The Croft

This is a venue that as a child, growing up in Bristol & being infatuated by the city's incredible music scene, I had always admired as it seemed to be a launch pad for so many up & coming young bands/artists.

Over the years it introduced me to bands such as The Hit-Ups & Random Hand.

Unfortunately last year I made the colossal mistake of hiring out this venue for my other half's 18th birthday party thinking "As a rookie promoter with no experience where would be a good place to start out" Instantly The Croft sprang to mind as I believed they had "helped" so many bands achieve the status they have today.

After discussing fees and which nights were free to hire the place was booked and the dates were set. I went down on the day to set up what decorations I had and generally get everything ready for the night. Unfortunately there had been unforeseen delays with the sound check so the music was running an hour late, though I remained confident that seeing as I had paid for the club to be hired until 4am and the music was finishing at 3 (2 before delays) there shouldn't be a problem.

At 11 it was going brilliantly, the bands had smashed it and the DJs were in full swing when the owner asked if he could talk to me in the back room.
This took a while as he was so busy serving drinks along with 2 other bar staff but when we eventually got there he said that there were "not enough people in the club" and staying open as late as they were they "stood to lose a lot of money" so the club would be closing at 1am; 3 hours before my own personal money had paid for it to stay open until and 2 hours before the music finished leaving 2 DJs present but un-played.

After refusing to show me the clubs contract I collected everything up, paid the sound man (who was lovely) and was on my way.

From this experience I've realised the only reason so much talent started here was because none in their right mind would return.

Support young talent, don't support The Croft.