Just back from the opening of the Bristol Design Festival down in the old Fire Station. Don’t let the website put you off (it’s a bit Flash heavy and not very up to date). The festival is getting underway with a wide range of product and concept designs, including the ever popular Grafikea.

Upstairs is the Expressions design show from UWE final year students, quite a few dealing with various packaging and fast food solutions (obviously close to the interests of students) but also some very clever ideas including a neonatal incubator designed to encourage and strengthen the bond between between premature babies and their mothers.

The main floor has design consultancy showcases from across Bristol (and beyond) and the Grafikea exhibits. Mobile Pie have set up an SMS voting system so you can text your vote for the best example of what you can do with a Lack table from Ikea, and you can buy your favourite table direct from the artist (prices vary, the ones I saw went from £15 up).

Lots to look forward to over the coming 4 days:

• Spike Design (Spike Island) Sat, 14 to Thur 19 June, 10:00-18:30
• Drop In Design (The Old Fire Station) Sat, 14 June, 11:00-16:00
• The Pitch in partnership with businesszone.co.uk (The Old Fire Station) Mon, 16 June, 14:00
• Designer Karaoke (The Watershed) Mon, 16 June, 18:30-23:00