Thekla

Thekla is a converted German cargo ship moored in Bristol's Floating Harbour, operating as a live music venue and nightclub since 1984. The vessel was built in 1958 in Büsum, Germany, and was brought to Bristol by Ki Longfellow and Vivian Stanshall, originally opening under the name The Old Profanity Showboat before being relaunched as Thekla in 1987. In 2006 it was purchased by national promoter DHP Family, who continue to operate it today. In May 2024 the venue marked its 40th year of operation. The main room occupies the ship's cargo hold and holds 400 for live music, while the full venue across two floors reaches a capacity of 600 for club nights. A smaller upstairs bar area accommodates between 100 and 170 people and functions as a second room or private hire space. Thekla programmes indie, alternative, rock, punk, and electronic acts alongside regular club nights focused on indie, pop-punk, and emo, with additional nights covering hip-hop, house, and bass music. The venue was named NME's Best Small Venue in the South West in both 2011 and 2012.