The band are being joined by the likes of Lambrini Girls, Soft Play, The Voidz, and Scaler, for two homecoming gigs in BristolIDLES at The Downs in 2021(Image: PA)

Playing their only UK tour dates of the year, Idles will be taking to the stage at a special Queen Square live music event this weekend (August 1 and 2). Some 15,000 gig goers are expected to venture to the specially curated event, which will also see a number of very special guests perform live, before Idles’ headline set each evening.

Tickets for both Friday and Saturday evenings’ events are either sold out or running very low. To help those lucky enough to have bagged themselves entry to this brand new event in the city, we’ve put together a handy guide of everything you need to know.

This includes travel to the venue, the full line-up, where to buy food and drink, and what you can and can’t bring with you. Read on to find out more…

What is this event – and where and when will it be taking place?

Titled the Idles Block Party, the event will take place on Friday, August 1, and Saturday, August 2, in Queen Square in the City Centre.

Are there any tickets left?

According to the band’s official website, there are still tickets available for Friday’s event. However, Saturday has completely sold out and is now operating a waiting list for those interested in tickets.

Gates will open at 5pm on Friday, and 2pm on Saturday, with both shows finishing no later than 10.30pm. Stage times will be published closer to the date.

Who is on the line-up?

The line-up appears to be different on each day. Friday will see Idles headline and be joined by:

  • Electronic act Sicaria
  • Punk duo Lambrini Girls
  • Punk-metal band Soft Play

Saturday’s event, also to be headlined by Idles, will also feature:

  • Experimental rock band The Voidz, featuring Julian Casablancas
  • Spanish indie rock duo Hinds
  • Bristol-based techno band Scaler
  • Anarchic punk, jungle and dancehall DJ and vocalist, Grove
  • Afrobeat and UK bass DJ Tash LC

How to get to the venue

Queen Square boasts a central location, meaning transport links are easy to come by. It’s just a 15-minute walk from Bristol Temple Meads train station, and is surrounded by bus routes and taxi ranks. E-bike and e-scooter parking is also nearby, as well as an array of multi-storey and on-street parking options.

Visit TravelWest to plan your journey.

Joe Talbot of Idles performs during their headline set on the Other Stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival 2024 Joe Talbot of Idles performs during their headline set on the Other Stage during day three of Glastonbury Festival 2024 (Image: Leon Neal/Getty Images)Food, drink and what you can and can’t bring with you

All bars at the event will be cashless, so ensure you have a card or the ability to pay using Apple/Google Pay. The food and drink line-up is made up of Bristol-based food and drink traders, including the likes of Gigi’s Pizza, Stone Baked, Biblos, Loki Poke, Burger Theory, Lost and Grounded, 6 O’Clock Gin, and more.

There will be a variety of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options on site, with all food to be served on compostable plates/containers etc.

What you can and can’t bring

You should only bring bags smaller than a piece of A4 paper.

No bottles, cans, containers, drinks or food can be brought into the venue. However, empty plastic water bottles measuring 500ml or less will be allowed, and there will be water points available around the venue for free water refills. You won’t be able to bring any metal refillable water bottles, so be sure to leave that at home or risk it being confiscated.

You won’t be able to bring any liquids, gels or lotions on site with you, with the exception or sun cream, perfume and make-up that is in a plastic or paper receptacle measuring under 100ml.

No glass will be allowed onsite at all. And you won’t be able to bring an umbrella – so be sure to dress for the weather.

After parties

In addition to Bristol’s nightlife and the array of clubs and bars you can find in and around the City Centre, to continue your night, some venues nearby are hosting after parties – these include Thekla, who will be hosting its Friday night Batcave after show, and Electric Bristol on Nelson Street (formerly SWX) which will host an official Block Party after show in which the band will take to the decks for a DJ set to commemorate their homecoming gigs.