ON THE TRAIL
Take a tour of the West Country city’s finest music venues, from the new Beacon to one in a former church
1 WANTED RECORDS
Start the day at St Nicholas Market, Bristol’s oldest, held in a cathedrallike structure that’s been a place to trade, snack and shop in since 1743. In the heart of the Old City, surrounded by handsome Georgian buildings and indie boutiques, the market is a must for vinyl vultures. Wanted Records buys and sells jazz, reggae, psychedelic and progressive rock, hip-hop, folk and myriad sub-genres, including collectible items. wantedrecords.co.uk
Head to church —a former one that functions as a top venue for classical, jazz and folk music. An extension to the Greek Revival building in 2018 added a pavilion for art exhibitions and performances, plus a cafebar whose leafy courtyard is a great pit-stop for coffee, cake or toasties after a stroll around nearby Brandon Hill. Look out for regular lunchtime concerts and ‘mini beats’ sessions for kids. stgeorgesbristol.co.uk
Hosting club nights, gigs and concerts, Bristol’s newest venue has completely reimagined the former live music landmark Colston Hall, bringing four new performance spaces to the city. Opening its doors in November 2023, the Beacon bills itself as having some of the best acoustics in Europe. This year, its main stage will host shows by artists including Orbital, Robert Plant and Róisín Murphy. bristolbeacon.org
3 STOKES CROFT
Explore the city’s creative quarter, defined by indie shops and Bristol’s highest concentration of street art, including Banksy murals. As well as plant-based dining spot
