WRITTEN BY Debbie Lewis | March 27, 2025

If you’re planning your next music event and searching for the perfect venue in Exeter, look no further. Live@ Exeter offers a collection of versatile, high-quality performance spaces right in the heart of the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus — ideal for everything from intimate acoustic sessions to full-scale live gigs.
Whether you’re a local promoter, tour manager, or events organiser, our venues combine professional facilities with vibrant student and community audiences, giving your act the platform it deserves.
Why Choose Live@ Exeter?
Live@ Exeter isn’t just one venue — it’s a collection of adaptable performance spaces, each with its own unique character. Our venues have hosted everything from student showcases and emerging talent to nationally recognised tours and major acts.
Explore Our Music Venues
The Great Hall
Standing proudly at the heart of Streatham Campus, The Great Hall is one of the South West’s most iconic entertainment venues. With a capacity of 1,700, it has played host to an impressive line-up of legendary acts including Bob Marley, U2, Pink Floyd, and Kaiser Chiefs.
As a regular stop for touring artists, orchestras, comedians and theatre companies, this versatile space is ideal for large-scale gigs and headline shows. A long-standing partnership with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra further cements its role as a cultural cornerstone in Exeter.
Learn more about The Great Hall
The Lemon Grove
The Lemon Grove may be smaller than The Great Hall, but it’s a legend in its own right. With a capacity of around 800, this intimate space has welcomed the likes of Blur, Supergrass, Def Leppard, and Muse over the years. It’s perfectly suited to smaller gigs, spoken word, live theatre, student events and club nights.
Its no-frills, high-energy atmosphere makes it a favourite for artists looking to connect directly with a crowd — and for promoters aiming to tap into Exeter’s vibrant live scene.
Explore The Lemon Grove
The Ram Bar
The University’s on-campus pub, The Ram Bar, offers a relaxed setting with a built-in stage — perfect for smaller performances, open mic nights or warm-up shows. Known for its friendly atmosphere, live music nights, and regular pub quizzes, it’s a versatile space that blends entertainment with social buzz.
With six screens showing live sport and an outdoor seating area, it’s a brilliant pre- or post-show hub as well as a venue in its own right.
Check out The Ram Bar
The Forum Kitchen
By day, the Forum Kitchen is a bustling food court — but by night, it transforms into a blank canvas for creativity. This adaptable venue is well-suited to pop-up gigs, intimate performances, private drinks receptions or interactive events like open mic nights and workshops.
Located in the heart of the campus, it’s a space where organisers can experiment and reimagine what a live music experience can be.
View The Forum Kitchen
What We Offer for Promoters and Organisers
Whether you’re planning a large-scale gig, an all-singing-and-dancing show, a small student gathering, or a private party night, we can help you deliver it.
- A range of versatile venues, from intimate social spaces to large-scale performance halls
- A historic and dynamic setting on the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus
- Opportunities to be part of a diverse and vibrant events programme
- Access to a ready-made student and local audience
- A dedicated in-house team to help plan and deliver your event
- Support for a wide range of events, including music, comedy, theatre, and private hire
All you need to do is provide us with a brief, and we’ll find the most appropriate space.
Join a Line-Up of Amazing Talent
Live@ Exeter has played host to an incredible mix of performers — from legendary comedians to acclaimed orchestras and popular music acts. Our venues have welcomed thousands of attendees to shows that span genres, formats and audiences.
Recent and upcoming performers include:
- Jason Manford – A Manford All Seasons
- Katherine Ryan – Battleaxe
- Josh Widdicombe – Not My Cup of Tea
- Grayson Perry – Are You Good?
- Miriam Margolyes – From A to Z
- Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra – Regular seasonal performances
- Ocean Wisdom – Live at the Lemon Grove
- Day Fever Exeter – A high-energy afternoon of nostalgic bangers
- Chris McCausland – Yonks!
- Ellie Taylor – Palavering!
- Fisherman’s Friends – Live music rooted in Cornish heritage
Whether you’re programming music, comedy, spoken word, or a creative showcase, Live@ venues offer the platform, support and audience to make your event a success.
Ready to Book or Want to Learn More?
Whether you’re organising a grassroots gig or a major tour date, Live@ Exeter has the venue and support you need. Let’s work together to make your event unforgettable.
Get in touch with our venue teams to enquire about availability, pricing, or bespoke support.
Stay Inspired
To see what’s coming up — or to discover the type of events our spaces are made for — check out our What’s On page.
OUR VENUES