Top 10 live music venues in Bristol

Bristol is the birthplace of iconic bands like Massive Attack and Portishead. It also has a thriving, diverse music scene. Whether you’re a student or a young music lover, Bristol has something for everyone. This post explores the top live music venues in Bristol.

Bristol’s vibrant music scene has its own identity, with iconic venues like Thekla, Rough Trade, and Bristol Beacon.

The city’s festivals, such as Love Saves The Day and Bristol Harbour Festival, unite thousands to celebrate music. These opportunities demonstrate why Bristol is inspiring for those with musical ambitions. 

At Access Creative College, we are based in the heart of the city, at Access Creative College we actively embrace Bristol’s dynamic music spirit. Our college is located on the historic site of The Bierkeller. This venue once hosted iconic performers like Nirvana and Arctic Monkeys, reflecting its deep-rooted connection to music history. 

Now, let’s dig into Bristol’s top 10 live concert venues!

 

1) Thekla

Location: East Mud Dock, The Grove, Bristol BS1 4RB  

 

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Thekla isn’t just a live music venue – it’s a boat! Docked in Bristol Harbour, Thekla offers a unique setting, attracting up-and-coming artists alongside established acts. Its intimate size guarantees you’re always close to the action. With its rich history as a venue and nightclub, Thekla is a must-see for anyone new to Bristol. 

 

2) Colston Hall (Now Bristol Beacon)  

Location: Trenchard Street, Bristol BS1 5AR  

 

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Renamed Bristol Beacon, this legendary venue has been a hub for live music since 1867. With state-of-the-art acoustics and a 2,000-person capacity, it attracts everyone from classical orchestras to indie rock bands. Its central location and balanced mix of genres make it appealing to diverse audiences.  

 

3) O2 Academy Bristol  

 

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Location: Frogmore Street, Bristol BS1 5NA  

Part of the national O2 Academy network, this venue is perfect for catching well-known bands and touring acts. Its standing capacity of 1,600 creates a dynamic experience, amplifying the energy during gigs. 

 

4) The Fleece  

 

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Location: 12 St Thomas Street, Bristol BS1 6JJ  

A quintessential Bristol live venue, The Fleece is loved for its intimate yet electric vibe. With exposed brick walls and a long-standing history in Bristol’s music scene, it has welcomed everyone from Ed Sheeran to Nirvana (tribute band). Its proximity to the city centre makes it a convenient stop for students and general music fans.  

 

5) Motion

 

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Location: 74-78 Avon Street, Bristol BS2 0PX  

Known mostly as a dance club, Motion also holds dynamic live concerts. Its raw industrial vibe and sprawling space make it stand out as one of Bristol’s more alternative music venues. This repurposed warehouse stages a mix of live gigs from all genres and creates unforgettable experiences.

 

6) Trinity Centre  


Location: Trinity Road, Bristol BS2 0NW  

This historic Grade II-listed former church adds a magical touch to live performances. The Trinity Centre is renowned for hosting eclectic music nights, ranging from reggae to electronic music. Its commitment to fostering a sense of community makes it unique among Bristol live music venues.  

Peaches, U2 and the Prodigy have all performed here.

 

7) SWX  

 

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Location: 15 Nelson Street, Bristol BS1 2JY  

SWX boasts a vibrant live music calendar and is one of the most versatile mid-sized concert spots in the city. Known for its modern sound and lighting systems, SWX delivers high-quality performances every time. Highlights range from indie acts to energetic DJ nights.  

 

8) Exchange  


Location: 72 – 73 Old Market Street, Bristol BS2 0EJ

A hub for Bristol’s underground music scene, the Exchange combines a love for live music with a community ethos. Featuring smaller, often local acts alongside international tours, this venue creates opportunities for you to discover music before it hits the mainstream.  The venue allows a more intimate 250 capacity.

 

9) The Louisiana  


Location: Wapping Road, Bathurst Terrace, Bristol BS1 6UA  

One of Bristol’s most intimate venues in a small room above a pub, The Louisiana is a platform for emerging artists. Found in the city centre, it offers a welcoming and personal live music experience. If you love the thrill of discovering the next big thing, this is where you’ll want to spend your evenings.  

 

10) St George’s Bristol  


Location: Great George Street, Bristol BS1 5RR

Known for its acoustics, St George’s Bristol is a venue of choice for classical and acoustic performances. This Georgian building combines historical elegance with contemporary programming. It often features jazz, folk, and world music, making it a standout venue for sophisticated music lovers.  

 

Music Courses at Access Creative College Bristol

ACC Student playing guitar

Here at Access Creative College Bristol we offer a range of industry-focused music courses tailored to today’s evolving music industry. These programmes are designed to equip students with both the technical expertise and creative skills needed to succeed. Here’s an overview of the music courses available:

  • Level 2 Music Performance and Vocal ArtistIdeal for those starting their musical journeys, this course hones performance skills, with a focus on vocal technique and stage presence.
  • Level 2 Music TechnologyAimed at aspiring producers, this course lays the foundation for understanding music production tools and techniques.
  • Level 3 Music PerformanceHone your performance skills with in-depth training on instruments, vocals, and live music preparation.
  • Level 3 Music ProductionPerfect for aspiring producers, this course teaches technical skills like music arrangement, composition, and digital production, alongside a deep understanding of music theory.
  • Level 3 Vocal ArtistThis course allows vocalists to refine their sound and artistry while learning how to perform in professional settings.
  • Level 4 Artist DevelopmentTailored for those looking to take their musical careers further, this advanced course focuses on creating a professional portfolio and exploring live and recorded performance opportunities.

 

Real-world experience for future professionals

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A standout feature of studying at Access Creative College is our strong ties to Bristol’s music community. Students benefit from partnerships with local venues and festivals, giving them hands-on industry experience. 

For example:

  • Collaborations with festivals like Latitude, Love Saves The Day, and Green Man give music students the chance to perform on exclusive ACC stages or gain behind-the-scenes experience in roles like press, media, and stage production.
  • Performance opportunities at renowned venues such as Bristol Beacon allow students to showcase their talent to live audiences.
  • Regular guest speakers and collaborations with music organisations like Pirate Studios provide insights into the music business and valuable connections.

These practical opportunities ensure students are not only learning in the classroom but are also actively preparing for careers in what is an exciting yet competitive industry.

 

Why Bristol and Access Creative College?

ACC Bristol campus

Studying music in Bristol at Access Creative College is a unique experience. The city’s creative energy is palpable, and its history serves as daily inspiration. Whether you’re drawn to reggae, electronic music, or live performance, there’s a place for you to grow and thrive here. 

Combining Bristol’s rich music heritage with Access Creative College’s cutting-edge courses and industry connections gives students unmatched opportunities to develop their craft and build professional networks.

For anyone passionate about pursuing a career in music, Access Creative College in Bristol offers not just a world-class education but a gateway to becoming part of one of the UK’s most celebrated music scenes.

Apply online for one of our courses at Bristol today!

Lewis Charlesworth
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Last updated on: 29th January 2025