Hand Carved violins
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The Old Fire Station Carlisle

4.7
·641 reviews·, United Kingdom

A vibrant venue in Carlisle known for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound, and diverse live music and comedy events.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Evenings

Live music & comedy shows

CrowdMedium
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Hand Carved violins

The Old Fire Station Carlisle

Best Time

Evenings

Live music & comedy shows

CrowdMedium
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A vibrant venue in Carlisle known for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound, and diverse live music and comedy events.

4.7
(641 reviews)

"Great venue with great sound too. Standing only bit this only adds to the atmosphere."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Easy to Reach

Just a 5-min walk from the bus station and 10 mins from the train station. Parking is also available nearby.

🍺 Good Value Drinks

Enjoy your drinks at reasonable prices, adding to the overall great value of the venue.

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Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Live Music Performances

Live Music Performances

Main performance space

Experience a diverse range of live acts, from rock and punk to tribute bands and folk. The intimate setting amplifies the energy of every show.

Instagram+2
Comedy Nights

Comedy Nights

Main performance space

Catch stand-up comedians in a relaxed, intimate environment. The venue is known for its friendly atmosphere and great acoustics for spoken word.

Reddit
The Abba Reunion Tribute Show

The Abba Reunion Tribute Show

Main performance space

Sing and dance along to your favorite Abba hits with this popular tribute act. A guaranteed night of fun and nostalgia.

Instagram
Bingo Inferno

Bingo Inferno

Main performance space

Join a lively bingo party with music, dance-offs, and cash prizes for a truly unique night out.

Instagram
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Planning Your Visit

Book Ahead for Popular Gigs

The Old Fire Station Carlisle hosts a variety of live music and comedy acts. For sought-after performances, especially tribute bands or well-known comedians, booking tickets in advance is highly recommended to avoid disappointment. Check their schedule and secure your spot early! TikTok

Arrive Early for Best Spots

This venue is often standing-room only, which adds to the energetic atmosphere. Arriving early ensures you can snag a prime viewing spot close to the stage and soak in the full experience. Reddit

Best Times

When
Evenings
Why
Live music & comedy shows
Crowd
Medium
When
Weekends
Why
Most gigs & events scheduled
Crowd
High

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

The Carlisle Song🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿a song about Carlisle in the Nothern English county of Cumbria. #carlisle #cumbria #england #uk #carlisleunited suno 🎶
@saxboybilly18
17.3K likes • 287.5K views

🎯 Easy to Reach

Just a 5-min walk from the bus station and 10 mins from the train station. Parking is also available nearby. Reddit

🍺 Good Value Drinks

Enjoy your drinks at reasonable prices, adding to the overall great value of the venue. Reddit

Chris Holmes The Sound Of Wasp Live at The Old Fire Station Carlisle. Blind In Texas #chrisholmes #holmesthesoundofwasp #wasp #theoldfirestation #carlisle #livemusic #rockmusic #rocknroll #heavymetal #rockguitar #blindintexas #gig #cheers
nigelairey
16 likes • 93 views
A bit of 'I Know It's Over' for you all. Live at Old Fire Station Carlisle a few weeks back. Thanks to @mikecor99 for the audio recording and mix. #thesmiths #iknowitsover
thesmithsltd
210 likes • 3.8K views

🎶 Excellent Sound Quality

The venue boasts impressive sound systems, ensuring a fantastic audio experience for all performances. Reddit

✨ Friendly & Professional Staff

From the owner to the engineers, expect a warm welcome and efficient service. Reddit

Hey there, bit late on this one, but Feb 15th at the Old Fire Station in Carlisle was a proper mad one. Me slappin’ the bass with Man in the Mirror, crowd losin’ it, good times all round. Come catch us at the next gig, let’s do it again. #ManInTheMirrorBand #CarlisleNights #OldFireStation #BassVibes #GigMemories #LatePost #FollowUsForMoreChaos
nixx_music
13 likes • 1.2K views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Easy to Reach

Just a 5-min walk from the bus station and 10 mins from the train station. Parking is also available nearby. Reddit

🍺 Good Value Drinks

Enjoy your drinks at reasonable prices, adding to the overall great value of the venue. Reddit

🎶 Excellent Sound Quality

The venue boasts impressive sound systems, ensuring a fantastic audio experience for all performances. Reddit

✨ Friendly & Professional Staff

From the owner to the engineers, expect a warm welcome and efficient service. Reddit

🚶 Standing Room Vibe

Embrace the standing-only setup for an intimate and energetic atmosphere. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.7
(641 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors consistently praise The Old Fire Station Carlisle for its intimate atmosphere, excellent sound quality, and friendly staff, making it a top choice for live music and comedy. While primarily a standing venue, the good value drinks and convenient location add to its appeal. Some minor issues like stage lighting have been noted, but overall, it's a highly recommended spot for a great night out. Reddit

