The underground Bristol venue most people never see

The warehouse underneath The Galleries has been called the 'perfect' venue for dance music

Thousands of people walk over a giant hidden space in Bristol city centre every day without realising it’s there.

But now one of the city’s creative organisations is turning the delivery warehouse beneath The Galleries into a new destination for dance music fans.

“We’re pretty sure it’s the largest subterranean venue in the UK,” said Tom Hodgson, Director of The Underground.

He hopes the idea will catch on and help “diversify” struggling high streets across the country.

Mr Hodgson said he approached The Galleries around seven years ago, with an idea to transform the loading bay in Broadmead into an underground venue.

“It took two years and many meetings to convince them it was a great idea,” he said.

Five years on and the venue has booked 10 events between now and New Year.

The venue is playing host to popular DJs like Ben Hemsley and electronic duo Gorgon City.

The venue is holding 10 events between now and New Year

“As the name suggests the space is completely below the ground so the sound is totally contained down there," Mr Hodgson continued.

“The walls and ceilings are a combination of solid concrete and insulation so the acoustics are great and we can go very loud if we want to.

“Unlike many very large venues in Bristol, it’s totally contained as well so you can remain out of the elements during the colder months.”

Amid the demise of the high street, it’s hoped the events will help to “build intrigue” in shopping centres again.

“We see shopping centres as perfect venues and an untapped resource waiting to be used,” Mr Hodgson continued.

“There's no reason why others can't follow suit.”

Underground Bristol says it hopes to hold events underneath The Galleries for as long as it can, after plans were announced to demolish the centre and build a hotel, student flats and a retail space in its place.

“Beyond that you will have to wait and see, but we have plans keep the underground alive,” added Mr Hodgson.