Barrow-in-Furness, a coastal town in Cumbria with a longstanding history in submarine manufacturing, is home to Full of Noises, an experimental music and arts venue known for hosting acclaimed musicians. The town’s industrial landscape is dominated by the facilities of BAE Systems, an employer of about one-third of the local working-age population. Situated within this setting, Full of Noises operates from Piel View House, a former park keeper’s lodge located in Barrow Park, offering a capacity of 40 attendees.
The venue began in 2009 when artistic director Glenn Boulter, along with four local artists, took over a derelict canteen building on Barrow Island, part of the military-industrial complex highly controlled by security. Their initial festival featured krautrock pioneers Faust, whose performance included unconventional acts such as destroying an electric guitar with a pneumatic drill. The organizers embraced the unique environment, noting that the remote and surveilled location paradoxically provided creative latitude due to the absence of a pre-existing music scene.
Over time, Full of Noises evolved, commissioning works connected to the town’s history and communities. In 2025, it settled into Piel View House, which combines a traditional red brick facade with a modern extension designed for acoustic precision. The venue has hosted notable musicians from the experimental and improvisational genres including Julia Holter, Tashi Wada, Marisa Anderson, Jim White, and Lonnie Holley. In 2025, Holley performed at Full of Noises to an intimate audience following a much larger London concert.
The venue also engages in activities beyond concerts, such as film screenings, creative workshops, and artist residencies. Residents have included electronic musician Lee Gamble. Venue programmer Amy Stretch-Parker emphasized efforts to create a welcoming atmosphere for visiting artists, with communal meals and equal treatment for performers. Plans for future renovation include adding bedrooms to accommodate artists in residence.
Support for Full of Noises is maintained through a combination of funding sources: a 25-year lease on peppercorn rent from the local authority, significant funding from Arts Council England (ACE), and additional contributions from local government and charitable foundations. Barrow’s recent recognition as an ACE Priority Place has provided crucial funds for the venue’s development and operations. Most events are affordably priced, promoting accessibility.
During Independent Venue Week in January 2026, graduates from the London College of Communication presented their work at Full of Noises, which featured an eclectic mix of instruments and experimental setups. The venue’s name reflects a reference to Caliban’s speech in Shakespeare’s The Tempest, suggesting an embrace of diverse and unconventional sounds.
Boulter described the venue’s setting as “an unlikely place where excellent art can happen,” highlighting the creative potential found within Barrow-in-Furness’s industrial and isolated environment.
