Guest Writer: Ed Oliver from Move & Bomba Exeter
Across the UK, we’re seeing the independent nightlife sector go through one of its toughest periods in recent memory. From where we stand, it feels like everything has become more challenging at once – rising costs, changing habits, increased pressure from regulation, and the long tail of post-pandemic recovery. It’s a difficult environment for grassroots venues like ours, and we’re constantly having to adapt just to keep going.
That said, we still believe deeply in why spaces like Move & Bomba matter – not just to us, but to the wider cultural life of cities like Exeter.
For us, independent venues have always been about more than just a night out. They’re where people start – artists, promoters, communities. They’re where ideas are tested, where scenes begin, and where people connect through music in a real, unfiltered way. Without spaces like this, it’s hard to see how new talent or diverse scenes can properly develop.
Move has grown over the years into something we’re really proud of. Based on the Quayside and part of Exeter’s nightlife for over a decade, we’ve tried to evolve alongside the culture around us, rather than dictate it. Our focus has always been on creating an environment where music can be experienced properly – whether that’s through the artists we book, the sound in the room, or the people who come through the doors.
Recently, we made the decision to invest in a new Funktion-One Evolution sound system and have spent a great deal of time and resource improving the acoustics throughout the space. It wasn’t an easy decision given the climate, but for us it felt important. We care deeply about how music is heard and felt, and we want both artists and audiences to experience it in the way it’s meant to be.
At the core of what we do is a grassroots mindset. We try to give as many opportunities as we can to local DJs, MCs, and live acts – whether that’s through our events or through our DJ rehearsal space MoveStudio. Seeing people go from their first set, to supporting headliners, to headlining shows themselves, is one of the most rewarding parts of what we do.
Upstairs, Bomba plays a big role in all of this as well. It allows us to do things we couldn’t do with Move alone. It’s a more flexible space, and that means we can host a much wider range of events – live bands, community events, private hires, and niche club nights that might not otherwise have a home.
What we’ve found is that having both spaces working together lets us support a broader spectrum of culture. We try to keep things inclusive and open, whether that’s through events for Exeter’s LGBTQ+ community or our monthly parties for people with additional needs. It’s important to us that people feel welcome here.
At the same time, the reality is that it’s getting harder to operate as an independent venue. Costs keep rising, expectations don’t drop, and people have more options than ever for how they spend their time and money. It means we have to think carefully about everything – how we programme, how we invest, and how we create experiences that feel worth leaving the house for.
One thing we do believe is that authenticity still matters. People can tell when something is genuine, and we think that’s something independent venues can still offer in a way that’s hard to replicate.
Looking ahead, we know we’ll have to keep evolving. Collaboration, new ideas, and staying connected to our community will all be key. But we also want to stay true to what got us here in the first place.
For us, Move & Bomba are more than nightlife venues – they’re part of the fabric of Exeter. And while we’re proud of what they’ve become, we’re also very aware that spaces like this only exist with continued support. And right now, that support means more than ever.
