Community events, cabaret and comedy are in the works for a York venue – and there could be much more to come.
The Bonding Warehouse on Terry Avenue is aiming to be a hub for live performance again after a 25-year hiatus.
Workspaces company Patch, now a tenant at the riverside warhouse, is behind the move.
YorkMix caught up with Patch York site director, Thom Feeney, to find out what’s next for the iconic venue.
“We’ve had a fantastic response so far,” Thom said. “Now, the focus is to try and get more and more events happening in the Bonding Warehouse at Patch across a really broad range of things.
“I really want to see more entertainment happening here – whether that’s music gigs or raves or steak nights.
“I think it’s over to the people of York to come and contact us and let us know what you’d like to see and what you’d like to put on here.”
The venue had their first music gig in 25 years at the end of April which was a “brilliant success”, with the next event being the inaugural ‘Funny Fridays’ at Patch featuring five comedians on Friday 9 May.
Thom would also love to host more “theatrical, perhaps cabaret, and something a little bit weird and wonderful in this space as well.”
He’s also very keen in working with the community to create the programme of events. “One of things I absolutely love about York is that it’s such a community-focused city.
“The projects and interesting things that happen here are by York people for York people, and that’s something I really want Patch to be a part of as well.
“As somebody who’s previously worked in the arts I know that it’s really difficult to find good quality and value for money spaces – so I really want to lower the risk for artists and for community members that want to put on something interesting in the city.”
Thom is keen to build Patch as a recognised venue on not just a local level, but on a national scale too. “I used to work up at Edinburgh Fringe Festival and I’d love to do something with having preview shows here before comedians head up to Edinburgh.”
The Bonding Warehouse has had some iconic comedy names perform inside its walls from when it was initially a performance venue back in the 90s, such as Jo Brand, Lee Evans and Simon Pegg.
“It’d be pretty special if we could tempt Simon Pegg to do a tight ten minute set or something here! For me personally, somebody like Steve Coogan or Bob Mortimer would be top of my list to perform here.”
Thom would encourage any creative in York to get in touch. “If you’ve got an idea, we’ve got a space for that,” he said. “My personal philosophy is keep trying to say yes until I have to say no.
“So if you’ve got an idea and want to host something fun – whether that’s weird and wonderful or safe and lovely – then know that the Bonding Warehouse at Patch is available.”
To find out more about Patch, visit their website and Instagram.