Venue 23

Creative Tourist

Down a sloping street radiating off from Wakefield’s Westgate Road, Venue 23 is an independently run live music venue, recently taken over by new management after its original incarnation, Warehouse 23, closed its doors during the pandemic. It’s an unassuming, single-storey building, with gig posters dotted along the front wall. Inside, this 850 capacity venue has an industrial vibe, and is the ideal setting for cutting-edge local and international talent. The venue has, in years gone by, played host to high-profile gigs from hugely popular bands and artists; Joy Division, Kasabian, Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr and New Order founder Peter Hook have all graced its stage.

The takeover of the venue is a huge win for the city’s music scene, with the new management planning to modernise both the physical venue and its approach to programming: “It’s not just going to be about one genre. There’s going to be pop bands, unsigned bands and events. We’ll have indie nights, student nights, rock nights and a retro night, which Wakefield’s not had for many years.”

The gig venue is incredibly well situated, just a five-minute walk from Wakefield’s Westgate station and close to other major cultural draws in the city – including Neon Workshops, home to a gallery, shop and incredible courses in neon, The Theatre Royal Wakefield, dating back to 1894 and host to shows for families, fans of music, drama, comedy and more, and the Gissing Centre, childhood home of overlooked Victorian novelist George Gissing.

We look forward to seeing what the future holds for this great venue.

23 Smyth StreetWakefieldWF1 1ED View map
Telephone: 01924313354 Visit Now

Opening Hours

  • Monday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Tuesday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Wednesday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Thursday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Friday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Saturday7:00pm - 12:00am
  • Sunday7:00pm - 12:00am

Always double check opening hours with the venue before making a special visit.

What's on near Venue 23

Where to go near Venue 23

Warehouse23
Wakefield
Music venue
Warehouse23

Hosting international and local talent, Warehouse23 is an independently run live music venue, and widely considered to be one of Wakefield’s best.

Neon Workshops
Wakefield
Neon Workshops

One of Wakefield’s coolest companies, book a workshop, visit a temporary exhibition or browse Neon Workshops’ online shop.

The Hop Wakefield
Wakefield
Music venue
The Hop Wakefield

With over 50 years brewing experience and over 35 years knowledge of the music industry, The Hop Wakefield offers traditional ale plus contemporary music.

Wakefield
Bar or Pub
Now Serving

In the heart of Wakefield this basement bar, ‘high end, low brow’ by their own description, remains a popular watering hole.

Theatre Royal Wakefield
Wakefield
Theatre
Theatre Royal Wakefield

Hosting a mix of music, drama and comedy, The Theatre Royal Wakefield is a Victorian theatre with an important architectural heritage.

The Art House, Wakefield
Wakefield
Gallery
The Art House, Wakefield

With exhibition spaces, meeting rooms and a cafe, The Art House is a visual arts development agency and registered charity in Wakefield.

Gissing Centre, Wakefield
Wakefield
Museum
The Gissing Centre

The childhood home of renowned Victorian author George Gissing, whose popularity once rivaled that of Dickens.

The Priory Wakefield
Wakefield
Bar or Pub
The Priory Wakefield

A thriving Wakefield wine bar serving the finest wines, cocktails and spirits, as well as bottomless afternoon tea and mixology masterclasses.

Estabulo Rodizio Bar & Grill
Wakefield
Restaurant
Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill

Offering a traditional method of cooking and alongside an all-you-can-eat style of service – experience the authentic taste of Brazil at Estábulo Rodizio Bar and Grill.

Qubana
Wakefield
Restaurant
Qubana

Qubana has an amazing home dining menu with a wide and varied list of fabulous food to feast on at home.

Frank Bird
Wakefield
Shop
Frank Bird

With an elegant facade and a reputation for excellent customer service, Frank Bird offers premium menswear collections from around the world.

Culture Guides

Theatre in Manchester and the North
Theatre in Manchester and the North

Affecting contemporary performances and fresh, relevant takes on enduring classics, we pick out shows that help us scrutinise the world we live in.

Teenage Dads
Music in Manchester and the North

Fresh concert seasons, forward-thinking festivals and a revolving door of amazing gigs. Things are looking bright as spring comes into view.