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The Duchess
York
With a capacity that nears 500, The Duchess has become a real favourite for internationally acclaimed touring artists and in previous years it has played home to everyone from Pete Doherty to Toploader via Adam Ant and Soulfly.
The Duchess is the perfect half-way point between the city's biggest venue The Barbican and smaller spaces like Stereo. With friendly staff, an easy-access bar and a range of club events including Blackout rock night and the more recent Lollypop... pop music club night.
The ethos behind The Duchess has always been to play host to the best in alternative music and it is widely considered by many on the 'scene' in the region as York's most accessible venue; it never stops providing quality entertainment, and punters can always feel confident that they will have access to the best in new and established bands. Each staff member and promoter has varied experience within the music industry which accounts for the diverse bookings, and means that no music lover can be bored while inside the space.
The venue itself is located in York's 'music hub' on Stonebow which also holds Fibbers. Access is fairly easy, but for those in a wheelchair, it's worth bearing in mind that there are two flights of stairs to contend with; so bring some friends with you! Aside from the sticky floors (which to be fair, are a standard feature in any credible rock space these days...), The Duchess makes for a great intimate space that offers exposure and opportunity to York's most passionate artists and fans.