Concert
Concerts in Bristol
Bristol Beacon, the O2 Academy, a gig on a boat: upcoming Bristol concerts and what the crowd thought.
Bristol is the city of trip-hop and has a strong bass and electronic scene, but it still has no large indoor arena: the planned YTL Arena, at Brabazon in Filton, is not expected to open before 2027. Gigs therefore take place in mid-sized and small venues, which is part of their charm.
The largest is Bristol Beacon, the city-centre concert hall formerly known as Colston Hall, which reopened in late 2023 after a major renovation and hosts orchestras, rock, folk and comedy. O2 Academy Bristol, near the city centre, and SWX host touring bands and club nights. Thekla, a former cargo ship moored in the Floating Harbour, has been a venue since the 1980s, and the Trinity Centre, a converted church in Old Market, is known for punk, reggae and electronic nights.
In summer, open-air concert series on the Harbourside and on Clifton Downs bring bigger names to the city. Most venues are within walking distance of Bristol Temple Meads station or the centre. For theatre and comedy, see what’s on in Bristol.
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Band of Horses - Celebrating 20 Years of Everything All The Time
Band of Horses
O2 Academy Bristol · Bristol
Upcoming
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Fat Freddy's Drop - 21st anniversary of Based on a True Story
Fat Freddy's Drop
Prospect (Bristol) · Bristol
Upcoming
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Avatar's the Last Airbender - Film with Live Orchestra
Avatar - The Last Airbender
Bristol Beacon · Bristol
Upcoming
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Frequently asked questions
What are the biggest concert venues in Bristol?
Bristol Beacon and O2 Academy Bristol are the largest indoor venues, followed by SWX, Thekla and the Trinity Centre. Large open-air concerts take place in summer on the Harbourside and Clifton Downs.
Does Bristol have an arena?
Not yet. The YTL Arena is planned at Brabazon, in Filton on the northern edge of Bristol, but it is not expected to open before 2027. Until then, the biggest arena tours usually stop in Cardiff or Birmingham.
What is Thekla?
Thekla is a former cargo ship moored in Bristol’s Floating Harbour that has been a music venue since the 1980s. It hosts gigs by touring bands and club nights.