Which music venue in the UK gives you the best live experience?
From sticky floors to spine-tingling acoustics, the UK's live music scene is the envy of the world. Whether you're crowd-surfing at a sweaty club or weeping softly at the Royal Albert Hall, we all have our favourite spot.
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The O2 Arena, London
Love it or tolerate it, the O2 is the ultimate destination for blockbuster gigs. The sound is massive, the acts are huge, and somehow you always end up in the nosebleed seats anyway.
Glastonbury Festival
It's less a venue and more a temporary republic of music lovers. Glastonbury has hosted everyone from David Bowie to Beyoncé, and the Pyramid Stage at sunset is genuinely life-changing — wellies and all.
Royal Albert Hall, London
One of the most breathtaking concert halls in the world, the Royal Albert Hall wraps you in sound like a warm hug from classical music royalty. Even the ice cream in the interval hits different here.
Manchester Apollo
A true rock and roll institution, the Manchester Apollo has hosted legends from The Clash to Prince. The balcony feels slightly terrifying but the atmosphere is absolutely electric.
Brixton Academy, London
The Brixton Academy's famous sloped floor means everyone gets a decent view — a revolutionary concept in live music. It's raw, loud, and has an energy that newer arenas simply cannot replicate.
The Barrowland Ballroom, Glasgow
Ask any touring musician and they'll tell you Barrowland is one of the best venues on earth. The bouncy sprung dancefloor and roaring Glasgow crowd create an atmosphere that is frankly unhinged — in the best possible way.
Leeds First Direct Arena
Slick, well-organised and boasting impressive sightlines, the First Direct Arena brings world-class acts to the heart of Leeds. It somehow manages to feel big and intimate at the same time.
Ronnie Scott's Jazz Club, London
Soho's world-famous jazz club has been squeezing music lovers into its intimate space since 1959. It's proof that the best gig of your life might happen two feet from the stage with a gin in your hand.
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