The Fleece
The Fleece is a legendary independent live music venue on the ground floor of the Grade II listed Wool Hall, a building originally constructed in 1830 as a sheep trading market. It opened as a music venue in 1982 under the name The Fleece and Firkin. Owner Chris Sharp acquired the lease in 2010 and later increased the capacity from 330 to 450 after renovations. The venue hosts live music and club nights seven days a week, programming a wide range of genres including indie, alternative, metal, rock, punk, ska, reggae, country, Americana, acoustic, pop, urban, goth, industrial, electro, gypsy, swing, and steampunk, as well as professional tribute and cover bands. It has also screened major sporting events. The Fleece retains original architectural features such as a flagstone floor and stone pillars, and boasts one of the longest bars in Bristol. A groundbreaking redesign in 2021 added a larger stage and upgraded sound, lighting, and viewing screens. The venue is fully accessible with a dedicated viewing area and has campaigned successfully against closure threats, contributing to changes in national planning policy to protect UK music venues.
