Bristol is renowned as a thriving arts and culture hub, and music is at the very heart of this. Countless musicians have cut their teeth here, with many more famous acts coming back to play in front of adoring crowds. With so many different venues to visit, you won’t have to wait too long to see some of your favourite bands in Bristol.
There are a number of popular direct routes served by CrossCountry that can take you to Bristol, including from Birmingham, Cardiff, and Sheffield. Whether you want to support up-and-coming artists or see your favourite artist, explore CrossCountry’s favourite live music venues in Bristol.
Bristol Beacon
One of the oldest and most famous music venues in Bristol is the Bristol Beacon. Formerly known as Colston Hall, Bristol Beacon transformed itself in 2023, making way for a sleek and modern concert venue that has lost none of its prior charm and history. To further preserve the heritage of Colston Hall, an interactive gallery and library was opened to visitors that uncovers over 150 years of history.
Part of this history includes welcoming iconic acts such as The Beatles, Elton John, and Jimi Hendrix. Today, the Bristol Beacon continues to host a wide variety of acts in four distinct performance spaces, catering to all different kinds of genres and events.
The Bristol Beacon is ideally situated in the centre of Bristol and is either a fifteen-minute bus journey or a twenty-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads.
Trinity Centre
The Trinity Centre is more than just a live music venue; it is a self-described centre for the people. . One way Trinity Centre achieves this is by showcasing magnetising musical talent, including iconic artists such as Gorillaz, The Prodigy, and Young Fathers. The Centre is a Grade II listed building, which makes for a unique gig anytime you visit due to its striking interior.
Beyond the live music, there is a wide range of community-focused events throughout the year, including interactive Afro-Brazilian drumming festivals, ballroom dance classes, and half-term activities for all the family to get involved in.
The Trinity Centre is less than a twenty-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads.
The Prospect Building
The Prospect Building attracts some of the biggest and hottest names in the music industry. The space covers over 25,000 square feet, and it utilises every inch. There are lots of open-door events taking place throughout the summer, so visitors can enjoy the sun in the company of friends, food, and their favourite artists. Despite only opening to the public in 2024, it has made a name for itself within the music world and is drawing in some major acts from the UK and beyond, such as Annie Mac, The Fratellis, and J.I.D.
Located along the riverfront of the River Avon, The Prospect Building is just over ten minutes walking distance from Temple Meads station.
St George’s
St George’s Café Bar offers something a little more unique than more typical live music venues. Situated in a converted Georgian church, St George’s provides some of the best acoustics for chamber music and, with 580 seats, is perfectly curated for a sonically satisfying experience. Your experience can differ depending on the time of day, with lunchtime concerts providing a lighter ambience paired with tea or coffee, whereas a concert in the evening can be a spine-tingling and atmospheric experience.
The café has an extensive menu for you to peruse prior to the concert, with pre-show platters being a popular choice that include a wide range of sharing dishes such as dolmades, stuffed peppers, and a variety of cheeses.
St George’s is a ten-minute bus ride direct from Temple Meads station.
Thekla
Another one of the unique Bristol music venues is Thekla, located not by the River Avon, but on it. What was once a German sea-faring vessel is now an award-winning floating live music venue. Adorned with Bristol’s most famous artist, Banksy’s piece ‘The Grim Reaper’, Thekla embodies the creative and artistic outlook of the entire city. It has been a popular spot for locals and tourists alike ever since it opened as a venue in the 1990s and continues to attract high-profile musical acts to perform in this one-of-a-kind venue, and it is famous within the Bristol jazz scene, hosting several local jazz acts over the years.
With a history as fascinating as Thekla’s, it would be remiss not to have her story told in print. Luckily for visitors, this book is available to purchase as you hop on board!
The ship is just under a fifteen-minute walk from Temple Meads station.
If you’re planning a musical trip to Bristol, don’t forget to book Advance rail tickets via our website or the CrossCountry app. Before you travel, make sure to check scheduled train times to find the best journey for you. If you need more information, you can contact us here.
Info
At the time of publishing, all information given is correct. Details of events, businesses, and locations included may be subject to change by third parties. Please make sure to check any details with organisers before you travel.
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