If you’re looking for a way to shake off the January blues and support a local treasure, then get down to the Salthouse pub this Saturday, 24th January. This isn’t just your average gig; it’s an indoor celebration featuring some of Bristol and the surrounding area’s talented bands and singer-songwriters that runs from 4:00 p.m. to midnight, with every penny raised going towards the upkeep of our beloved Marine Lake.

THE CAUSE: KEEPING MARINE LAKE AFLOAT

Clevedon’s Marine Lake is a vital resource enjoyed by thousands, but it costs the charity MARLENS (Marine Lake Enthusiasts) many thousands of pounds each year to keep it open. Beyond basic maintenance, MARLENS is responsible for the ongoing water quality management, essential repairs to the lake’s infrastructure, and ensuring the site remains a safe, free to use heritage asset for the community.

Sarah Swash, Chair at MARLENS, notes that they rely heavily on community fundraising to ensure this important heritage site remains available for everyone.

NON-STOP LIVE MUSIC ACROSS TWO STAGES

Winterfest is unique as the only local indoor festival championing up and coming talent with continuous music. Two stages alternate throughout the day, so you never have to miss a single act. Organiser Mike Britton is thrilled to have so many local bands supporting the cause this year.

THE 2026 LINE-UP : AFTERNOON VIBES

16:00 – 16:20 | JOEY DAWSON (Stage 1) Officially kicking off the festival is Joey Dawson, a dynamic singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from the Bristol area. A BIMM Bristol graduate, Joey is known for his high-energy blend of Americana and Alternative music. Whether performing gritty originals or reimagined covers, he is a staple of the local scene and the perfect act to set the tone for the day.

16:20 – 16:40 | JERRY TURNER (Stage 1) A prominent figure in the Bristol music community, Jerry Turner is perhaps best known as a former member of the acclaimed folk-fusion outfit The Model Folk. Bringing that same sense of theatrical flair and seasoned craftsmanship to his solo work, Jerry is a performer who commands the stage with soulful vocals and a natural charisma. Whether he is championing local talent at The Bristol Fringe or performing his own material, Jerry remains an essential voice in the city’s music scene, offering a set that is as authentic as it is engaging.

16:40 – 17:00 | MAYA HUGHES (Stage 1): Bringing a sense of serene artistry to the stage, Maya Hughes is a Bristol-based singer-songwriter celebrated for her pure, arresting vocals and romantic melodies. Drawing inspiration from 1960s folk, Maya blends her own evocative compositions with traditional English and Irish songs. Accompanied by bassist Richard Crane, her performances offer a sophisticated, atmospheric sound that aims to soothe the soul. With a new album in the works, Maya is a must-watch for fans of heartfelt storytelling.

7:00 – 17:40 | PAPERFISHES (Stage 2) Led by vocalist and songwriter Andre Levy, Paper Fishes are a “rag-tag band of freewheeling musical sharpshooters” delivering a dark and dusty road trip of a sound. Blending indie-rock grit with Americana soul, the band has built a reputation in the Bristol scene for their atmospheric, piano-driven compositions and poetic depth. Performing tracks from their acclaimed album Instant Happiness, Paper Fishes offer a high-energy yet haunting performance that is not to be missed.

17:40 – 18:20 | BITCHING HOUR (Stage 1) A four piece, all female riot grrrl act of students from Bath Spa University, currently making waves on the Bristol and Bath Circuit. Rooted in the 1990s underground feminist hardcore movement, the riot grrrl genre is defined by its DIY ethics, zine culture, and lyrics that address social and political issues through a raw, high-intensity punk lens. Infusing this signature energy with a modern student perspective, the band features ex-Clevedon School axe-wielder Chloey Yemmon on guitar, whose technical grit anchors their high-octane sound.

