Bristol to launch BTF+ festival blending tech, culture & arts

Bristol will host a new six-day festival, BTF+, focused on technology, creativity and culture, running from 6-11 October 2025 in the Old City area.

The event, organised and curated by the not-for-profit techSPARK, aims to create an accessible experience for founders, technologists, creatives, investors, and others interested in emerging trends and opportunities across industries.

BTF+ is described as an evolution of the former Bristol Technology Festival. The festival will feature a mixture of keynotes, panels, and technology demonstrations in several venues, including Bristol Beacon and The Old Vic, as well as smaller, backstreet locations. Alongside these, attendees can expect immersive performances, live music and learning opportunities centred on future trends.

Organisations participating in the festival will have the opportunity to speak, raise their profile, and connect with potential partners and investors. Businesses ranging from early-stage start-ups to international brands can showcase prototypes or established products to a broad audience.

According to the organisers, BTF+ intends to foster the development of local talent and growth within the region. All profits from the festival will be reinvested into supporting start-ups, local talent, and community initiatives in Bristol and the wider South West.

To promote inclusive participation, the festival will offer low-cost tickets and several free events. This approach is designed to reflect Bristol's reputation for accessibility and community spirit, and to ensure that diverse voices are represented throughout the festival's programme.

The event is inspired by high-profile festivals such as South by Southwest in Austin and seeks to establish Bristol as a focal point for innovation within the UK and Europe. Sessions will include talks and workshops from regional speakers in technology, creativity and culture, complemented by national-level guests offering their perspectives on industry developments and challenges.

While the daytime schedule is expected to focus on learning and inspiration, the evenings will feature music and networking opportunities, enabling attendees to connect, share their experiences and collaborate.

Ben Shorrock, co-founder of BTF+, said, "BTF+ represents an exciting evolution for Bristol's tech and creative communities. This festival embodies everything that makes our city and wider region special – the collision of technology, creativity and culture in a place that excels at all three. The event will be a platform where breakthrough innovations meet artistic expression, where established corporations can connect with emerging talent, and where the brightest minds come together to build the future."

The festival's delivery is the result of a partnership that includes techSPARK as lead curator, with support from Ghyston, Bristol Creative Industries, and MyWorld. The organisers have ambitions to achieve both national recognition and international prominence for the city and its tech ecosystem.

The compact setting of Bristol's Old City is intended to facilitate easy movement for visitors and participants, enabling spontaneous encounters and efficient exchange of ideas. The organisers cite the region's mix of established corporations and emerging talent as conducive to impactful collaboration and opportunity creation.

In addition to its focus on technology, BTF+ will include programmes for those involved in the creative industries, culture, filmmaking, performance and digital development. Content is expected to appeal to a broad audience, from those seeking to launch their start-up to established industry professionals wanting to connect with new audiences or explore potential partnerships.

Organisers state that the festival's origins in the Bristol Technology Festival, as well as the ongoing involvement of well-known community partners, will help build on existing networks, driving further investment and job creation in the region. The model aims to emulate the economic and cultural impacts associated with major international events, tailored to Bristol's local context and assets.