Bristol is a fantastic place to host an event. Whether it’s a conference, awards show, exhibition, or even a private party, there are a whole host of options for exciting, original event venues in Bristol. Why Choose Bristol?
Bristol is a vibrant city in the South-West of England, with a reputation for creativity and original thinking. Artists such as Banksy and Massive Attack hail from Bristol, and other famous sons and daughters of Bristol include James May, Maisie Williams, J.K.Rowling, and the infamous pirate Blackbeard.
Bristol has fantastic transport links to much of the UK, including a fast train which travels from central London to Bristol in just over 1hr. It is 40 minutes from Cardiff, and also has good links to Birmingham and Exeter via train and road.
So if you’re hosting an event and feel that the South-West is your perfect location, what are some of the best event venues in Bristol? Well here are our favourites:
Best for: Large events and Awards Shows
Home of Bristol City Football Club and Bristol Bears rugby, Ashton Gate has always been one of the most popular event venues in Bristol. It offers a huge array of flexible spaces including the Lansdown suite and the fantastic Heineken Lounge. As well as the more traditional spaces, Ashton Gate Stadium boasts a great open concourse area with huge vaulted ceilings, which can be hired as an event space and is perfect if you’re looking for something a bit more unique. The Stadium is making considerable investment into its event spaces for the 2023 season, and have just agreed plans for a new ‘Sporting Quarter’ which includes a hotel and convention centre for exhibitions and conferences.
Best for: Creative Spaces
Better known as a science museum and family attraction, did you know you can also host events at We The Curious? Nestled right in the heart of Bristol on Millennium Square, this place has tons of character and plenty of options for unique spaces to host your event. We The Curious features a large top-floor event space - the Rosalind Franklin Room - with double aspects and balconies onto Millennium Square and Bristol Cathedral, perfect for conferences and private events. They also offer use of the science museum itself after hours, and have many exciting ways of presenting your content, including 360-degree presentation spaces and the stunning planetarium, situated inside an arresting mirrored globe.
And if you want to take the event outside, they also have access to Millennium Square itself, and the huge video screen situated on the wall of the building.
Note: as of 2023, We The Curious is temporarily closed for refurbishment, including a complete upgrade of the Rosalind Franklin event space. They are due to reopen in January 2024.
Best for: Smaller private events, weddings, and intimate exhibitions.
Paintworks Event Space was, until recently, one of Bristol’s best kept secrets. Following the Paintworks housing development, more people have become aware of the space, but it is still relatively hidden along the Bath Road near Temple Meads station. The space features an industrial vibe with high ceilings, exposed brick, and polished concrete and wood floors. Many people love its unique look and the flexibility of the ways in which the event space can be laid out and divided into large and smaller spaces. There are also two outside patio/terrace areas, making this small space surprisingly versatile.
Best for: Live music, secret events, unique conferences & exhibitions
Built originally as a film & TV studio, Box 7 in Bristol has recently begun taking event bookings. Whilst it has a utilitarian and slightly industrial feel, it is unique in that it has extensive sound treatment, making it great for live music. It is completely ‘blacked out’ meaning you can do absolutely anything with the space, and features a viewing gallery, dressing rooms, self-service kitchen and shower facilities, and other hireable spaces on site. There are also ancillary spaces in other buildings such as Unit 4 and Hangar 1. Recently, it has been used for secret parties by the likes of Alfresco Disco, and for tour rehearsals.
There are lots of great options for event venues in Bristol, and the above are just some of our favourites. We work in venues across the country, so if you’re looking for support with your next conference, awards show, or private party, please get in touch.
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