With the festival season in full swing, Siren Bristol returns with Hospitality on the Harbour for their second year next to the Avon River, featuring their biggest lineup to date and another sell-out. Huge names up front include Andy C, Lens, Flava D, Fred V, Netsky, and more. There are two stages: one main stage and one smaller stage, both boasting incredible audio and artists this summer to keep the heartbeat alive in the drum and bass capital of the UK, Bristol.
The day kicked off early at 13:00 with minimal clouds and sunny blue skies, just at the tail end of the heatwave that England was facing the week leading up to this event. Not too warm, yet not too hot, but just enough to get on your best dress and crack a cold tinny. The crowds started rolling in early, and the arena was already rather full just after the doors opened. With the sounds of the Amphitheatre filling the entire surrounding area, crowds were building outside and enjoying the music as well as the patrons. The river walls were adorned with drum and bass fans enjoying a few drinks and sunshine on Saturday afternoon. Multiple stalls situated around the day festival included temporary glitter tattoos, a merch stand, an ice cream van, a vanity hats and sunglasses stand, and plenty of bars to keep the drinks flowing.
With a lineup of such brilliant minds to perform, everything was on track. A commendable, near-seamless change from artist to artist kept the drums drumming and bass booming for the entire ten and a half hours. Each set on the main stage was thirty minutes until 18:30, when set times were extended to an hour. Each act had the crowds bobbing their heads all day long. Switching between the two stages took you from one world to another. The major stage had a crowd of thousands enjoying the brilliant sound system, while the smaller crowd at the other stage enjoyed more intimate sets. There were some merges of the expected drum and bass crossed with hints of jungle and more of a rave beat. The whole set enabled everyone to enjoy a bit of both worlds. Crowds can differ from event to event; however, the drum and bass crew were incredibly friendly, with lots of stories and endearing messages. One concert-goer wore a hoodie that said, “Dear person behind me, the world is a better place with you in it” on the back and “you are enough” on the front. Many people offered to take my picture at the event as they saw the camera in my hand. Fans had some incredible attire. A barefoot man was raving at the small stage with a builder’s hat on, yet on top of that was a toy pirate ship. No shirt, no shoes, the man could not be stopped. There were many mentionable hats too.
As the sun started to dip below the last 80 degrees of its trajectory, the three main acts of the day began to get ready. The best part of the sun setting is not the golden hour glow that sets itself perfectly over the harbour but the incredible light show that begins as the amphitheatre is brought alive with flames on stage, sparklers firing off, and a light show that would mesmerize anyone regardless of their love for drum and bass. Ellen Lewin, a.k.a. Lens, was first to set the stage for the final few, drawing the evening in and holding everyone’s eyes and ears captive. Coming off the back of Truck Festival, Lens hit the stage with Flava D & Linguistics, bringing in some classics with the 170bpm sheen. Netsky set up an incredible show from 20:30 with some juicy visuals, playing some of his biggest hits with some live twists inside. Alongside this, he pulled out some fan favourites, including “Perfect” by Mason, keeping the energy alive.
21:30 rolls around, and The Executioner hits the stage: Andy C. Most fans of the day had been waiting for this moment and were sufficiently warmed up by the rest of the show and the brilliant weather the day had brought. The last 30 minutes of the set was the only show on, with the smaller stage shutting down for the day. This led all fans to unite under the one stage where Andy C performed some of his huge hits along with a personal favourite remix of Oliver Tree’s “Miss You,” hyped up to the drum and bass BPM. Lasers filled the sky, and smoke filled the air. Shoulders were mounted by the biggest fans for the best view. Alongside this, Andy C pulled out a remix of Bring Me The Horizon’s “Can You Feel My Heart” that somehow fit perfectly into the set and definitely put the flamethrowers on stage to the test. The light of the sun was fully submerged under the horizon, and the only thing providing light was the stage. The visuals really were a spectacle to see. Lasers filled the sky, wide lights flashing, and a plethora of colours.
As the evening drew to a close, crowds left through the multiple exits. Security was on point all throughout the day as tensions were high in Bristol on August 3, 2024. Another year brought to a close for Hospitality on the Harbour, and I have no doubt 2025 will be another sold-out event.
Adam James @Adamjxphoto
Role: Photographer
I'm a semi-professional photographer that loves to capture anything and everything. I'd love to travel with my photography so going on tour has always been on my to-do list.
My first camera was gifted to me as a hand me down from my brother many many years ago and I've only gotten better since and learnt along the way.
Qualification: Self taught photographer/videographer. Didn't go to uni, work full time in telecomms.
Available for: Sport, events, portrait and anything that takes my fancy, other than weddings!
First attended gig: The first gig I attended was a band called Dog Is Dead at the Louisianna in Bristol. It was such a good gig and I recruited some family to take me as I was under 16! This band was my gateway into the Indie Pop Rock genre that I love today.
First gig shot: The first band I took pictures of was, was the first gig I went to alone. None of my friends liked the band, Pinegrove, so I contacted Thekla and asked if I could bring my camera. They let me in and I had my first photo pass! I still have the badge to this day.
Dream gig: Arctic Monkeys in the AM era. Watching Matt Bellamy run down the stage playing plug in baby. Moose Blood on a tour...!
