05/11/2025
18 months ago, when we first decided to turn the garage below Riff Factory into a music venue, not even in our wildest dreams did we imagine this. To be here now, after an opening week like that… it still doesn’t feel real. We've pushed through obstacles, stress, illness, injuries, admin nightmares, and all the chaos that comes with doing something as ridiculous and massive as building a venue, but somehow, everything went off without a hitch.
The feedback, the messages, the hugs, the shoutouts.. it has been overwhelming in the best possible way! Grateful doesn’t even scratch the surface.
Opening week was magic.
We kicked things off on 26th October with a secret set from Static Dress, Black Coast, Return to Solace & Invasion. It was genuinely one of the best days of our lives. The community came to life. The venue was born. Everyone played their hearts out and the room was electric. Sam’s speech will live in our hearts forever.
Tuesday with Kira Mac, Centerfold UK, Athena’s Revenge & Bldsugr reminded us exactly why small venues matter. Sold out crowd. Massive sound. 4 totally different bands, all with unbelievable talent. There’s nothing like it!
Thursday saw the debut of Spectre - Ghost tribute. Nearly two years in the making. Watching that project finally hit the stage was incredibly special. Straight from our rehearsal rooms to our stage was something special for us. Rob Hoofe opening the night was the perfect touch. The teenagers inside of us can’t thank him enough for that moment.
Friday’s Plot Twist night was wild. That community is unbelievable. The passion oozes from everyone and the love for what they do is so obvious to see for all. We're honoured to now be part of that world. Big things to come together.
Then came our final day. Chin, Fractured Mind, Anti-Meta & Cure For The Enemy. The perfect closing chapter! A room full of friends and local talent all uniting for a pure love for music. We couldn’t have asked for a better ending to week one.
We’ve listened to every bit of feedback, made changes on the fly, and we’ll keep doing that because Riff Factory has always evolved with the people who use it. This venue will grow with everyone who walks through its doors.
This wasn’t just us.
To our friends & family:
From day one, you backed us to the heavens. You've supported our crazy ideas, comforted us when we've been feeling low and every single one of you has made an impact on this venue. We’ve made loads of new friends along the way, and old friends have come from far and wide, in one instance worldwide, to help. People have pulled us aside all week to tell us how proud they are, how much this means, and to thank us for opening a new venue. But honestly, we feel like we owe the thanks. This wouldn’t exist without you.
To Geoff:
We have to talk about Geoff. G-Man. From the first conversation, he believed in us. He pushed us, he motivated us, and he backed us every step of the way. His support, emotionally and financially, is a huge part of why this place exists. Geoff, this venue is as much yours as it is ours, and we are so lucky to have you. Thank you for everything.
To Liam Roberts:
Unsung hero no more. Liam has worked harder than anyone could imagine. He’s learned new skills, taught us new skills, and then calmly walked into week one and absolutely smashed it as our sound engineer. He finally got to show the world just how good he is and he deserves every ounce of credit, love, and support. We owe a lot to you Liam. Thank you.
To Joe Barber & Jim Loasby / LRSF Audio:
Having you guys on board from day one has been a huge part of making this happen. Everything from stage design and reassuring conversations, to installing the best sounding small venue PA we've ever heard, has been outstanding. You guys deserve so much credit for all of this and everything you've done for us, big and small, has been appreciated from the bottom of our hearts.
And to the Riff Factory community:
You've grown, you’ve rallied, and you’ve become something unstoppable. You filled our inboxes, our venue, our hearts. We're just getting started. The Riff Factory family is growing and nothing can stop us.
Week one down. A lifetime to go.
Thank you. So much love.
