Community Rallies to Save Historic Fiddlers Club

A grassroots campaign is urgently seeking support to save the Fiddlers Club, a historic music venue in south Bristol. The venue, which first opened its doors in 1994, is scheduled to be sold at auction on June 17. It has a notable history, having hosted prominent artists such as George Ezra, KT Tunstall, and Billy Bragg.

Community interest company Bedminster Works and arts charity Artspace Lifespace have joined forces to raise funds to acquire the Fiddlers Club. Their goal is to prevent the building from being lost to developers and to re-establish it as a vital community space.

The campaign group aims to negotiate a lease with the current owners to secure the venue's immediate future. This is followed by plans to pursue a long-term community purchase, financed through donations and investments. They emphasize the rapid disappearance of independent venues and the need to preserve such spaces.

The building itself has a rich history, reportedly dating back to the 18th century and serving various purposes before becoming a music venue. It also has a surprising connection to television, having appeared in episodes of "Only Fools and Horses."

Supporters highlight the venue's importance for live music, noting its intimate atmosphere and excellent sound quality, as experienced by concertgoers. The Music Venue Trust underscores the critical role of grassroots venues in the UK's live music scene, with Bristol having a significant concentration of musicians.