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Bristol's R&b Scene

Headfirst brings you the best R&B events in Bristol. Whatever kind of R&B you're into - from cheesy classics to contemporary tearjerkers - Bristol has everything you need. Many of the biggest R&B acts regularly tour the city, if you're looking for a live gig. Key venues like Colston Hall, Trinity Centre and the O2 Academy host concerts from larger international acts.

Or if you're a less discerning R&B head, clubs like Popworld and Bunker and nights like Bump N Grind at Thekla cater to locals and students who just want to hear the hits (think Destiny's Child, Blu Cantrell, Sisqo and all the classics). These places are heaving all week round so you need never go without your R&B fix (or listen alone in your room).

Bristol is a great city for all music so it's no surprise your R&B tasts will be well catered for.

Buy tickets for r&b events in Bristol

What our editors say

“Amber Mark is an American singer, songwriter, and producer. Her multifaceted style implements sounds from hip hop, contemporary R&B, soul, and bossa nova. She released her first album, 3:33am, in May 2017, followed by her EP Conexão in 2018. Her second album, Three Dimensions Deep, was released in January 2022.”
From: Amber Mark

“Joash (Joash Oswe) is a Bristol-based Kenyan-Italian R&B/Afro-R&B artist, blending Afro-inspired sounds, smooth R&B, and hip-hop influences. His music is strongly shaped by his visual art, which remains a central theme across his work.”
From: Joash + guests

“The Foo Birds are an independent five-piece band whose unique musical partnership has been evolving for over a decade. Their sound blends the warmth and groove of nu-soul / R&B with the improvisational elements of jazz and catchy hooks of modern pop. It is characterised by the powerful voice of Kate Lister, with lyrics exploring the joys and vulnerabilities of being human in an ever-changing world.”
From: The Foo Birds - EP Launch

“Creating a unique blend of sound, Bristol-based Laura Dia stands out as a versatile artist in the Alternative-R&B space. The singer, songwriter and producer blends the realms of contemporary R&B, Pop, Soul and her West African heritage. Since her 2021 debut, she has recorded, produced and released her own music, independently discovering her sound.”
From: SOUL IN THE CITY 2026 - Maxime Elliot x Laura Dia x Soulbee

“Ugnė Uma draws from poetry and Lithuania’s 20th-century underground jazz and folk scenes that emerged alongside the country’s independence movements. As well as an art writer and essayist, in 2023 she released with saxophonist Sam Gendel on Meakusma, an album exploring cosmic and inner space through improv, abstracted pop and R&B textures.⁠”
From: Feeo + Ugnė Uma + Radio Hito