About The Old Fire Station
The Old Fire Station in Bournemouth is a multifunction venue – a lively nightclub and a dedicated live-music hall – housed in a historic, Grade-II listed firehouse from 1902. Its distinctive red-brick facade (with a green-tiled cupola and original firemen friezes) reflects the original free-Renaissance style (www.flickr.com ) (www.flickr.com ). Today it boldly wears that character, serving as Bournemouth University Students’ Union’s main club (capacity ~1,200) and a 550-capacity concert venue (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). Since 1995 the refurbished building has been the heart of BU student nightlife and public gigs alike (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). In short, it’s an “iconic” South Coast venue that blends historic charm (the original engine bay doors, ornate tiling, copper roof lantern and all) with cutting-edge sound and lights. (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.flickr.com )
Events and Programming
The Old Fire Station’s calendar is packed year-round with both student-led club nights and touring live acts. On most weekends the venue runs themed club nights – such as the long-running “Enter Classics” or “Enter + Drumfunk” parties – featuring drum’n’bass, house, old-school R&B and hits from past decades (www.ticketfairy.com ). Ticket prices for these range from about £8–10 in advance (sometimes free for union members) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Alongside student nights, the venue books outside concerts and festivals. Acts on stage have spanned indie rock, alternative and folk-punk; past headliners include The Undertones, Red Rum Club, Pale Waves and Peat & Diesel (www.ticketfairy.com ). The club also hosts special events – for example, annual student festivals like an “Emo Night” or a Halloween “Block Party.” Typically, live-music tickets run in the teens (£10–£20) while student nights stay low-cost (www.ticketfairy.com ). Reviewers note the mix keeps the vibe fresh – enough energy to pack the dancefloor, yet in a compact venue where you feel part of the crowd (www.ticketfairy.com ). Overall the program caters to a wide taste spectrum, keeping students and local music fans equally engaged. (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com )
Tickets and Booking
Tickets for Old Fire Station events are sold online via the venue’s official channels. Watch the venue website or Bournemouth University Students’ Union announcements for on-sale dates. Advance purchase is highly recommended – popular gigs and club nights often sell out (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue uses typical UK ticketing agencies (e.g. the SeeTickets/TicketWeb platform) for sales, but no matter the platform the process is to reserve through the official site or promoters. For big concerts, expect a few pricing tiers (early-bird deals or multi-ticket bundles sometimes appear). SU members usually get early access or discounted admission (www.ticketfairy.com ). Occasionally a limited number of tickets may be sold at the door if the show isn’t sold out, but arriving early is wise. In general, student-centered events are cheapest (often under £10) while outside artist shows cost £10–25 (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Always double-check the event listing: some gigs are cashless and require pre-purchase, others allow door sales. Subscribing to newsletters or student union social media often gives advance notice or exclusive presales for members.
Seating and Layout
The layout is informal. The ground floor is a wide, flat dance area facing the stage at one end. By default most people stand or dance in front of the stage. Chairs are rarely used – only for special seated events, where up to ~200 seats might be set on the flat floor (www.ticketfairy.com ). Otherwise it’s general admission standing. A key feature is the raised balcony level along the sides and back of the hall. This tiered gallery overlooks the main floor and provides a less-crowded vantage point – many fans describe it as a “mini VIP” perch (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acoustically, the space is quite good: the flat ceiling and brick walls give punchy sound, and even those to the side or on the balcony usually hear clearly. (For ultimate immersion, stand near center floor; for easier movement or a view over the crowd, try the balcony or back corners.) The balcony area also has a small bar and some seating, which appeals to those who prefer a break from the crush. In short, expect a flexible, two-level layout: front-center is energetic and sold-out, while the raised sides/back allow a steadier stance (www.ticketfairy.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Getting There and Parking
The Old Fire Station sits at 36 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AD, at the top of the Lansdowne hill (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s a short walk downhill to Bournemouth’s centre. By train, Bournemouth Railway Station is only about 650–700m away (roughly a 10–15 minute walk). From the station, follow the signposted underpass onto Holdenhurst Road; head uphill past the first roundabout and you’ll see the club on your left. Multiple buses serve the area – notably the M1, 50, 11, 21 and 737 routes all stop on Holdenhurst or Lansdowne Road (www.ticketfairy.com ). These connect well into Bournemouth, Poole and surrounding suburbs. If you drive, be aware that street parking near the venue is extremely limited and metered. Paid parking comes in a few options: Lansdowne Mews NCP (under the railway bridge) or the larger Cotlands Road Council car park (about a 5–10 minute walk) are nearest (www.ticketfairy.com ). Lansdowne Road itself has a small 11-space pay-and-display lot, but it fills quickly. Expect to pay a few pounds for a couple of hours. Because of this, many concertgoers prefer the train/bus or ride-share. Taxis and Ubers can conveniently drop off (and pick up) on Holdenhurst Road right by the main entrance (www.ticketfairy.com ). In summary: use public transport if you can; if you drive, allow extra time to find a spot in private car parks or pay bays nearby (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Inside the Venue
