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Reggae Nights in Bristol

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Bristol's Reggae & Dub Scene

Is Bristol the capital of reggae & dub in the UK?

With the return of the community led St Paul’s carnival (getting national coverage in the Guardian), Bristol has always had claim to be the capital of the Jamaican diaspora sound. Reggae and dub can be heard on the streets of St Paul’s and Stokes Croft, on the airwaves of Ujima and at venues like Cosies and community-centred nights at Kuumba Centre and the Malcolm X centre. While smoking bans and rapid gentrification have murdered the nightlife of London, Bristol has it’s own problems that are impacting the reggae and dub communities. The recent sale of the Rastafari Cultural centre poses a threat to the beating heart of this vibrant scene in Bristol.

While it's still possible to see reggae legends like Lee Perry and Horace Andy at Bristol's large venues (ie Colston Hall and the o2 Academy), live reggae in Bristol is fewer and farther between. Dub and 'soundsystem culture' on the other hand, are literally huge. For the big dub and roots soundclashes, keep an eye on whats on at the Trinity Centre in Bristol, most notably Unity in Dub who's guest soundsystems have included Irration Steppas and the mighty King Earthquake.

On a much smaller scale look at Cosies listings for their weekly roots and reggae night and check whats on at the Attic (attached to the Full Moon on Stokes Croft). Pure ragga, bashment or dancehall events in Bristol are pretty rare, instead a reggae room is a pretty common fixture at big nights at venues like Lakota.

The rapid growth of dubstep in Bristol has brought with it a rekindled interest in modern dub (aka digi-dub aka future dub) and has led to some unlikely dub bookings like Mad Professor at Shit the Bed in the Motion listings.

Buy tickets for reggae & dub events in Bristol

Our recent reggae & dub recommendations

Cult live afro-house dance sensations Afriquoi charmed the world with their fusion of Gambian kora, Congolese guitar, Mandinka percussion and infectious electronics. 100% essential and uplifting experience for all human souls into Francis Bebey, Ata Kak / Awesome Tapes From Africa, UK Funky, The Busy Twist, Onipa, K.O.G. Live African dance music, fusing Congolese guitar + Gambian kora virtuosity with UK electronic sensibilities.

Sell out warning! Easily the finest vocalist of the rubadub revival - Kiko lays on the lovers rock with 80s dancehall swagger (and 21st century finesse), plus vintage Studio One vibes courtesy of local reggae stars Run Come Down. The complete roots package FFO: Sugar Minott, Johnny Clarke, Ini Kamoze, Joe York, Aleighcia Scott. An infectious mix of reggae, dancehall, soul, vintage R&B and hip-hop.

Stolen Body-endorsed mind-melting Martian stoner doom! Longheads are indeed a space travelling band - loaded with big stacks, earth-shaking fuzz solos and epic passages of synapse-warping signature changes. Heavy psych done right FFO: Sabbath, King Gizzard, Slift, Electric Wizard, Spaceslug. Psych Rock Extravaganza

Cybernetic MIDIeval industro-metal, crushingly experimental queer grind-rage….Sharp Noodle Halloween’s really the only place to be for people who don’t scare so easy. £6.66 in advance for that added hex on your online bank statements. A cyber grind & noise Halloween with Sophrosyne, Victim Unit, Nailbreaker, Grotty Scummerz & DJ JG Vs WÜLF GAS

What our editors say

“Inglefest is a grassroots, independent music festival that brings together the vibrant and diverse spirit of the South West's original music scene for three days of live music and celebration. With three clash-free stages and an eclectic lineup, there’s something for everyone to enjoy - from reggae and funk to rock, rap and folk and everything in between, as well as workshops and activities across the weekend.”
From: 15th - 17th August

“over 15 live acts across two stages, Headline TBC also support acts from Tribute bands to local upcoming talent, House/DnB/reggae/UKG DJs. Food and Craft Villages, Large funfair, several bars, newly installed Miniature Steam Railway, children's entertainment.”
From: Severnfest 25

“2025 marks the centenary of Malcolm X. The words of this extraordinary figure can still make us gasp in shock and recognition today. The story of oppressed people gaining a voice and of those who still seek to oppress it, or simply refuse to listen, is told through the spoken text of Malcolm’s incendiary speeches, through reggae music and song.”
From: Ballots or Bullets

“British-Congolese (DRC) artist Liz Ikamba serves up a distinctive sound that fuses inspiration from across the diaspora, from Congo folk music and traditional African rhythms to dub-reggae, jazz, soul and hip-hop. Think Nina Simone, Sade and Erykah Badu with a Congolese twist!”
From: NAMVULA + Liz Ikamba - Double Header

“A rising star, British Jamaican Chloë Rose Laing’s unique influences, past and present, shape her vibrant sound: from the majestic traditional folk of Morocco and North African, and ‘heartical’ roots-reggae, to atmospheric, late-night R&B, and smooth/tough neo-soul.”
From: CHLOË ROSE LAING