SWX fire: Huge blaze at gig venue in Bristol sees road closed as fire and police at the scene

  • Firefighters work at SWX fire in Nelson Street

Dozens of firefighters are tackling a blaze at a gig venue in Bristol.

Emergency services were called to SWX in Nelson Street at around 4.35am on Tuesday 13 July. Fire crews from eight stations attended the scene.

Officers from Avon and Somerset Police are also at the scene and the road has been closed.

The street is currently closed from Christmas Street to Union Street.

Firefighters currently remain at the incident. Crews are from Temple, Bedminster, Southmead, Patchway, Avonmouth, Hicks Gate, Pill, Nailsea and Portishead station.

Club owner speaks out after fire at Bristol venue

Shortly after 6am, Avon Fire and Rescue Service said: "As the incident remain ongoing we are urging all public and local transport to avoid the area. Many thanks for your cooperation at this time."

SWX is one of Bristol's most famous nightclubs, previously operating as Papillons, The Works, Top Rank, Baileys, Romeo and Juliets, Odyssey, and Syndicate.

Firefighters at the scene. Credit: Jamie Smith/BPM Media

A bus driver who was in the area at around 5am said: "Nelson Street and Union Street are both closed and buses diverted.

"The smoke had completely filled the area but it seemed it was coming from more the front of the building where the reception is and the club's offices are, rather than the back end where the main part of the club is.

"But I couldn’t see around the back as police had completely cordoned off the area so it could’ve been just as bad.

"But if it was mainly the front, the main club area might have survived just smoke damage. It's too early to speculate I guess."