Once inside, you’ll pass through a ticket check and a routine pub-style security check (random bag searches may be done for everyone) (www.ticketfairy.com ). The interior decor is an “industrial chic” mix of modern club lighting with preserved vintage touches. Exposed brick walls are interspersed with sections of the original 1902 glazed tile – notably, a green-and-white frieze depicting firemen at work still runs along one side (www.ticketfairy.com ). Atmosphere varies with the event: DJs nights favor laser lights, strobes and thumping bass, while concerts may use frontal stage lighting and fog machines. Air conditioning keeps the dancefloor surprisingly cool even when crowded. There are two bars: a large main bar on the ground floor (usually across from the stage) and a smaller bar up on the gallery. Both serve beer, cider, spirits, simple cocktails and soft drinks at modest prices (students get a discounted drink list) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Reviewers note prices are “not too bad” for a club. There is no full kitchen – just bottled snacks at the bar – so many visitors eat beforehand or grab something small from the takeaway shops right down the street. Restrooms are clean and sufficient, with men’s, women’s and even gender-neutral facilities on both floors. Importantly, there is a unisex accessible toilet on the ground floor (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue offers a staffed cloakroom on busy nights (second floor at club nights or in the entrance on gig nights) – a coat or bag costs about £2–3 to check (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). Finally, mobile reception is generally good inside; some nights have offered free WiFi, but don’t count on it in advance. In short, you’ll find a friendly pub-club atmosphere: good service at the bar (www.ticketfairy.com ), a spot to stow your coat (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ), and the freedom to dance or sit as you please.
Nearby Amenities
The Lansdowne/Holdenhurst area around the club has plenty to offer for pre- or post-show plans. A block from the venue are several well-rated restaurants: for example, Coconut Tree (Sri Lankan kitchen) is about 0.2 miles (around a 4-minute walk) away (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), and Kala Thai (Thai cuisine) is only ~0.1 miles past that (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Mediterranean and barbecue dishes are on offer at nearby Agora (0.2mi) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), and pizza lovers have two choices: Caprinos Pizza & Pasta or Bournemouth Pizza Co, both under 0.1mi from the club (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). On Holdenhurst Road immediately outside, you’ll find cafés, kebab shops and fast-food outlets that stay open late for a quick bite. If you want a sit-down drink, there are pubs a short walk away (Bear’s Bar & Venue is at 24-26 Holdenhurst Rd, just next door) and several bars near the station or on Victoria Street downtown. For accommodations, there are hotels and guesthouses within a few blocks – for example, The Orchid Hotel at 34 Gervis Road (just 0.2mi on level road) offers rooms for touring fans (www.tripadvisor.com ). In general, plan to arrive early if you intend to dine beforehand, as many restaurants rush to close before midnight. After a late event, taxis can be found outside and the railway station has frequent trains southbound (Bournemouth to Poole/Purbeck) until around midnight. If you miss the last train, ride-share or night buses (the 53 bus goes through Lansdowne) are options, or stay over in one of the local hotels.
What Makes This Venue Special
The Old Fire Station’s charm comes from its unique combination of history and youth culture. It’s literally an old firehouse repurposed as a buzzing SU club – a rare example of heritage architecture meeting modern nightlife. The preserved features (ornate engine doors, copper cupola, tiled friezes) give it a personality no generic nightclub can match (www.flickr.com ) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Visitors and artists often remark on its “just right” size – big enough for an energetic crowd but small enough to feel close to the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Acoustics are consistently praised: reviewers highlight “great sound” and staff are noted to be generally friendly (www.ticketfairy.com ). Culturally, it has anchored Bournemouth’s independent music scene; it’s where local bands dream of playing and students spend Friday nights. Unlike commercial stadium venues, The Old Fire Station retains a grassroots feel (run by the student union, drawing volunteer support) that many find refreshing. In particular, its status as both a Students’ Union club and a public gig hall makes it inclusive: everyone from 18-year-old fresher to grandparent accompaniment can find something to love, from live gigs to themed student raves. All told, the venue’s blend of “historic charm and vibrant entertainment” is what keeps fans coming back (www.ticketfairy.com ) – it stands out as a beloved landmark of Bournemouth’s nightlife.
