Get the latest gossip
‘Thekla runs a tight ship’: Bristol’s floating venue marks 40 years at dock
Vessel which has hosted acts from Pulp to Stormzy to celebrate anniversary with series of shows, exhibition and book
It started life as a cargo ship transporting timber around the Baltic Sea, but for the last four decades it has been moored in the Mud Dock area of Bristol’s floating harbour, hosting music acts from Pulp to Stormzy, helping launch the city’s drum‘n’bass and trip-hop scenes and providing a bobbing canvas for the street artist Banksy. Thekla, one of south-west England’s most beloved and vibrant venues, is celebrating its 40th anniversary this week with a series of shows, an exhibition and the publication of a book marking the ups and downs (literally – the vessel did once run aground) of the grand old boat. Photograph: Alicia Canter/The GuardianBut there is an air of defiance and nimbleness around Thekla, which for its 40th anniversary memorabilia took advantage of the Mickey Mouse persona Steamboat Willie coming out of copyright, using the image on T-shirts, caps and badges.
Or read this on The Guardian
