel Delwar are joining forces for an hour of stories aboard Margaret the Ferry. Together…
Trinity Garden Party: 50 Years of Music
10 May 2026 • 12:00 PM
This annual free music and arts festival celebrates 50 years of music at Trinity, bringing together a mix of local…
Afri Club X DIASPORA! Gathering + Community Flag Making Workshop
10 May 2026 • 1:00 PM
Join us for a warm and welcoming gathering, with music, tea, and cakes, where you can connect with others, get…
DIASPORA! Closing Ceremony
10 May 2026 • 2:00 PM
Join the Diverse Artists Network and friends for an afternoon of arts, crafts and ritual, to mark the closing of…
Film & Food Night: Palestine Comedy Club @ The Pearl Exchange, Bude
10 May 2026 • 6:00 PM
Join us for a film and food night at The Pearl Exchange in Bude, marking the beginning of Mental Health…
Dur-Dur Band International @ Bristol Beacon
10 May 2026 • 8:00 PM
Dur-Dur Band International revive the joyful, groove-driven sound of the legendary Somali group who helped define East Africa’s funk scene…
Geo Baddoo @ Bristol Beacon
10 May 2026 • 8:00 PM
Head to the Bristol Beacon for the final event of DIASPORA! 26, as Soul/ R&B artist Geo Baddoo opens for…
