With exam season almost over, it’s time to start making summer plans. And for those of you who enjoy music, we’ve gathered a list of some of the best venues for gigs in Bristol! Whether it’s to hire and perform yourselves or to enjoy some live music with your friends, these venues are a must-visit.
The Trinity Centre
Trinity Centre, Trinity Rd, St Jude’s, Bristol BS2 0NW
This venue has been playing live music since 1976, and is still around today! Known for its acoustics, it hosts a busy programme filled with unique sounds. Trinity also acts as a community hall, and has multiple events besides music to check out!
The Fleece
12 St Thomas St, Redcliffe, Bristol BS1 6JJ
This venue used to be a Victorian wool hall, however, it now regularly hosts live music gigs from a range of music genres, alongside club nights. A Grade II listed building, it boasts recent refurbishments that enhance the experience. These include a larger stage and viewing screens. Some famous names it has hosted in the past include Radiohead, Coldplay and Ed Sheeran.
The Louisiana
Wapping Rd, Bathurst Terrace, Bristol BS1 6UA
One of the smaller venues, The Louisiana is located above a pub and holds a capacity of 140 people. Dedicated to nurturing homegrown talent, they also host national bands. They are great at giving unknown acts a chance. Check them out this summer at one of Bristol’s many festivals. They are actually acting as a fringe venue for the Harbourside Festival, and are one of the venues in Bristol’s Dot-to-Dot festival.
Bristol Beacon
Trenchard St, Bristol BS1 5AR
This Grade II building is managed by the Bristol Music Trust and is home to some of the best eclectic music around. They have been hosting live music since 1867, and are able to boast big names like The Beatles. As a charity, they also work with young people, emerging artists and communities to create life-changing musical experiences.
St George’s Bristol
Great George St, Bristol BS1 5RR
St George’s 580-seat concert hall was converted from a 200-year-old Georgian church, and is a truly special space where we welcome the finest performances from the world’s greatest artists. The hall also has what Sir Simon Rattle called ‘the best acoustic for chamber music in Europe’ – meaning you can experience every note, riff, song, or symphony with perfect clarity (and often, no amplification at all!)
So you might know them for their music, but they have so much more to offer. As well as a space for music, they’re a space for performance, learning and ideas. They even offer a philosophy season, lots of events for children and families, lunchtime concerts, plus author talks and comedians. And their beautiful building has expanded too – they now have a contemporary pavilion-style extension housing the Café Bar and Glass Studio space.
The Lanes
22 Nelson St, Bristol BS1 2LE
The Lanes is one of the more unique venues on this list, as it boasts a stringless bowling alley alongside live music. It promises a fun and lively experience, with a busy schedule for summer. As well as gigs, they also offer karaoke!
Exchange
72, 73 Old Market St, Bristol BS2 0EJ
This venue holds two separate spaces, one with a small capacity of 60 people, and the other with a capacity of 250 people. It is a Community Benefit Society and focuses on supporting a wide range of musical projects and creative endeavours. Probably one of the most recently established venues on our list, it started hosting live music in 2012. However, this has not held it back as they maintain an exciting gig programme.
Comment below if you feel there are any venues missed out! For more things to do this summer in Bristol, check out this article with the best restaurants to try.
