Worried About Henry: Summer BBQ @ Motion, Bristol

This one felt special. Motion has always been more than just a club. It’s a place that defined my uni years, introduced me to some of my favourite artists, and gave me that first taste of what a proper night out could feel like. Knowing it’s closing for good this summer made returning for Worried About Henry’s Summer BBQ feel like a full-circle moment: equal parts celebration and farewell.

For anyone who’s not familiar, Motion is a Bristol institution. It’s a repurposed warehouse on the edge of the River Avon, consistently ranked among the best clubs in the world. Over the years I’ve been to some of my favourite events and seen some of my favourite acts there: Maceo Plex, Seth Troxler, Bonobo – and it’s the kind of place that sticks with you. I’ve often called it my favourite club space in the UK.

Now, with its lease ending, Motion is entering its final weeks before closing. The team behind it are already planning “Motion 2.0”, a relocation project aiming to preserve its spirit somewhere new. But for anyone who’s danced there, this chapter of the club’s life is irreplaceable.

Back to the 12th. WAH’s Summer BBQ event was one of the last daytime parties in the original venue, and the vibe was spot on from the start. Warm weather, a buzzing crowd, and a perfectly curated line-up that moved from sunny rollers to full-throttle energy as the day wore on. It genuinely felt like one last dance, and everyone there knew it.

The wide outdoor area at Motion really came into its own. The Invicta Audio stage, part of the WAH event, was set right by the river – a real Bristol setting, with the water glinting in the sun and the bass rolling out across the courtyard. It made the whole day feel expansive and alive in a way only Motion can manage.

That said, the “BBQ” element was more in name than in execution. Food options were limited, and the absence of anything as simple as a hot dog didn’t go unnoticed. But to be fair, no one was really there for the food.

The real draw was the music, and it didn’t disappoint.

Break played earlier in the day on the DnB Rollers stage at around 3pm. A mainstay of the Bristol scene and widely respected across the drum and bass community, Break’s reputation as one of the genre’s most innovative producers was fully on display. Known for his meticulous production style – crisp drums, rolling basslines, and just the right amount of grit. His sets have a way of gripping the crowd with both technical skill and emotional depth.

Normally he plays without an MC, but this time he was joined by one, and surprisingly, it worked seamlessly. The added vocals injected an extra layer of energy and interaction that amplified the already intense vibe without ever overpowering the music itself.

This set was exactly what we were there to review, and it did not disappoint. Break’s ability to blend raw power with intricate detail was clear throughout. Highlights included:

They’re Wrong – sparse and punchy, with that unmistakable Break weight
Natural Way – a standout track and one of the last collabs with the late MC Fats, whose legacy continues to loom large over the scene
Dol Guldur – eerie and cinematic, with a dark, rolling edge
Find Peace – a beautiful closer, melodic and uplifting, especially with the sun beginning to set behind the warehouse walls

His set perfectly captured the spirit of Bristol drum and bass, rooted in tradition but always pushing forward.

Closing the main stage later in the afternoon was S.P.Y. Born in São Paulo and now based in the UK, he’s made a name for himself through deep, emotionally rich productions on labels like Hospital Records and Metalheadz. His 2012 album What The Future Holds remains one of the genre’s key releases. At Motion, S.P.Y delivered a set leaning into the more liquid, soulful side of drum and bass: layered, warm, and effortlessly immersive. A perfect soundtrack as the sun began to dip.

By the end of the day, the atmosphere had shifted slightly. Still joyful, but tinged with that end-of-an-era feeling. It was impossible to ignore the significance of the setting. This wasn’t just another rave; it was one of the final moments in a space that’s held countless memories for thousands of people.

Huge credit to Worried About Henry for putting this together. The WAH Summer BBQ wasn’t just a successful day party. It was a fitting tribute to Motion itself. It might not have been the last ever event at motion, but it was still the perfect way to say goodbye.