40 years of Thekla

All words and images by Libby Smith

If someone were to ask you to list the most iconic music venues in Bristol, it is likely that Thekla would be amongst your answers.

Thekla has made a huge name for itself across the globe for its uniqueness and incredible diversity when it comes to events. No matter what genre you’re into, the glorious boat has a night for you, and last week I stepped aboard the vessel to celebrate its 40 year legacy with a night filled with incredible talent and infectious beats.

Henge

The first act of the night, Henge, were no strangers to me. I first discovered them in 2020 at Bangface Festival, and was blown away by what I’d stumbled across. As soon as they graced the Thekla main stage, the room seemed to flood with serotonin, and the lead singer, Zpor, explained that this boat was not actually a boat, but a spaceship. The crowd was instantly transported into a world of cosmic, psychedelic beats and otherworldly energy. The entire set from start to finish was nothing short of addictive, and everyone was constantly jumping, dancing and smiling.

Each band member, with their incredible costumes and boundless talent, played a vital part in the voyage through space and time. It was clear that every single person that filled the room was there for Henge and Henge alone. Electrifying energy bounced from from one person to another, and I believe that the beautiful unearthly music amidst the chaos of the crowd is something everyone should witness.

Finishing at around 9:30, I was left feeling pretty emotional, as well as beaming with energy for the next event, something I knew would be a lot heavier and equally as incredible, My Nu Leng and Kahn and Neek, presented by 51°27.

Kahn and Neek

Setting the next event off was local DJ, Gillan, providing some dark footwork beats whilst the room began to fill with excited dancing, and before long the night was in full swing. Both My Nu Leng and Kahn and Neek unleashed hours of filthy basslines, techno and 140 rhythms that successfully rocked the boat. Although the room wasn’t as full as the first event, the unstoppable force from each raver and the seamless blend of tunes made for a great night. This encouraged me to stay until the end to catch the talented closing DJ, Medis. Overall, each set created a truly euphoric night of relentless vibrance and energy. This was reflected in the blends, the friendliness of the crowd, and the numerous smiles I saw throughout the night.

I’ve spent many nights in Thekla, but celebrating its 40th birthday was truly one to remember, and as I left the venue after almost 6 hours, I felt fulfilled. Both events were incredibly encapsulating in their own ways and with their own audiences, however they had equal amounts of that buzzing energy that always makes nights like these so successful and unforgettable. Happy Birthday Thekla!