Visitor Tips and Information
Accessibility: The Old Fire Station is committed to accessibility for disabled patrons. There is step-free access from street level to the venue (with one lift connecting floors), and all areas (stage-viewing sections, bar, cloakroom) are reachable without stairs (www.subu.org.uk ). Accessible toilets (with radar key entry) are located on the ground floor and first floor (www.subu.org.uk ). Free personal assistant (PA) tickets are provided to disabled customers who need help – purchase one ticket as usual, then contact the venue with your booking reference to arrange the free PA pass (www.subu.org.uk ). You can arrive 10–15 minutes early before doors to get settled. However, note that the stage itself is not wheelchair-accessible (no hoist), so there’s no raised viewing platform for wheelchairs (www.subu.org.uk ). Assistance dogs are welcome – just let the team know in advance (www.subu.org.uk ). (The venue follows “Attitude Is Everything” guidelines for deaf and disabled access, though it currently has no audio induction loop for hearing aids (www.subu.org.uk ).)
What to Bring/Not Bring: Bring valid photo ID (especially if you plan to drink – only 18+ can be served alcohol). Dress code is casual; nightclub or smart casual wear is fine. Standard bag policies apply: large rucksacks may be subject to search or refused if they obstruct others. Small cameras and mobile phone cameras are generally allowed for personal use (www.ticketfairy.com ), so you can take photos (the club often photographs events as well). However, professional video equipment or large DSLRs might need prior permission. Smoking is only allowed in the outdoor areas (there is a street-level smoking zone); smoking inside is prohibited by law. If you have medical needs, you are welcome to bring necessary food, drink or medicine (just inform staff on arrival) (www.subu.org.uk ). Avoid bringing large bottles, sharp objects, or outside liquor. There is a paid cloakroom (roughly £2–3 per item) where you can check coats, bags or umbrellas (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). Finally, we recommend earplugs if you’re sensitive – loud music and strobing lights are common, and staff will announce if a set causes strong strobe flashes.
How can I buy tickets for shows at The Old Fire Station?
Tickets are sold online through the venue’s official channels (often via SeeTickets or TicketWeb). Check the Old Fire Station website or Bournemouth University Students’ Union announcements for on-sale dates. It’s best to book early online for popular events, as shows often sell out (www.ticketfairy.com ). A small number of tickets may occasionally be sold at the door if the event is not sold out.
Are tickets cheaper for students or SU members?
Yes. Many club nights have special rates for Bournemouth University Students’ Union (SUBU) members, including free or reduced entry. Live concerts often offer student discounts or subsidised rates. SUBU members frequently get advance access or promotional tiers. Always log in with your membership or select the student pricing option when booking (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Can I buy tickets at the door on the night of the event?
Sometimes. If the concert or club night is not sold out, the venue often sells a limited number of tickets at the door just before doors open. However, door sales are not guaranteed – for headline gigs or themed student nights the advance tickets may sell out in advance (www.ticketfairy.com ). It’s safest to buy online ahead of time if possible.
What is the capacity of The Old Fire Station?
The main floor can hold about 1,200 people for club/dance events (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). For live-concert setups (with stage and sound gear), the capacity is typically around 550 standing fans (www.ticketfairy.com ). In practice, some seated events may use up to ~200 chairs, but most shows are general admission standing.
What is the address and nearest station for The Old Fire Station?
The Old Fire Station’s address is 36 Holdenhurst Road, Bournemouth, BH8 8AD (www.ticketfairy.com ). It is located at the top of Lansdowne Hill. The nearest train stop is Bournemouth Railway Station – only about a 10–15 minute walk through the underpass beneath the tracks. Exiting the station, follow signs toward the town centre along Holdenhurst Road to reach the venue (www.ticketfairy.com ).
What buses serve The Old Fire Station?
Multiple local buses stop near the venue. Notably, the M1, 50, 11, 21 and 737 routes all run along Holdenhurst Road or nearby Lansdowne streets (www.ticketfairy.com ). These lines connect the fire station area to Bournemouth town centre, Boscombe, Poole and other suburbs. Check local bus timetables for schedules, especially late at night as frequency may drop after midnight. The nearest bus stops are within a block's walk.
Is parking available near The Old Fire Station, and how much does it cost?
Street parking on Holdenhurst Road is very limited and metered. For dedicated parking, the closest options are Lansdowne Mews NCP (under the rail bridge, ~5min walk) or Cotlands Road public car park (~7–10min walk) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Lansdowne Road has a small council-operated lot (~11 short-stay spaces). Expect to pay a few pounds for 2–3 hours via pay-and-display. Because parking is scarce, many people arrive by train or bus when attending shows (www.ticketfairy.com ).
Where can taxis or ride-shares drop off nearest to the venue?
Taxis (and Uber) can stop directly on Holdenhurst Road outside the club’s entrance (southern side of the street). The venue is just past the big KFC corner as you head northwest. For picking up after a gig, the same street-side location is convenient. Alternatively, Cotlands Road (just behind the venue) has a taxi rank and short-term drop-off zone next to the car park (www.subu.org.uk ).
