Thekla is a renowned nightclub and live music venue situated in Bristol, United Kingdom, and holds a unique place as both a fixture in the city's vibrant nightlife and as a floating cultural landmark. Uniquely, Thekla is housed within a converted German cargo ship, originally built in 1958, which was brought to Bristol in 1982 by American novelist Ki Longfellow-Stanshall and her husband, musician Vivian Stanshall. Their vision was to transform the ship into a lively hub for music, arts, and performance—a vision that quickly became reality.

Over the decades, Thekla has evolved from an avant-garde performance space and theatre into one of Bristol’s best-loved venues for club nights, live gigs, and cultural events. Thekla’s distinctive setting moored at Bristol’s Floating Harbour has contributed considerably to its reputation, making it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike. Culturally, Thekla is emblematic of Bristol’s innovation and creativity, recognized not only for bringing a diverse array of music to the city but also for celebrating emerging talents and promoting local acts alongside international stars.

The venue has withstood challenges, including structural refurbishments to maintain its historic hull and adapt to modern safety standards, but it has never changed its location—the floating venue remains moored in the heart of Bristol and is instantly recognizable by its iconic street art mural, "The Old Duke," painted by local artist Banksy in the early 2000s. Thekla’s character, smaller capacity, and intimate setting mean audiences often enjoy up-close experiences with performers, fostering a sense of community and inclusivity that has seen the venue referenced in popular culture, including music videos and documentaries about the UK music scene. Notable artists who have performed at Thekla over the years span a remarkable range, such as Massive Attack, Portishead, Roni Size, and Tricky—reflecting Bristol’s pioneering trip-hop and drum and bass scenes—as well as globally recognized acts including Mumford & Sons, The xx, The 1975, Ed Sheeran, Florence + The Machine, The Streets, Ghostpoet, FKA twigs, The Libertines, Enter Shikari, Idles, and Katy B.

Thekla also champions local talent, giving early stage support to artists like Laid Blak, Elder Island, and many more who have gone on to achieve wider acclaim, underpinning its role as a springboard for both new and established artists in the UK’s ever-evolving musical landscape.