SWX Bristol to Reopen After Arson Attack

Bristol clubbing destination SWX will return to Nelson Street on 9th September with a fresh interior. It is the first time the nightclub opens its doors in 14 months after the arson attack devastated the venue. 

Announcing the highly-anticipated reopening on Twitter, SWX Bristol posted a teaser of the venue’s £3.2 million refurbishment. The music hub’s upgrade translates into a double-height foyer, wheelchair-accessible elevator, state-of-the-art lighting system, and a top-notch sound system.

Electric Group’s CEO Dominic Madden told BristolWorld that the remodeled venue will feature electric shutters to avoid future accidents. 

“While our priority was to retain the essence of the venue’s success, updating facilities to ensure that SWX would serve the requirements of artists and audiences for another 50 years, I was really pleased to take this opportunity to make the venue fully disability friendly.”

SWX Bristol’s reopening celebrations will kick off with house and bass DJ Danny T on the 9th of September. Autumn season highlights include an ABBA Disco Wonderland event, Sugababes’s UK tour outset, and a performance by rock band Black Midi. 

SWX planned to open its doors in 2021’s summer following pandemic restrictions. A week before the reopening, an arsonist torched the Bristol venue in a campaign against COVID-19 nightlife safety measures.

Fire, smoke and water damage required owner Electric Group to launch a full refurbishment of the venue. 

Bristol’s SWX has been one of the city’s go-to nightlife venues since 1964, when it was known as Top Rank ballroom. As one of the leading music hubs in England’s southwest, the 1,800-capacity venue hosted a plethora of live gigs, comedy nights and clubbing sessions.