It closed ‘temporarily’ in July 2024
Strange signs appeared on The Crofters Rights building earlier this week (Image: Ellie Kendall/BristolLive)
Music lovers in Bristol are speculating after strange signs were put up on the front of an iconic music venue in Stokes Croft.
The Crofters Rights closed its doors in July 2024, with the closure supposed to be temporary and due to reopen in the September of the same year.
But despite still being listed as ‘temporarily closed’ on Google, not much has been heard from the venue since.
Earlier this week, two figures in white overalls were spotted climbing a ladder to place individual paper signs over part of the venue’s signage.
The paper signs features Roman numerals linking to the date May 15, 2025 (this Thursday).
The signs also covered the name of the venue, leaving just ‘The Croft’ visible. The Croft was the previous name of The Crofters Rights, and now many Bristolians believe that there’s a chance The Croft could be reopening.
On social media, one local said: “The paper placement has conveniently given the place its old name back… coincidence?”
A second commenter said: “I’d be so happy if the old Croft came back. I used to come to Bristol for gigs at The Croft before I moved here, and it shut down the year before I moved.”
The Crofters Rights on Stokes Croft(Image: Zoe Glascow)
Meanwhile, fellow Bristol music venue The Exchange shared an image and quote from American musician Andrew W.K. to its Instagram page on Tuesday.
The quote read: “What The Croft is, is not only an incredible venue, but an incredible place, for people, where they can party and that will never die.”
Alongside the image and quote, the team at The Exchange wrote: “Maybe Andrew W.K knew what he was talking about.”
This led to excitement and nostalgia in the comments section.
One commenter said: “If this means what I think it does…”
While a second said: “Oh my lord The Croft is coming back, I beg.” And a third wrote: “What! No way!”
While nothing else has been hinted or confirmed, fans and Bristolians will be keeping their eyes peeled for an announcement of sorts on Thursday (May 15) – we’ll bring you all the latest as we know more.
Why did The Crofters Rights close?
In July 2024, BristolLive reported how local bands and music fans had been left shocked by the popular venue’s unexpected closure.
At the time, the venue said that the decision was made to close over the summer “due to the incredibly difficult nature of keeping afloat during quieter times” and that it hoped to reopen in September.
An email (which BristolLive had seen) was sent to artists and promoters by Bloomsbury Leisure Group, which also manages The Lanes in the city centre.
The email read: “I’m really sorry to let you know that due to the incredibly difficult nature to keep afloat during quieter times, the Crofters Rights has decided to close over the summer with a view to reopening September.
“Unfortunately, our director has requested this with immediate effect which has affected all booked gigs from today.
“I apologise for the late notice as this will affect your gigs. I hope you are able to reschedule/find a new venue.”