The Anson Rooms
The Anson Rooms is Bristol SU's largest event space, consisting of one large room, with an additional side room (Anson Rooms 2, otherwise known as 'Anson Rooms Bar').
It can also be divided into two sections, Anson Rooms 5 & 6, for smaller events or activities. The full Anson Rooms space can be booked Wednesday to Saturday via our Special Event programme, and Anson Rooms 2 via our Spotlight programme - further information below. The individual sections (2, 5 or 6) can be booked Sunday – Tuesday for regular room or ad-hoc bookings - further information can be found on our venues page.
Special Events in the Anson Rooms
Student groups can apply to host a special event in the Anson Rooms. We've hosted some incredible events from Fight Nights to cultural celebrations such as Dola Re Garba and Diwali. The Anson Rooms is also suitable for hosting a diverse range of other events - live music, theatrical productions, dance and performance shows, as well as conferences, award ceremonies, fairs and other functions.
Special Events run at Bristol SU are intended to be successful, safe, impactful and fun, and must meet the following conditions:
- Attract at least 200 attendees
- Appeal to a wide variety of students
- Has a strong idea and identity and is likely to sell out
- Is inclusive and makes a positive impact on student life at Bristol
Capacities
- Balls (round tables) x 250
- Theatre style x 480
- Beer hall x 296
- Standing x 550
Further information on the application process can be found below.
Spotlight Events in the Anson Rooms
We are currently trialling a 'Spotlight Series', where students can apply to host smaller-scale events such as talks, karaoke sessions & open-mic nights, in Anson Rooms 2 (the side room off of the main Anson Rooms).
Capacities
- Theatre style x 90
Further information on the application process can be found below.
Event Packages & Costs
Depending on the type of event you wish to host, and the level of complexity and staffing required, it will fall into one of the following packages.
There are also likely to be some additional costs, depending on the event, including:
- Security
- Late porterage
- Cleaning
- Additional equipment hire
Special & Spotlight Event Applications
Applications for both the Special Event and Spotlight programmes are released in advance of each term (TB1 & TB2). Unfortunately, applications have now closed for this year and we have a fully booked programme. Applications for next year TB1 (2026-2027), will be released later in the year, so keep checking back as they tend to fill up quickly!
Further Information
Further information and guidance for putting on an event in the Anson Rooms can be found in our special information pack.
If you would like to discuss your application before submitting, you can book a meeting in with us.
Accessibility Information
The Anson Rooms is on the first floor of The Richmond building. Step free access into The Richmond Building is available via an accessible lift in the main entrance, with ground level access through the right side entrance on Queens Road, and in the back entrance on Richmond Terrace Avenue. Once inside the building there are two lifts which service all floors. There are doors around the building which have to be opened manually. Accessible toilets are available on every floor. Gender neutral toilets are available on the 4th floor.
Quiet areas with seating are available in the foyer and in the links spaces on the first and second floors of The Richmond Building.
We welcome event and space attendees who need to bring medicines, food, or drink to manage a medical condition, or medical equipment. Please email us on bristolsu-events@bristol.ac.uk or speak to a member of staff on arrival if you have any questions or concerns.