"Great venue with great sound too. Standing only bit this only adds to the atmosphere. Beer was also good value for money. Only around 5 mins walk from the bus station. 10 from the train station. Definitely worth another visit"

Carl Rigby (LSW MR RIGBY)

"Nice small venue on the periphery of the city, plenty of parking spaces, free on street parking after 7pm, car park across from the front door charges 24/7 but but not that expensive. There is a large bar as you go in which is opened up early, so you don't need to queue in the rain! I was down to see Dutch rockers FOCUS, it was unallocated seating, not sure if it is always the case, I managed to get a front row seat, there was a gap between seat and stage so you're not pressed up to the stage, the sound quality was excellent, someone must have told the sound engineer that there are mid and high frequencies. - it's not all about the bass! Focus were brilliant. The toilets were clean, staff friendly. The only slight negative was the light rig, had a bright white light shining into my face all night, don't know why lights are positioned behind the band facing out into the audience. As this venue is only about a two hour drive I hope to visit it again."

stan mooney

"I’m writing this review from the perspective of the band that plays here. We gig twice every weekend, all over the UK in Europe.

We’ve just done our second date at the fire station from the moment we arrive. Everything was made easy for us. It’s not like that everywhere we go as a result we take with us a very professional system, all done so that we can set up as easier as we can. The old fire station has exactly the same attitude.

The owner, will, is one of the most professional men I’ve ever met staff are exceptionally friendly. Then there’s the engineers, who are always friendly knowledgeable extremely easy to get on with and work with what you’ve sent them, tuning the system for the gig. Backstage is spacious comfortable and unlike many places is geared towards letting the band relax get everything sorted out they need to before they go on stage. They even had towels for artists something major chains don’t have.

It’s a straight up five star review."

Keith Trigwell

What People Like

Great sound quality
Intimate atmosphere
Friendly staff

What People Dislike

Stage lighting issues

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Old Fire Station Carlisle is conveniently located within walking distance of public transport. It's approximately a 5-minute walk from the bus station and about 10 minutes from the train station. Reddit

Yes, there are parking options. Free on-street parking is available after 7 PM. There's also a car park directly opposite the venue, which charges 24/7 but is reasonably priced. Reddit

While specific accessibility details are not widely published, the venue is generally described as a small, intimate space. It's advisable to contact the venue directly for detailed information regarding accessibility for specific events. Reddit

For evening events, taking advantage of the free on-street parking after 7 PM is a great option. Alternatively, public transport is very close by, making it easy to reach without driving. Reddit

Yes, taxis are readily available in Carlisle. You can easily book a taxi to drop you off directly at the venue. The proximity to the bus and train stations also makes it easy to connect with taxi services. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased online through the venue's official website or associated ticketing platforms. For some events, tickets may also be available on the door, but it's recommended to book in advance for popular shows. TikTokInstagram

Most events are general admission, often standing room only, which contributes to the lively atmosphere. Some shows might offer unallocated seating, but it's best to check the specific event details when booking. Reddit

The venue typically opens its doors in the evening for scheduled events. The bar area may open earlier, allowing patrons to enter and enjoy a drink before the main performance begins. Reddit

For many events, tickets are available on the door, but it's not guaranteed, especially for sold-out shows. Booking in advance is the safest bet to secure your entry. Instagram+1

Refund policies can vary depending on the event and the ticketing platform. It's advisable to review the terms and conditions at the time of purchase or contact the venue directly for specific inquiries. Reddit

🎫 🎤 Onsite Experience

The Old Fire Station Carlisle is known for its intimate and energetic atmosphere, especially during live music events. The standing-room-only setup often enhances the crowd's engagement. Reddit

The venue is primarily a standing-room-only space, which contributes to its lively vibe. Some events might have unallocated seating, but this is not guaranteed and depends on the specific show. Reddit

There is a large bar area located as you enter the venue, which is often opened early. They offer good value for money on drinks. Reddit

Yes, the venue has toilet facilities, which are described as clean by visitors. Reddit

You can expect a wide range of events including live music from various genres, tribute bands, comedy shows, and unique parties like Bingo Inferno. Instagram+3

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Information about food service at The Old Fire Station Carlisle is limited. While they have a bar, it's primarily known as a live music and events venue, so food options may be restricted or unavailable. It's best to check with the venue directly or plan to dine before or after your event. Reddit

Yes, Carlisle city center offers a variety of dining options. You can find pubs, cafes, and restaurants within a short walking distance of the venue, especially closer to the bus and train stations. Reddit

