Festival returns as venues face 'challenging time'

Simple Things takes place across independent venues in Bristol

An independent festival is returning this weekend as promoters and venue owners admit that live music is facing a "a very challenging time".

Simple Things brings bands to independent venues across Bristol on Saturday and the event is seen as a lifeline for the local music scene as venues struggle to stay open.

Leigh Dennis, who runs Strange Brew in Bristol, said it is "never easy" to run a venue at this time.

"Cost of living is really squeezing people, things like going out and buying drinks are always the first to go when you're saving money. It always feels we're up against that," Mr Dennis said.

Leigh Dennis said the cost of living crisis is affecting his business

Tom Frost, the co-founder of Crack magazine and Simple Things, said: "I think events like this shine a light on the city's musical spaces.

"I've always enjoyed that element of people wandering from venue to venue and really enjoying the city."

Alfie Hay, member of the band HAAL who will be performing at the festival, said Bristol is "the best place for music in the UK".

"There's something about Bristol, everyone trusts it to provide something new," Mr Hay said.

"Simple Things fosters a good community and you're going to find something that intrigues you."

Matt Aitken, programme director at Bristol Beacon, added: "Bristol definitely lends into DIY experimental. Bristol is such an expanding city."

Mr Aitken said the festival tried to give a platform to experimental music

Mr Aitken said that it is "a very challenging time for live music".

"The idea is to get people going to a few spaces in Bristol where you don't know where you are. It's nice to feel a bit lost in your own city," he added.

Mr Aitken said one unique venue was the former IMAX cinema at the Aquarium, which is hosting a DIY video shop.

"We've made a programme bringing artists to spaces they wouldn't normally get to and that you wouldn't normally expect to see in that venue," Mr Aitken added.