Bristol venue The Crofters Rights will temporarily close for August
The long-standing gig space has said that it hopes to reopen in September, describing the reason behind shuttering as "multi-faceted"
Bristol gig venue and club space The Crofters Rights is set to close its doors for a month.
The venue announced the news via a statement on its website, describing the reasons for its closure as “multifaceted” — though the team shared hopes that the venue will be able to reopen in September after addressing some of these issues.
The most pressing reason cited is a rent dispute with the landlord, with the statement claiming that The Crofters Rights rent has been raised “despite knowing full well how challenging a live music venue is to viably run in 2024”.
Other reasons include the venue's significantly reduced footfall due to the cost of living crisis, and a series of complaints from a “proliferation of new flats opposite the venue."
Read this next: ‘The Artist Pledge’ calls on arena-selling artists to support grassroots music
The statement also refers to the investment required for the building's upkeep, and how August is “historically quiet” due to the venue’s primarily student customer base — making it the best month to temporarily close and address these issues when the “impact on the musicians and promoters is limited”.
The news has been met with disappointment by several local bands and promoters who had shows scheduled at the venue throughout next month, with rock band Kurbside Villain saying they are “absolutely gutted”, and that the situation has made them feel “really insecure as artists” — as well as promoter Jon Henry who described the late cancellation as “catastrophic”.
Read this next: Noods Radio launches crowdfunder amid threat of eviction
Run by hospitality firm Bloomsbury Leisure Group, The Crofters Rights’ sister venue Crofters Garden is set to remain open.
To read the full statement, click here.
Jamaal Johnson is Mixmag's Digital Intern, follow him on Instagram