18:20 – 19:00 | THE BLACK MUSEUM (Stage 2) A formidable three-piece hailing from the heart of the Bristol music scene, The Black Museum delivers a high-impact blend of guitar-driven alternative rock. Built on a foundation of tight rhythms and expansive melodic hooks, the trio has earned a reputation for their raw, authentic sound and high-energy live sets. Whether drawing from the grit of indie-rock or the atmospheric depths of the local post-punk heritage, The Black Museum brings a powerful, contemporary edge to the stage that marks them as one of the city’s most compelling emerging acts.

EVENING HIGHLIGHTS

19:00 – 19:40 | THE FORGETTING CURVE (Stage 1) A self-described “Stoner Post-Rock Power Trio,” The Forgetting Curve delivers a sound that is as cerebral as it is heavy. Likened to the legendary Shellac with a dusting of Kyuss, the group specialises in “angrily angular” compositions paired with surreal, politically charged lyrics. Expect a masterclass in tension and release from one of the region’s most intriguing experimental acts.

19:40 – 20:20 | THE PARAMOUNT TRIP (Stage 2) Bringing a sharp, modern edge to the evening, The Paramount Trip is a Bristol-based four-piece specialising in atmospheric post-punk and alternative rock. Known for their driving rhythms and moody melodic layers, they capture the restless energy of the city’s underground scene, making them a standout addition to the Stage 2 bill.

20:20 – 21:00 | SUPERSEED (Stage 1) Prepare for a wall of sound as Superseed takes the stage. This hard-rocking stoner punk ‘n’ roll outfit featuring David Edgar, Ben Taylor, Matt Colley, and Keith Bowers is known for their high-revving energy and “immaculate” rock sensibilities. With a sound that bridges the gap between QOTSA-style grooves and punk-rock grit, they are built for the big stage.

21:00 – 21:40 | THE MIKE BULLOCK BAND (Stage 2) A true Winterfest legend makes his long-awaited transition from the wings to the spotlight. After managing the festival’s sound for every event since 2012, Mike Bullock is finally stepping out from behind the mixing desk for his first full-band gig in 12 years. Showcasing original material, this set is a celebration of a local mainstay and a milestone moment for the festival.

THE HEADLINERS AND LATE NIGHT ACTS

21:40 – 22:20 | TOD (Stage 1) Formed by members of the cult-favourite band Dive, TOD brings a wealth of festival pedigree to Stage 1. As Winterfest veterans (with appearances in 2014, 2016, and 2020), this new iteration promises a performance rooted in experience and raw intensity. It’s a homecoming of sorts for a group that has become an essential part of the festival’s DNA.

22:20 – 23:00 | HOLLOW BOOK (Stage 2) Hollow Book is a Bristol trio that defies easy categorisation. Their riff-heavy originals seamlessly blend blues, funk, metal, and pop, occasionally veering into unexpected Spanish and Gypsy Jazz arrangements. It is a sophisticated, “swinging” rock ‘n’ roll set that proves why they are one of the most versatile acts on the local circuit.

23:00 – 00:00 | TRAPS (Stage 1) Closing the night in spectacular fashion, TRAPS makes their headline debut with a high-energy explosion of vintage funk and ska covers. The performance carries a special significance, featuring Tom Knott, son of MARLENS founder Arthur Knott at the helm. Expect a foot-stomping, brass-fuelled finale that honours the festival’s roots while keeping the dance floor moving until the very end.

SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL LAKE AND LOCAL MUSIC

Winterfest 2026 is more than just a night of incredible live music; it is a vital lifeline for Clevedon’s Marine Lake. By joining in at The Salthouse pub this Saturday, 24th January, you are directly contributing to the MARLENS charity. Every penny raised from the event helps cover the thousands of pounds needed annually for essential water quality management, infrastructure repairs, and keeping this heritage site free for the entire community.

PLAN YOUR VISIT

• Tickets: Advance tickets are just £6; tickets will also be available on the door.
• Booking Link: https://clevedonmarinelake.org.uk/winterfest-2026/.
• Location: The Salthouse pub, Salthouse Road, Clevedon, North Somerset, BS21 7TY.