Wapping Wharf, the extensive Bristol waterfront development now nearing completion of its first phase, is to become the jazz quarter for this weekend’s Habour Festival.
The area will include a bandstand offering a performance space for some of Bristol’s top jazz musicians along with a bar and food outlet.
Wapping Wharf developer Umberslade believes hosting the festival’s first stage dedicated just to jazz will attract visitors to the area on Saturday and Sunday. 
When complete, the scheme is expected to become a new, vibrant and community-focused neighbourhood, stretching from Cumberland Road down to the new Museum Square on the Harbourside next to M Shed, with 600 apartments along with independent restaurants, cafes and shops. The first phase of 194 apartments and 865 sq m of retail and leisure space is almost complete
A second phase will incorporate the listed former Bristol Gaol gatehouse and buildings as employment space along with a further 325 apartments and shop units. A third, residential phase will developed at a later stage.
Umberslade director Stuart Hatton said: “Wapping Wharf is a new Bristol neighbourhood with a community focus at its heart. So sponsoring the Harbour Festival, one of the city’s most hotly anticipated summer events, and hosting its jazz quarter seemed like an ideal opportunity for us. It’s a perfect way to engage with Bristolians – as well as new visitors to this wonderful city.”
The jazz quarter will be held in the old gaol area off Wapping Road. Performers on Saturday include The Gershwin Gang, Mohawkestra and the Damn Busters, while Sunday’s line-up will feature Bucucrasu and Kesty Morrison, Mark Lawrence and World Government.
Visitors to the jazz quarter will also be able to see Wapping Wharf’s barbershop-themed Bahhbersheep sculpture in its own specially-designed sheep pen as part of the Shaun in the City charity arts trail.
The Harbour Festival, the city’s largest cultural event, runs from Friday evening to Sunday with activities stretching for more than two miles around Bristol’s waterfront and featuring dance, music, arts and circus.
Pictured: Wapping Wharf’s Bahhbersheep Shaun with artist Gavin Strange, left, and Umberslade director Stuart Hatton
