As with most of the North, Bradfordians love a good gig, whether it’s a big name touring or a local tribute act – and if the time and place are right, you can guarantee an incredible atmosphere. As a city without an arena, Bradford has the benefit of more intimate gig spaces. You can often catch household names on tour in a cosier venue, making for a more personal experience. We’ve rounded up some of our recommended music venues in Bradford to help inform your night out.

Quirky spaces where you can easily find local talent and a good pint

St. George’s Hall is the go to place for big names in the city centre; over the years the venue has hosted all kinds of acts, from Paul Weller to the Orchestra of Opera North, to Mumford and Sons to David Bowie. The Hall refuses to be defined by genre or style and has recently undergone an £8.5 million refurbishment.

As a relatively new arrival to Bradford, Fuse is a multidisciplinary arts space where amongst live music you can also catch film screenings, live art and DJ sets. It’s the place where you’ll see new music, new voices in the DJ world and acts you’d usually find on the festival circuit. Nightrain and the Underground, too, both bring a plethora of live bands and club nights to Bradford’s nightlife scene. These quirky spaces are somewhere you can easily find local talent and a good pint – everything you’d want from a quality Yorkshire night out.

If you’re keen to leave the city for an evening, Black Dyke Mills Heritage Venue is a small slice of calm in the nearby town of Queensbury. This converted Mill Floor is the DIY venue of dreams, with a regular selection of touring folk acts and an ethos for promoting contemporary song writing. You can sink into one of their sofas with a local pint and a homemade bake whilst letting the music wash over you.

Scroll down to read more about our top picks for music venues in Bradford.