Typically, venues like The Old Fire Station Carlisle do not permit outside food. It's standard practice to consume food purchased at the venue or to dine elsewhere before your visit. Reddit

The bar at The Old Fire Station Carlisle offers a selection of drinks, with beer being noted as good value for money. Specific details on other beverages are not widely available, but a standard range is usually expected. Reddit

There is generally no strict dress code for attending events or using the bar at The Old Fire Station Carlisle. Casual attire is usually acceptable, but it's always a good idea to check for specific event guidelines if you're attending a formal performance. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Photography policies can vary by event. For most live music and comedy shows, personal photography is usually allowed, but professional recording equipment is typically prohibited without prior permission. Check with the venue or event organizer for specific rules. Instagram+1

The venue's intimate setting and stage lighting can create dramatic photo opportunities, especially during performances. Capturing the energy of the crowd and the performers can make for great shots. Instagram+1

Lighting conditions can vary significantly depending on the event. Live music and comedy shows often have dynamic stage lighting, which can be challenging but also rewarding for photographers. Reddit

Flash photography is generally discouraged or prohibited at live events to avoid distracting performers and other audience members. It's best to assume flash is not allowed unless explicitly stated otherwise. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance and manual controls would be ideal for capturing events. Many visitors use their smartphones, which are capable of taking decent photos in good lighting conditions. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Old Fire Station Carlisle is primarily geared towards adult audiences for live music and comedy. While some events might be suitable for older children, it's generally not considered a typical family venue for younger kids. Check the specific event details to see if it's appropriate for your family. Instagram

For events like Bingo Inferno, the atmosphere can be lively and energetic, which might be fun for older teens. However, the standing-room-only nature of many gigs means it might not be ideal for very young children who require seating or a quieter environment. Instagram

💰 Budget Travelers

The Old Fire Station Carlisle offers great value for money, particularly with its reasonably priced drinks. Reddit Ticket prices for events are often affordable, especially when compared to larger venues, making it an attractive option for budget-conscious travelers looking for live entertainment. Reddit

Its proximity to the bus and train stations also means you can save on transportation costs. Plus, the availability of free on-street parking after 7 PM is a bonus for those driving. Reddit

🎶 Music Enthusiasts

For music lovers, The Old Fire Station Carlisle is a gem. The venue hosts a diverse range of genres, from rock and punk to tribute acts and folk music. Instagram+2 The excellent sound quality ensures you'll hear every note perfectly, making it an ideal spot to catch both local and touring bands. Reddit

Its intimate setting means you're always close to the action, providing an immersive live music experience. Keep an eye on their schedule for upcoming gigs that match your taste. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Venue's Atmosphere and Vibe

The Old Fire Station Carlisle is celebrated for its intimate and energetic atmosphere, making it a favorite for both performers and audiences. Unlike larger arenas, its smaller scale fosters a closer connection between the artists and the crowd. This is particularly evident during live music gigs, where the standing-room-only setup amplifies the shared excitement. Reddit

Reviewers consistently praise the excellent sound quality, noting that the engineers are knowledgeable and tune the system effectively, ensuring a balanced audio experience that isn't just bass-heavy. This attention to sound contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of performances. Reddit

Beyond the acoustics, the friendly and professional staff, including the owner, create a welcoming environment. This positive reception extends to the backstage area, which is described as spacious and comfortable, even providing towels for artists – a touch often missing in larger venues. Reddit

Accessibility and Practicalities

Getting to The Old Fire Station Carlisle is straightforward. It's conveniently located within a short walking distance from both the bus station (5 minutes) and the train station (10 minutes), making it easily accessible for those traveling by public transport. Reddit

For those driving, parking is available. Free on-street parking can be found after 7 PM, and there's a car park directly opposite the venue that operates 24/7, though it does have charges. These options provide flexibility for visitors arriving by car. Reddit

While the venue is primarily standing-room-only, which enhances its lively feel, it's worth noting that specific accessibility information for individuals with disabilities is not widely detailed. Visitors with particular needs are advised to contact the venue directly to ensure their requirements can be met for any given event. Reddit

A Performer's Perspective

From the viewpoint of touring bands, The Old Fire Station Carlisle stands out for its exceptional professionalism and support. Artists consistently report that from the moment they arrive, everything is made easy, allowing for a smooth setup and a relaxed pre-performance experience. Reddit

The technical team and engineers are highlighted as being particularly friendly, knowledgeable, and easy to work with, ensuring the sound system is perfectly tuned for each gig. This level of care and expertise is highly valued by musicians. Reddit

The spacious and comfortable backstage area is a significant plus, equipped with amenities like towels, which are often overlooked by larger venues. This focus on artist comfort and efficient operations contributes to a five-star experience for performers. Reddit

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