MAYFEST
17–26.05.2024
Bristol’s international festival of contemporary theatre and live performance.
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…and there’s more to come
Over the next few weeks, we will be unveiling yet more treats, as we share details for our two co-curated spaces at Bristol Old Vic’s Weston Studio and The Mount Without. In both of these beautiful venues, we are building partnerships to celebrate and amplify eclectic creative voices across the city. At The Mount Without we continue our journey with Impermanence on Communion, a programme of intimate movement-led performances. At Bristol Old Vic we’re sparking something brand new in collaboration with Rising Arts Agency and Saffron. Keep it here for new news…
Pay the price that feels right for you.
Every show in the Mayfest programme is priced on a Pay What You Can basis, from a minimum of £5.
Each performance has a recommended price, but we encourage you to pay the amount that feels right for you. If you can, there’s also an opportunity to ‘pay it forward’ which will also help us continue to offer £1 tickets to specific groups and communities who wouldn’t usually be able to attend.
The Nature of Why, Paraorchestra, Mayfest 2018. Photo by Paul Blakemore
Creating an accessible festival experience for everyone
We want to make sure everyone can fully enjoy their festival experience.
Visit our Access Page to discover all our accessible performances, or find show-specific accessibility info on each event page.
Need companion tickets or have any other questions? Reach out to us at mayfest@mayk.org.uk or call +44(0)7704 601861
Easy ways to see it all
This year there are two ways you can experience the full festival for one easy price. No faffing about, just a simple pass that gets you access to Mayfest on a schedule that suits you.
Our Festival Pass unlocks the whole festival for one discounted price, while our Supporters Pass also includes a vital donation that helps us offer Mayfest as a ‘pay what you can’ festival. Supporters Pass holders also receive some bonus benefits as a thankyou from us.
Latest News
Ready to make a difference?
We're seeking volunteers for front-of-house and show-stewarding shifts across the festival. Whether you're a seasoned Mayfest attendee or a willing newbie, your enthusiasm is all we need – no prior experience necessary. Experience the buzz of being part of the festival team, and help us make Mayfest 2024 a festival Bristol can be proud of.
Our Partners
Supported by the Nisbet Trust and the Mo Siewcharran Fund.
About Mayfest
Mayfest is Bristol’s biennial international festival of contemporary theatre and live performance; a vibrant context for unusual, playful, and ambitious live performance from artists all over the world.
Led by MAYK’s Co-Directors Kate Yedigaroff and Matthew Austin, Mayfest is a cross-city celebration of the creative vitality of Bristol and explores the parameters of the city as a creative playground.
Cultivating connections between artists, audiences, participants, and venues, Mayfest champions the voices and experiences of a diverse international community of artists who ask brave questions about how we live in a modern world.
“A mix of work so tasty it makes you want to up sticks and move to Bristol permanently” The Guardian
Birthmarked by Brook Tate, Mayfest 2022. Photo by Paul Blakemore
Mayfest is looking for people who love to sing to be part of a show in this year’s festival.