Photo Credit: Khris Cowley for Here & Now (www.wearehereandnow.net)
A note from Hello Trance Co-Founder, Tom Bradshaw
Having called Bristol home for over 15 years, I’ve had the privilege of watching this iconic, now legendary venue evolve into the heartbeat of the city’s cultural landscape.
Motion has become a true epicentre, continuously championing the finest in electronic music, representing the full spectrum of the genre.
Not only have I had the honor of DJing here, but I’ve also created countless unforgettable memories at various events hosted by leading brands such as Goodgreef, Cream and Trancelation.
These events have brought together some of the most incredible DJs, producers, and artists in the world, including
Aly & Fila,Billy Gillies, Bryan Kearney, Dave Pearce, Jordan Suckley, Judge Jules, Menno De Jong, Nick The Kid, Paul Thomas,
Paul Van Dyk, Pete Tong, Seb Fontaine, Will Rees and most recently Deadmau5, to name just a few.
The venue has also brought clubbers, party people from across the city and the country to experience the unique atmosphere it has to offer.
Creating special memories, sharing special moments.
The potential closure of Motion would represent an enormous loss to Bristol’s music scene, and it’s a reality we cannot afford to overlook.
Here’s statement from Motion themselves thats also available on their website, https://motion-bristol.com/leaseexpiration regarding an update to the news they released late last year that the venue could potentially be forced to close in July 2025.
Motion,Bristol Official Statement
March 2025
AN UPDATE ON MOTION’S FUTURE
We’ve put forward a strong, carefully thought-out bid to the landlords of the Motion site-one that not only offers a significant sum of money but also lays out a solid planning case for why the venue must remain. This isn’t just about buying ourselves a bit more time; it’s about securing Motion for generations to come.
Since we announced that our lease was ending, the support has been overwhelming. From the people who’ve raved here to the artists and promoters who’ve built their careers on our dancefloors, to local voices who understand what Motion means to Bristol-this place matters. But despite all our efforts, it’s becoming increasingly likely that we’ll have to leave the venue in July.
Our bid makes it crystal clear: Motion isn’t just a nightclub. It’s a vital part of Bristol’s cultural and economic ecosystem. It’s a space that brings people together, provides jobs, and contributes millions to the local economy. It aligns with the council’s own policies on protecting cultural spaces, yet time and time again, we’ve seen how easily these spaces can be lost. The bureaucracy and planning red tape that developers see as an inconvenience should actually be used to protect places like Motion—not leave them exposed to redevelopment. The policies exist; the question is whether the council is willing to stand by them.
We’ve been working behind the scenes to secure the strongest possible future for Motion. We don’t have a billionaire owner or a corporate backer bankrolling us-but we have something far more powerful: you. The artists, the promoters, the community, and every single person who has stepped through Motion’s doors over the past 20 years. You are the reason this venue is still alive, and together, we’ll make sure it stays that way.
We’ve secured significant financial backing and have the support of local bodies that recognise Motion’s value, including efforts to have the venue registered as an Asset of Community Value. That’s an important step, but let’s be real—it shouldn’t have to come to this.
If Motion goes, Bristol loses more than just a venue. It loses a part of its soul. This city has always been known for its independent spirit, its raw energy, and its music scene that punches far above its weight. Watching spaces like this disappear-knowing more could have been done to protect them—is gutting. It’s happening in every major city, and it’s happening here. We’re fighting it with everything we’ve got, but we need the powers that be to step up too.
We’re not done yet. We’ll keep pushing, we’ll keep fighting, and we’ll keep working towards a future where Motion—and spaces like it—can thrive.
We’ve got some big news coming soon.
Keep your eyes peeled.