Sutra - Bristol

March 1992 to June 1997, Bristol.

By Neil Clark – Sutra promoter & artist bookings.

At the time Sutra events were Bristol's biggest dance parties, no other club night in Bristol could offer a 1,500 to 2,500 capacity event with 4 or 5 rooms of dance music. Based at the University of the West of England (UWE) and run by the events team there; the music policy was varied, catering for the full range of styles from house, techno, jungle, drum ‘n’ bass, happy hardcore and even ambient.

Sutra's first event took place in March 92 with SL2 & Slipmatt headlining, by its the third event in October '92 with Carl Cox, Sutra had established itself as a key event in Bristol’s dance music calendar. The largest Sutra event was its first birthday party for nearly 2,500 people with the likes of Ellis D, Ratty, Dougal, Dave Angel & John Kelly.

A lot of inspiration was taken from Vibes Alive (its predecessor), the Universe events, the free party scene and Bristol’s club culture. I like to think that Sutra's were a like a miniature Universe event, I used contacts from the Universe parties such as dancers, stilt walkers and Rob from Universe would provide his inflatable stars for the outdoor marquee. We always tried to make it a real show with great visuals, lights and décor as well as top DJs, MCs and live performances.

We also used a lot of DJs and MCs from the Bristol scene such as Jody, MC/DJ Ribbs, Producer, Mach One, Vinyl Junkie, Die, Roni Size, Joe Peng, Jack Horner, Daddy G and Nick Warren.

Maybe the key to success of the events was a big student involvement in the nights, playing their part as resident DJs, dancers and the promotions team (aka the Sutra Crew), for many it was the highlight of their time spent in Bristol.

In ’94, Sutra began a mid week monthly house night called House of Sutra in a massive club in the centre of Bristol. Which saw packed nights with DJ legends Pau Oakenfold, Danny Rampling, Carl Cox (house set) and from the US David Morales & Frankie Knuckles and many more. House of Sutra further established Sutra events as a key part of Bristol’s dance music scene.

Some nice things MixMag said about Sutra:

“How many midweek clubs can boast to be housed in a 1900 capacity venue and continually pull massive crowds” Mixmag – October ‘95

“The Sutra boys (and girls) can’t put a foot wrong at present” Mixmag November ‘95

There’s Facebook group for those with happy memories of the Sutra events, come and join us at:

http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=33128879312