Tickets are this year's Dot to Dot Festival are available here.

For years, Dot to Dot festival has been welcoming a music invasion into the cities of Manchester, Bristol and Nottingham. Beginning just in one city and then spreading into what makes it so great today, Dot to Dot has a large and interesting history. Every summer, they bring some of the best new acts and take over multiple venues in each place. But why are festivals like D2D vital for Bristol’s music scene?

D2D is community driven – it’s run for the fans in the many venues Bristol holds dear. Bigger and more historic locations take part, such as Thekla, The Louisiana, The Fleece and Bristol’s O2 Academy, but it’s also really important for the smaller venues.

Bristol’s relationship with music is famous, and it’s the less well-known venues that are at the heart of the city’s artistic passion. Places like the Mr Wolf’s, Mother’s Ruin and the Exchange are regular hot-spots for local and up-and-coming artists, and festivals like D2D really highlight the magic of intimate gigs.

Venues like Hy-Brasil and The Lanes are suited for live music, but they also incorporate great food and even, in the case of The Lanes, bowling! It’s amazing to see events like D2D making the most of these individual settings, showing Bristol at its best and most interesting.

Recently, Rough Trade moved into Bristol’s city centre, which is a cool new hideout for music lovers and record-collectors. There’s no confirmation yet, but hopefully Rough Trade will open its doors for D2D, as they would be a welcomed addition for this year’s festival.

Home-grown acts are often able to use D2D as a platform to spread their music and find fans, and this is central to the festival’s ethos. They want to showcase the brightest unheard talent as well as artists who are on the rise, and by bringing the festival to culturally diverse and friendly cities like Bristol it gives resident musicians a chance to shine on stage.

Local economy and tourism really benefit from D2D too, as the whole city opens up to enjoy the music. With an array of bars and restaurants there’s something for everyone to enjoy in between acts, and (weather depending) lots of beer gardens to sit in and enjoy the summer sun. The Harbourside also provides gorgeous scenic views if you need to escape a venue for a breather.

The 2018 line-up includes acts like The Horrors, Pale Waves and local Bath group Bad Sounds but, if that doesn’t convince you, get involved with D2D on behalf of your local community. Celebrate music, support the venues, see the exciting local bands that you didn’t know about. Buy tickets here.

Tickets are this year's Dot to Dot Festival are available here.