THE GREAT HALL: MUSICAL MILESTONES THROUGH TIME

As one of the largest venues in the region, The Great Hall is located in the centre of the University campus and continues to attract renowned industry names.

Nestled within the University of Exeter’s Streatham Campus, The Great Hall is a nostalgia-inducing cultural and musical events epicentre that has shaped Exeter’s music since the 1950s!

From classical music to rock concerts and major academic conferences, The Great Hall offers unforgettable gig experiences that cater to a wide range of tastes.

Since its opening, The Great Hall has transformed from a university auditorium into a beacon of entertainment in the Southwest, drawing audiences from across the region and beyond.

These days, Exeter in Devon is more accessible than ever. If you’re planning a day trip, a weekend getaway, or a longer stay, getting here is straightforward thanks to a variety of travel options catering to every preference and need.

Address: Great Hall, Stocker Rd, Exeter EX4 4QB
Contact: Live@ Exeter
Email: eventslive@exeter.ac.uk
Phone: 0300 555 0214
Website: Live Events at Exeter
Disability Access: Yes

Photo Credit: The Great Hall
Photo Credit: Muse in the Great Hall
Photo Credit: The Great Hall
Photo Credit: The Great Hall

The Great Hall’s diverse programming has featured a range of genres, making it a versatile venue that appeals to many.

Already this year, the dynamic beats of Orbital and the wistful melodies of Scouting for Girls have added to a rich selection that appeals to diverse audiences.

Upcoming events include Ocean Alley on 1st September, The Rock Orchestra by Candlelight in November, and a much-anticipated, sold-out-in-moments show from You Me at Six in Spring next year.

The venue has a long-standing collaboration with the Bournemouth Symphony Orchestra, which regularly features the Great Hall in their seasonal programme.

Memorable past events underscore its reputation, with performances by The Bee Gees, Pink Floyd, The Who, The Kinks, The Clash, Muse KSI and Kaiser Chiefs adding to its storied history.

In fact, there are so many to mention, and until recently, there hasn’t been a list of the shows put on in the iconic uni venues. On our social media pages, followers frequently reminisce about the gigs they attended and the bands they danced to. Thanks to alumni Alan Cottee (Geography, 1979) and Paul O’Carroll (English, History and Sociology, 1983), a list has started to be collated!

Access it here

The Great Hall boasts extensive amenities that enhance the visitor experience:

Capacity: Mixed seating for up to 1700 (1251 standing at stage level and 449 seated on the balcony) (1400 seated or 1700 standing)
Amenities: Gig Bar, The Ram Bar, Outdoor Piazza, Onsite parking
Accessibility: Full disability access ensures inclusivity for all patrons

The venue in three words:

Accommodating
Lively
Versatile

Strategically located at the heart of Exeter’s university campus, The Great Hall is easily accessible by public transport. Exeter Central Station and St Davids are short walks away. For those travelling by car, ample parking is available onsite.

Nearby accommodations such as the Mercure Exeter Southgate Hotel, Townhouse Exeter and Queens Court Hotel offer luxurious stays for visitors attending events at the hall. During vacation periods, visitor accommodation is available on campus

https://event.exeter.ac.uk/stay/bed-and-breakfast

https://www.queenscourt-hotel.co.uk/

https://www.townhouseexeter.co.uk/

The Great Hall does not disappoint when it comes to dining options. You can enjoy pre-performance drinks or a meal at The Ram Bar, a huge range of tasty meals on a bespoke menu at delicious diner iSCA, or check out the Forum Kitchen.

The Forum Kitchen is an award-winning, unique space for students, staff, and visitors that offers a diverse food events calendar with ever-changing dishes and experiences.

There is a range of food and drink concepts supported by independent traders.

For the full range of eateries on campus, check the opening times here.

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The Great Hall

The Great Hall’s location makes it a perfect starting point for exploring Exeter’s rich historical offerings. The majestic Exeter Cathedral and the serene Exeter Quay are highly recommended by the great Hall team as places where music tourists can enjoy various activities before or after their event.

The Cathedral stands proud in the heart of the city. A rooftop tour is an absolute must. On a clear day, breathtaking views stretch beyond the rugged moors and Jurassic coastline.

Take this literally with a visit to the Underground Passages, a network of medieval passages that sit directly below the city.

Another must-visit is the award-winning RAMM museum, where you will encounter a wonderful and diverse collection of over one million individual objects and specimens from all over the world.

If the sun chooses to shine, head to the Quay for a spot of ‘messing about on the river.’ Pop into Saddles and Paddles, which offers canoes and bikes; you choose your mode of transport to explore the canal.

Six Top Hits For Exeter Music Tourists

The Great Hall hosts concerts and contributes to the local economy and cultural vitality. Its programming reflects a commitment to diversity and quality, making it a must-visit on Exeter’s venue list.

Plan your visit through history and harmony

The Great Hall continues to be an ambassador for live music and cultural events in Exeter. As it looks to the future, it remains dedicated to bringing the best of entertainment to its stages, reinforcing Exeter’s potential as a city of music.

It’s where legends have played and continue to do so.

Live events have long been synonymous with Exeter, and The Great Hall and the Lemon Grove continue to write new chapters in this musical narrative.

– Chelsea Branch

Chelsea Branch, a roots, rocksteady, reggae and everything in between enthusiast. First gig was to see the Ordinary Boys at the Lemon Grove (Exeter) at 16 after taking a liking to their Ska-inspired track 'Rudy's in Love' (and the frontman, Preston). After University, she spent seven years in brilliant Bristol, revelling in its dynamic music scene—a move very much inspired by a first-time visit to St Paul's Carnival. She now lives in Exeter alongside her partner Bev, embracing Devon country life and swapping sound systems for sea swimming and scriptwriting.

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