The West of England boasts many creative, cultural and inspirational events. The region’s broad cultural diversity is reflected in an eclectic array of things to do. From theatre and design to music and food, there is something for everyone to enjoy on the social and professional calendar.
Here’s Creative Business News’ exclusive round-up of some great events to look out for this year to get your creative juices flowing.
And if you’re involved in an event you would like us to promote, get in touch. 
CREATIVE
VISION
Bristol’s creative conference, hosting talks from the UK’s leading innovators and leaders, returns this November.
When? November 14
Where? Anson Rooms,Bristol
Find out more: www.bristolmedia.co.uk/vision-home
BATH DIGITAL FESTIVAL
A unique opportunity to increase brand awareness and support local development.
When? October 17-22
Where? Various venues across Bath
Find out more: www.bathdigitalfestival.co.uk
COLLABORATE BRISTOL
A one-day design conference developed to support collaboration and the design of digital experiences.
When? June 23
Where? Watershed, Bristol
Find out more: https://2017.collaborateconf.com
THE FEDERATION IN CORNWALL
The Creative Industries Federation brings together a panel of experts to discuss the role and potential for creativity in rural regions.
When? October 21
Where? Redruth
Find out more: http://www.creativeindustriesfederation.com/events/the-federation-in-cornwall
SOMETHING GOOD 
A two-day design festival focusing on creativity and the creative process, involving workshops, talks, and an after-party for mingling with fellow creatives.
When? October 6-7
Where? St George’s, Bristol
Find out more: http://somethinggoodbristol.com
MUSIC
DOT TO DOT
Supporting local and international music talent across three of the UK’s best cities.
When? May 27
Where? A range of venues in Bristol, Nottingham and Manchester over the weekend
Find out more:www.dottodotfestival.co.uk
LOVE SAVES THE DAY
Everybody’s favourite is back for its sixth year. And it’s going to be bigger than ever with music from the likes of Fat Freddy’s Drop, Shy FX and Fatima Yamaha.
When? May 27-28
Where? Eastville Park, Bristol
Find out more: www.lovesavestheday.org
BRISTOL SOUNDS 
Four nights, four gigs and four massive artists playing at Bristol’s Lloyds Amphitheatre. Craig David and Manic Street Preachers are just two of the acts set to appear
When? June 21-24
Where? Canons Marsh Amphitheatre, Bristol Harbourside
Find out more: www.seetickets.com/tour/bristol-sounds
ARTS
BRISTOL SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL
A unique opportunity to enjoy a range of events inspired by the Bard in alfresco spaces across the city.
When? Throughout July
Where? Various venues across Bristol
Find out more: www.bristolshakespearefestival.org.uk
UPFEST
Europe’s largest free street art and graffiti festival, featuring live painting, art sales & try-it-yourself workshops.
When? July 29-31
Where? Bedminster and Southville, Bristol
Find out more: www.upfest.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF PUPPETRY 
The biennial event is back, celebrating the best in puppet performance and film.
When? September 1-10
Where? Hanover Place, Bristol
Find out more: www.puppetplace.org/festival17
ENCOUNTERS
Bristol Encounters works to discover, support and develop new filmmaking talent. Submissions for this year’s event will be accepted until May 23, so it’s not too late to get involved! If you just want to enjoy the talent, head down to the Harbourside in September for screenings of the work.
When? September 19-24
Where? Watershed and Arnolfini, Bristol
Find out more: http://encounters-festival.org.uk
BRISTOL FILM FESTIVAL
Bristol Film Fest celebrates the best in film through screenings and events, as well as encouraging an exploration of the filmmaking process with workshops and talks throughout the year.
When? Year-round
Where? Various venues across Bristol
Find out more: www.bristolfilmfestival.com
THE OTHER ART FAIR 
The leading art fair at which to buy and discover the work of emerging artistic talent.
When? September 1-3
Where? Arnolfini, Bristol
Find out more: bristol.theotherartfair.com
CHELTENHAM LITERATURE FESTIVAL
The world-famous celebration of all things literary with something to suit every age and interest.
When? October 6-15
Where? Various venues in Cheltenham
Find out more: http://www.cheltenhamfestivals.com/literature/
CULTURE
BRISTOL COMEDY GARDEN
Bristol’s comedy extravaganza features a huge line-up this year including Rich Hall and Greg Davies. Tickets are selling fast so get yours quick to avoid disappointment.
When? June 14-18
Where? Queen Square, Bristol
Find out more: bristolcomedygarden.co.uk
BOARDMASTERS, CORNWALL
Annual surf and music festival with a line-up this year that includes Jamiroquai, Stormzy, Flaming Lips
When? August 9-13
Where? Watergate Bay and Fistral Beach
Find out more: http://www.boardmasters.co.uk/tickets/info
BRISTOL BALLOON FIESTA 
Europe’s largest meeting of hot- air balloons creates an amazing visual spectacle every year. Truly unique and not to be missed.
When? August 10-13
Where? Ashton Court, Bristol
Find out more: www.bristolballoonfiesta.co.uk
FESTIVAL OF FEMALE ENTREPENEURS
Some of the UK’s most influential business women will come together for another year to share their insight and advice with the bright leaders and entrepreneurs of the future.
When? October 20
Where? Bristol Harbour Hotel & Spa
Find out more: www.enterprisenation.com/festival
FOOD
BIERFEST
A mini German village is popping up in Millennium Square, bringing beer, bratwurst, music and merriment.
When? May 25-29
Where? Millennium Square, Bristol
Find out more: bristol.bierfest.co.uk
GRILLSTOCK FESTIVAL
Music and meat from local favourites Grillstock. The live line-up includes The Darkness & Goldie Looking Chain.
When? July 1-2
Where? Harbourside, Bristol
Find out more: http://bristol.bierfest.co.uk/
VALLEYFEST 
Dance, cook and picnic on a farm just outside the city that specialises in organic produce. A great one for the family.
When? August 4-5
Where? Chew Magna, Bristol
Find out more: http://valleyfest.co.uk/
