O2 Academy Bristol
Our Bristol main stage since our inaugeral outing in the great South West city. With its two rooms and a classic academy vibe, it’s the perfect venue to catch a D2D headliner at. Having opened in 2001, it was only the third Academy venue in the UK!
Bristol Beacon
New for 2021! Bristol Beacon (formerly known as Colston Hall) opened as a concert venue in 1867 and became one of the most important rock music venues in Britain, hosting acts like The Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Elton John, Led Zeppelin and Pink Floyd. The city’s largest concert hall will now take its place in our family of D2D venues.
Thekla
Thekla is not only a boat, it’s one of Bristol’s longest running entertainment venues. Originally converted in 1982 by legendary Vivian Stanshill, it has a long history of entertaining Bristol with everything from theatre, cabaret, live music and DJs as well as acting as a canvas for elusive artist, Banksy. On D2D day, you’ll find our wristband exchange and loads of fun festival extras around its home at East Mud Dock. This year, Thekla hosts 3 stages: the main room downstairs, the top deck bar and new for 2021 is Dockside the new outdoor stage 🤘
The Louisiana
A Bristol institution. The Louisiana is a cosy gig venue in what once was a seafarer’s hotel, hosting live music in their upstairs room, above their traditional style pub on the ground floor.
The Fleece
From one institution to another, The Fleece is one of Bristol’s most legendary live music venues. Housed in a former Victorian wool hall, the venue has a well-earned reputation for putting on some of the best gigs in the city.
Rough Trade
Shortly after opening their Nottingham store (part of D2D Nottingham), Rough Trade launched a 4th UK store, this time in Bristol, and joined the D2D map here too. The first Rough Trade store opened in London in 1976 and the rest is history…
Exchange
A Community Benefit Society focused on supporting a wide range of musical projects and creative endeavours, Exchange opened it’s doors as a Live Music / Club Venue in August 2012. Since opening they have played host to a wide array of artists including The 1975, Haim, George Ezra, Rag n Bone Man, (the) Melvins, Four Tet, IDLES, Sleaford Mods and many more.
The Lanes
Everyone’s favourite bar-slash-eaterie-slash-venue-slash-bowling alley. Everything you need for a good night out all in one place! This year The Lanes are doubling up the fun with both a stage in the bar area, and one in the courtyard.
Mr Wolfs
Up and running for more than 14 years, the family run Mr Wolf’s is open 7 nights a week bringing touring artists, DJs, parties and local artists to the stage in the heart of Bristol.
Fiddlers
Situated in a historic stone building that started life as a jail as long ago as 1740, Fiddlers has an enviable reputation for great gig nights. Some of the best talent Bristol has to offer will be gracing their stage this Dot To Dot.
The Crown
A historic pub in the centre of Bristol, The Crown will be back with us in 2021 for great bands and crisp lagers.
Lost Horizon
A new independent arts centre and bar in the heart of Bristol created by the team behind Glastonbury’s Shangri-La. This is where our D2D afterparty will be happening, keep your ears to the ground for more info.
Strange Brew
Strange Brew is Bristol’s newest arts/music venue and cafe-bar. Head over during D2D for ‘High Volume: Bristol Sounds’; a photography exhibition by Mark Simmons, documenting Bristol’s music scene since the 1980s. From 10pm the venue will be hosting a techno/electronic clubnight with sets from TSVI, Anunaku, object blue, Ani Klang, k means & Duswunder.
Here’s a handy map of all our venues for Bristol!