Thekla
BEST FOR
Ages 14-18
WHERE
Bristol
What it’s like
A boat moored on the Bristol harbourside doing gigs from Pulp to Stormzy, plus late club nights, strictly for the 14 to 18 crowd.
This is a music venue on an actual ship, and the acts listed range from Pulp to Stormzy to Phoebe Bridgers, so it's not a token teen disco. Most gigs are 14+, though some are pushed up to 18+ and that'll be stated on the listing or the ticket itself.
Club nights run Thursday to Saturday from 10pm to 3am, with Wednesdays added in during term time, and last entry is 1.30am or 2am depending on the event. Gigs themselves tend to wrap by 10pm or 11pm. Nobody's pretending the boat actually goes anywhere, despite what the name might suggest, it stays firmly moored.
Tickets go through an official ticketing partner rather than a box office on site, though if a show isn't sold out you can buy on the door. Group bookings for club nights are sorted by message rather than online, which feels a bit old fashioned but apparently gets a quicker reply than email.
Access is the genuine catch here. It's a ship, so level access isn't possible, motorised wheelchairs can't be accommodated, and there are no disabled toilets. There's balcony seating available on request for accessibility, but you're looking at nine steps to reach it. Anyone needing a full-time assistant can get a free companion ticket, which is at least something, but it's limited so don't leave the email until the last minute.
Facilities
Need to know
- Best for
- 14 to 18 year olds, older teens keen on live gigs and club nights
- Last entry
- 1:30am-2am for club nights depending on event
- Parking
- Council-operated car park in front of venue on The Grove
- Wheelchairs
- Limited access. Free essential companion tickets available
- The venue is a moored ship, it doesn't sail anywhere on the night
- Essential companion tickets are free but limited, so email proof of eligibility early
- Gigs finish by 10pm or 11pm, club nights run much later at 3am or 4am
- Rowdy or drunk behaviour can get you turned away at the door
Plan your visit
What ages can come to gigs?
Most events are 14+. If a gig is 18+ instead, it'll say so on the website listing or the ticket.
Can we just turn up and buy tickets on the door?
You can, as long as the show hasn't sold out. Otherwise it's through their official ticketing partner, there's no box office at the venue itself.
How late do club nights go?
Thursday to Saturday, 10pm to 3am, plus Wednesdays in term time. Last entry is 1.30am or 2am depending on the event.
Is there parking nearby?
There's a council-operated car park right in front on The Grove, worth checking the charges on Parkopedia before you go.
What if my child uses a wheelchair?
Access is limited because of the ship structure, no level access and no motorised wheelchairs. Balcony seating can be arranged on request, but there are nine steps to reach it.
How do we book for a group at a club night?
Message the venue on Facebook, that's the fastest route to a crew member, or call or email the office.
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