Music / News

‘Support independent venues before they close for good’

By Martin Booth  Friday Dec 19, 2025

A new billboard on Turbo Island says that independent venues are for life, not just for Christmas.

The billboard from the team at the Canteen on Stokes Croft the other side of the road is designed by lettering artivist FYONAFINN.

It has been put up ahead of Independent Venue Week in January.

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Underneath the billboard is a smaller sign from the owners of Turbo Island informing people that the infamous patch of ground is now private property: “Use of this land is with the express permission of the landowner.”

In a statement, the team at the Canteen said: “24.9% of grassroots music venues are under threat of permanent closure.

“At the Canteen, championing grassroots music has always been at the heart of what we do.

“Our plea is for you to support independent venues before they close for good.

“Independent Venue Week is coming up: 26th–31st January. See you there.”

Main photo: Martin Booth

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