Listings for Thekla

Description

Situated on a moored boat on Bristol’s floating harbour, Thekla is a unique venue which welcomes a variety of music. Artists who have played there include Dismemberment Plan, Roachford, Jagwar Ma, 65daysofstatic, Laura Veirs, Craig Charles, Massive Attack, Poliça and Pere Ubu. It has also hosted many club nights under club brands such as fiftyone27, hospitality, fruity antics, shoestring, blowup and many more. Phelka also hosts the much-loved alternative indie night Pressure, which has become legendary and also many other student nights which showcase a range of genres. There is no doubt that Thelka is an extremely iconic venue in the Bristol music scene, especially with its spectacular artwork on the side of the boat by local artist Banksy.

Since its refurbishment in 2006, Thelka has won awards, including Best Small Venue in the Southwest in 2011 and 2012 and Best Venue Teamwork in the 2014 live business awards. Thelka is currently owned by the DHP family, after being owned by Viv Stansell and his wife Ki for many years.

Thekla Capacity

A notoriously intimate venue, Thelka has a capacity of 800 people inside the unique setting of the boat. The venue also has an upstairs, but to really soak up the music and the atmosphere, it is best to stand front and centre. The venue is all standing but can provide seating on request. 

Thelka Contact and Opening times

Contact

If you have any general enquiries, call 0115 8964456

For any ticket bookings or enquiries, please call 0117 929 3301

Box Office opening times

Thelka opening hours are 12pm - 6pm.

The club also operates on Thursday, Friday and Saturday nights from 10pm - 3am and on Wednesday nights during the student term time.

Getting there

Thelka is easily accessible by both public transport and by car, as it is situated fairly centrally. Thelka address is:

The Grove, East Mud Dock, Bristol BS1 4RB

Train: if you are taking the train, then this is only a 10 minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads station

Bus: if you are planning on taking the bus, then bus routes 24, 25, 50, 52, 75, 76, 90, 121, 902, 903 and 904 all stop on the Grove which is by the venue.

Car: driving to Thelka is very easy as there is a large car park just outside the venue which is run by the council. Parking there costs £2.50 after 6pm.

Access

Unfortunately, Thelka is not a very accessible venue and it is very difficult to provide level access. There is incredibly limited wheelchair access inside the venue and it is not recommended to bring a wheelchair. However, if you contact the venue prior to your visit on 0117 929 3301, this can be discussed further and seating and access can be organised.

Free companion tickets are available and Thelka also accepts access cards, which will offer automatic entitlement to the free companion ticket.

There are no disabled toilet facilities but staff are happy to provide assistance.

Assistance Dogs

Given that the venue is extremely loud and busy, it is not recommended to bring an access dog. However, companion concessions will be provided on these occasions.

Facilities and Age Restrictions

Facilities

The venue has a cloakroom and several bars inside. There are also toilets throughout the venue.

Age Restrictions

Most gigs are 14+, however please check your ticket as some gigs and of course club nights, are 18+.

History

The beautiful old boat which makes Thekla was built in Germany in 1959 and then was use d to transport timber around the Baltic sea. It then became a very successful club during the 80s and 90s, and was owned by legends Viv Stanstell and his wife, but then changed hands to the DHP company, who are its current owners. It continues to host a range of live entertainment and one of the most iconic music venues in Bristol.

Photos of Thekla

Featured videos

The 'Thekla' Documentary - Bristol.

UKF Bristol @ Thekla 18.11.2011