Music scene ‘outraged’ as ‘greedy management’ closes venue

Gig promoters and artists have been shocked by the unexpected temporary closure of The Crofters Rights on Stokes Croft.

The decision, that the group behind the venue say they have taken to “keep afloat during quieter times,” has caused stakeholders to scramble for new venues just days before scheduled events.

Alongside Crofters, the Bloomsbury Leisure Group is responsible for several other music venues across the country.

The first event impacted by the closure was a gig organised by promoter Sharp Noodle on Saturday, July 27.

 

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A disappointed Jon Henry from Sharp Noodle told Bristol24/7: “I contacted Crofters this afternoon after hearing about the possible closure from an Instagram DIY promotion account.

“Crofters forwarded me a response. Had I not contacted them I doubt I would have been notified at all.

“Had I cancelled any gigs this late myself, I would still be liable for part or all of the hire fees.”

Bloomsbury Leisure Group, the firm behind The Crofters Rights, sent this message to gig promoters in response to queries about the closure. photo – Matt Barrow

Matt Barrow, who was due to perform on Saturday, is “outraged” at the lack of support from the venue.

He told Bristol24/7: “Despite the gigs still being advertised on the venue website, promoters have been told by email that the Directors made this decision to protect their profits over the summer.

“Apparently no thought to the promoters, sound techs, bands, musicians, gig goers and those who have bought tickets.

“The group own multiple bars and venues in the city and elsewhere, and clearly believe that they owe nothing to Bristol’s vibrant music scene [but] exist only to make a profit in their precarious business model.

“No offer to support promoters or bands by hosting in their other venues, offering financial support or helping in any way.

“No news on what they will do with their staff or suppliers.”

Henry referred to this news as a “nail in the coffin” and added: “Touring bands already deterred by Brexit red tape will think twice before coming to Bristol when they find that tours that have taken months to prepare are at the mercy of greedy management companies that can throw plans into disarray at the drop of a hat.

“It’s not too late for the directors who made this short-sighted decision to do the right thing, change their minds and open for the gigs they’ve committed to hosting.

“Bristol will forgive them if they do the right thing soon.”

Bristol24/7 contacted The Crofters Rights and Bloomsbury Leisure Group for comment but haven’t heard back yet.

In an email seen by Bristol24/7, a Bloomsbury representative said: “I’m really sorry to let you know that due to the incredibly difficult nature to keep afloat during quieter times, the Crofters Rights has decided to close over the summer with a view to reopening September.

“Unfortunately, our director has requested this with immediate effect which has affected all booked gigs from today.

“I apologise for the late notice as this will affect your gigs. I hope you are able to reschedule/find a new venue.”

Main photo: Karen Johnson

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