Simple Things 2024: a Decade of Diverse Sounds in Bristol's Celebrated Festival

At the heart of Bristol lies a rich tapestry of music, characterized by its embracing of diversity. This defining trait of the city's music scene is perfectly reflected in Simple Things, a festival renowned for its eclectic and imaginative line-ups.

In its tenth year, the 2024 edition of Simple Things marks a significant moment for Bristol's live music resurgence after a tough period. The city has seen a number of triumphs recently, including the growth of independent radio and the Bristol Beacon rebranding to shed its connection with historical controversies.

Spanning over 10 stages throughout the city, Simple Things 2024 delivers an all-day extravaganza of music that transcends traditional genre boundaries. Setting the tone at Rough Trade is Nina Cobham, a bilingual singer-songwriter with a voice and melodies that struck a chord with the crowd. Her intimate performance solidifies her rising status in UK pop.

Elsewhere, L'Rain from New York captivates audiences at Strange Brew with her experimental blend of jazz and post-rock, while Antony Szmierek's lively presence enthralls the crowd at SWX, despite a slightly wanting sound setup.

The day's music continually nods to Bristol's revered dance music heritage, with acts such as Les Savy Fav transforming the main stage at Bristol Beacon into a dance party extravaganza. The trend is persistent, with heavy performances from O. and Gilla Band electrifying their respective venues, reminding everyone of the city’s storied music history.

As evening sets in, the energy only grows. Gurriers nearly brings down the house at Sportsman's pub with their commanding art-punk beats, leaving the crowd ecstatic. Later, Grammy-winning Flowdan and rave-rockers Fat Dog deliver show-stopping performances that captivate and energize fans until the final moments of the festival.

Simple Things 2024 is not just a music festival; it's a vibrant, well-orchestrated celebration of Bristol's cultural scene. This event provides the perfect setting for festival-goers to explore and revel in a variety of musical offerings.

festival, music, diversity