The Thekla has been shortlisted once again for the NME Best Small Venue in the UK award. The venue on a boat topped the South West’s poll for the second year running. The award is initially voted for by NME readers until it reaches the shortlisting stage where judges from the music industry finally decide which venue in the UK with a capacity of 400 and under is deemed the best.
2014’s judges include musician Frank Turner, now playing arenas but a man who did his time on the small venues circuit. T In The Park and Glasgow’s King Tuts Wah Wah Hut promoter Geoff Ellis, Reading And Leeds Festival promoter Melvin Benn, Jo Dipple, head of UK Music, Radio 1’s Huw Stephens and NME’s editor Krissi Murison,and writers Mike Williams and Luke Lewis.
Thousands of votes were cast for hundreds of venues across the country, but the list has now been whittled down to just eight. The shortlist will now be put to a panel of judges, with the winner revealed on 8th May.
Thekla Manager Michele Phillips said: “We are delighted that the boat has been voted as best small venue in the South West by so many people. We do our utmost to ensure that everyone who comes to the Thekla has the best time possible and following the refit they’ll be able to do this in much nicer surroundings. This shortlisting is a nice pat on the back from the people who matter the gig goers and clubbers who come to the Thekla.”