Is it mostly standing-room at The Old Fire Station?
Yes. In its standard configuration, the venue is a flat-floor space intended for dancing and crowding the stage (www.ticketfairy.com ). Most nights sees everyone standing. Chairs (and even limited table seating) are only used occasionally – for special events where a seated audience is arranged (up to ~200 seats on the ground floor) (www.ticketfairy.com ). Even when chairs are set up, many people still stand or move between seats and the dance floor.
What is the best place to stand or sit for a good view?
For the full experience, standing near the front-center of the main floor puts you closest to the stage and sound. If you prefer a bit of space or a higher view, head to the raised balcony area along the sides – it's less crowded and overlooks the stage (TicketFairy describes it as a mini “VIP” perch) (www.ticketfairy.com ). You can see the whole room and still hear well. If you’re seated, any chairs on the side balconies give a good line of sight. Generally avoid the very back wall if crowd density is an issue, but acoustics carry clearly throughout.
What items are not allowed inside The Old Fire Station?
Standard club restrictions apply. Large bags or rucksacks may be refused for security. Weapons and fireworks are obviously banned. Outside alcohol and food are not permitted (coats/bags can be checked for a fee (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk )). The venue has a no-weapons policy for everyone’s safety. Other than that, normal civilised behaviour and legal compliance (no illegal substances, etc.) are required. If in doubt, the staff at the door can advise.
Can I take photographs or video during events?
Yes for personal use. Patrons are generally allowed to use phone cameras or small personal cameras to take photos or short clips (www.ticketfairy.com ). The venue itself often has its own photographer during events. Do not expect to livestream or use professional video cameras without permission. In short, casual phone photography is fine, but if you need equipment like a tripod or pro camera, ask the venue first.
Is smoking allowed inside or outside the venue?
Smoking is not allowed inside (the venue is fully licensed no-smoking indoors). You are welcome to smoke in the designated outdoor area beside the entrance. Typically, there’s a smoking spot on the pavement outside the club – please use the provided bins for cigarette waste.
Is there a coat check or cloakroom service?
Yes. A staffed cloakroom is available. During busy club nights it’s upstairs on the second floor; during concerts it operates at the entrance. It costs around £2 for students (and £3 for non-students) per item (www.bookings.oldfirestation.co.uk ). Use this for coats, bags or large items – it keeps the club floor clear. Remember to bring a few pounds in cash if you plan to check items.
Does The Old Fire Station have accessible facilities?
Yes. The venue provides step-free entry (ramps and a lift between floors) and has an accessible toilet on the ground floor (www.subu.org.uk ) (www.subu.org.uk ). All bars and stages can be reached without stairs. If wheelchair access is needed, it’s best to book in advance (there are reserved wheelchair spots – contact the venue upon booking) (www.oldfirestation.co.uk ). Assistance is available if needed. Keep in mind the raised stage itself has no wheelchair lift, so viewing positions are on the ground or balcony level.
Can I bring my assistance dog?
Yes – trained assistance dogs are welcome in the venue. The staff ask that you notify them in advance when booking so they can make a suitable space and alert their team. (They even provide a free carer/companion ticket to someone who needs help coping with the event (www.subu.org.uk ).) Just let the box office or event organiser know when buying your ticket.
What nearby restaurants or bars are recommended?
Holdenhurst Road is lined with eateries. A few steps away are Café Aroma and local takeaways for a quick bite. A block or two further you’ll find the Coconut Tree (Sri Lankan, 0.2 mi) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), Kala Thai (Thai food, 0.1 mi) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ), and Agora (Mediterranean) (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). Casual pizza spots (Caprinos and Bournemouth Pizza Co) are extremely close for late-night slices (www.tripadvisor.co.uk ). For drinks, Bear’s Bar & Venue is literally next door; otherwise pubs and cocktail bars line Lansdowne Road into the town centre. Hotels such as The Orchid (Gervis Road, 0.2 mi) are nearby if needed (www.tripadvisor.com ). Plan ahead if dining, as many places close around midnight when shows end.
Typically, what time do doors open and shows start?
Door times vary by event. Student club nights often have doors around 10pm or later, with music going on past 2am. Live concerts usually start earlier – doors might be at 7–8pm, with shows from 8–11pm. Always check your ticket: the event page on the club’s site will list door and show times. Aim to arrive at least 15–30 minutes before the advertised start to get a good spot and use the cloakroom.
Is there an age restriction at The Old Fire Station?
Most events are 18+ only, due to the venue’s alcohol license. You will need to show ID (passport or driver’s licence) at the door. Occasionally a “mixed-age” gig or comedy club may be advertised (for example a daytime or family show), in which case the age limit would be noted on the ticket. But as a rule of thumb, assume you must be 18 or over to enter at night.
