Bristol Drum & Bass, Jungle & Rave Streetwear | Dream But Do Not Sleep®
The History of Bristol’s Dance Music Scene
1980s: Soundsystems, Dub & DIY Spirit
Bristol’s musical journey started with reggae, dub, and soundsystem culture, thanks to the city’s Caribbean communities. Crews like The Wild Bunch (later Massive Attack) threw legendary parties in St Pauls and Easton, blending reggae, hip-hop, and punk—laying the groundwork for Bristol’s innovative, multicultural sound.
Early 1990s: Birthplace of Jungle & Drum & Bass
As the rave movement swept the UK, Bristol became a jungle and DnB powerhouse. Local producers fused reggae basslines, hip-hop samples, and breakbeats, creating a unique, bass-heavy sound. Clubs like Lakota, Trinity Centre, and Thekla became the heart of the scene, while MCs and DJs pushed the music on pirate radio and at all-night raves.
- Key pioneers: Roni Size, DJ Krust, DJ Die (Full Cycle crew), whose Mercury Prize-winning Reprazent project brought Bristol’s DnB to global fame.
Late 1990s–2000s: Dubstep & Bass Innovation
Bristol was central to the rise of dubstep, with producers like Pinch and Joker taking dark, bass-driven sounds from small clubs and pirate radio to international stages. The city’s open-minded ravers embraced everything from grime to experimental electronica.
2010s–Today: Still the UK’s Bass Capital
Bristol’s scene is fiercely independent and constantly evolving. Motion, Lakota, Trinity, and Thekla still host the world’s best DJs and live acts. Newer spots like Lost Horizon and venues in Stokes Croft keep the underground thriving. Festivals like Love Saves The Day, Tokyo World, and St Pauls Carnival celebrate Bristol’s diversity and dance heritage.
Bristol continues to influence DnB, jungle, dubstep, and beyond—its sound is deep, bass-heavy, and always innovative. The city’s style? Colourful, expressive, and built for the rave.
Further reading:
- DJ Mag: Bristol’s Jungle and DnB History
- Mixmag: The Evolution of Bristol’s Club Scene
- Red Bull: Bristol’s Role in UK Dance
Why Bristol Ravers Choose Dream But Do Not Sleep®
- Inspired by Bristol’s underground: Designs channel jungle, DnB, and rave energy.
- Made in England: Designed, printed, and embroidered in our Lancashire studio.
- Strictly positive vibes: Playful, bold, and comfortable for the dancefloor.
- Free UK shipping: Orders over £75 ship free; worldwide delivery with prepaid customs.
- Secure payments: Apple Pay, Google Pay, PayPal, Visa, Mastercard, Amex, and more.
Bristol Rave Edit: Featured Products
Hoodie in White with Juicy Beats Print
Short Sleeved T-Shirt in Natural Cotton with Rumble In The Jungle Print
Short Sleeved T-Shirt in Ash Grey with Jungle Rhythms Concrete Dreams Print
Short Sleeved T-Shirt in White with Rave Nation DJ Print
How to Style: Bristol Rave Edition
- Go bold with graphic tees and playful prints.
- Pair with loose-fit jeans or cargos—essential for the dancefloor or the skatepark.
- Layer up for all-weather raving, Bristol style.
Legendary Bristol Venues & Events
- Lakota: Iconic club for jungle, DnB, and house.
- Motion: Massive warehouse raves and global headliners.
- Trinity Centre: Community roots, bass-heavy nights.
- Thekla: Legendary club on a boat.
- Love Saves The Day, Tokyo World, St Pauls Carnival: Festivals celebrating Bristol’s dance diversity.
Real Bristol Ravers in Dream But Do Not Sleep®
Tag @dreambutdonotsleep on Instagram or use #DreamButDoNotSleep for a chance to be featured here!
Customer Reviews
“Wore my Dream But Do Not Sleep tee to Motion—felt right at home in the crowd. The colours pop!”
– Sam, Bristol
About Dream But Do Not Sleep®
Founded in 2012, Dream But Do Not Sleep® is a UK streetwear brand inspired by dance music and rave culture. All products are made to order in our Lancashire studio and shipped worldwide. Strictly positive vibes since 2012.
FAQ
Where are your products made?
Everything is designed, printed, and embroidered in-house in Lancashire.
Do you ship to Bristol?
Absolutely—plus free UK shipping on orders over £75.
How do I know what size to order?
Check our size guide or message us for advice.
Rep Bristol’s rave legacy—shop the Bristol Rave Edit now!
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