Old court Event space at historic venue to close

THE founder of two of Bristol’s most popular events spaces says he hopes to find new homes for them when their current building closes for redevelopment.

Ian Sayers has run events at the Grade II-listed Old Crown Courts in Silver Street for the past 15 years, but the historic site is closing in the new year to make way for a new hub for young people run by Bristol-based Creative Youth Network.

Ian runs team-based shoot-out game Airsoft and horror escape room Hell in A Cell in the former Victorian courts and cells, as well as club nights and paranormal investigations.

“Over the past 15 years, I’ve made it a mixed use leisure and activity centre,” says Ian.

“It has been a huge part of my life – it has been life-changing for me personally.

“It’s the most unique events space with an incredible history and there has been a heartfelt response from our customers about the closure. They’re all gutted.”

Located on an island, the site once housed the Bridewell police station, courtrooms and fire station but it has a longer history than that.

Ian says: “The building was once the site of a medieval prison, which was burnt down by the mob in the reform riots of the 1830s. It’s steeped in history.”

Ten years ago, Ian started to promote club nights in the old courts and, with its original marble pillars, mosaics and oak-panelled courtrooms, it has been a memorable venue for the city’s clubbers and it has gained a formidable reputation for its high-quality production and high-end sound system.

The court house functioned as a magistrates court from the 1960s, until 1989 when it closed.

But now Ian and his team have announced a series of closing shows until the end of December, kicking off with ‘the beginning of the end’ on November 12 and Boogielands disco utopia on November 13.

The closing parties also include events such as A History of Drum and Bass on November 26, A History of Dance on November 27 and The Last Jungle Dance on December 4.

The final event at The Old Crown Courts on New Year’s Eve will feature Congo Natty, Dub Pistols, Serial Killaz and Benny Page.

In the meantime, Airsoft, Hell In A Cell and the club nights at the Old Crown Courts will be finding new homes but will remain open until January.

Ian says: “We’re looking to move things to different venues so they will all continue. This is not the end, just a new chapter.”