WAYPOINTS: Nightrain, Bradford
Nightrain, Queensgate, Bradford (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Where: Nightrain, Bradford
Preamble
Vibe-age:
Since opening in 2019, Nightrain has become one of Bradford’s main rock and metal venues over the last few years attracting both up and coming and established acts.
Ginger Wildheart, Nightrain, Bradford, May 2023 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
With a capacity of around 500 its a good sized room with and industrial feel and a long bar down one side of it. A few pillars to avoid during the gigs but otherwise its a good viewing and listening experience.
The annual day and night “Bradstock” festival is garnering legendary status with regulars.
Regular punters and frequentors:
Folks wearing a diverse range of T-shirts celebrating obscure metal and prog rock bands, a few mullets.
I’ve attended a few gigs there (Big Country, Cherie Currie, FM, Ginger Wildheart, Sons of Liberty) and found the place to be an excellent venue with a laid back atmosphere full of friendly staff and fellow gig goers.
Cherie Currie of the Runaways, Nightrain, Bradford, March 2023 (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
What do I need to know?
Q: How do I get there and what are the practicalities?
A: The venue is sited at 7-19 Queensgate, BD1 1RB which is right in the City centre and quite near the Broadway shopping centre (which may be a useful place to safely park).
It's fully level-access and wheelchair accessible from the front.
Q: What’s the bar like?
A: Good, it’s on the money with the venue’s own Nightrain Lager and Nightrain Bitter, which are both palatable or for the more adventurous they have a rock-focused selection including Motörhead Röad Crew and BrewDog Punk IPA.
Some impromptu riffing on the bar, Loz Campbell guitarist Steve Pickles, March 2023, Nightrain, Bradford (Image: Damien Wilkinson)
Q: Aaah, but I’m not drinking, what’s my poison Alcohol free-wise?
A: Try hitting the Erdinger Alkohol free or Kopparberg Mixed Fruit 0.0% or failing that there are standard range of soft drinks if you are On the Road again.
Q: What’s the story on food and snacks?
A: The kitchen is essentially a bowl of BeerPig Pork Scratchings or Seabrook Crisps. It’s a dedicated music venue, so don't expect a sit-down meal—unless your idea of a meal is a Peperami and a Jägerbomb.
Q: Will my Dog or other significant others be welcome?
A: It’s a loud gig venue, so unless your dog grew up with Lemmy, I’d suggest perhaps not.
Q: How much did my wallet cry?
A: It’s Bradford and Yorkshire, nowt to worry about here with great value for money on both tickets and drinks.
Why not combine a visit with a trip to The Record Cafe on North Parade, for pre-gig vinyl, ale and ham.
The Verdict
Welcome to the Jungle!
The "In a Few Words" Summary:
"A true gem of the Bradford rock scene where your welcome to the jungle will be a Rock and Roll experience full of Northern warmth ."
Look out for my review of Ricky Warwick & the Fighting Hearts’ forthcoming gig at the venue soon!
