‘Legendary’ nightclub issues emotional statement as it confirms closure after 18 years – exact date it will shut forever
It isn't the only venue that has been lost from the high street
A “LEGENDARY” nightclub has issued an emotional statement as it announced it will close after 18 years.
Wire in Leeds has confirmed it will shut for good leaving clubbers devastated.
Club owners shared the news on social media and confirmed that the venue will host its final party on Sunday, June 2.
In a lengthy Instagram post, they said the decision to close had caused them “great sadness”.
The statement reads: “Since re-opening after the pandemic, the UK nightlife industry has been under immense pressure which we have not been immune to.
“The cost of living crisis and changing lifestyle choices coinciding with the looming commercial challenges unique to the venue has gradually led to the unavoidable outcome that the club can no longer operate as a viable business.
“Although the journey is about to end, we are grateful for the past 18 years.”
It went on to thank the venue’s “dedicated staff and security”.
Frequenters of the venue and former revellers were quick to share their devastation at the news.
One said: “Wow this is heartbreaking news. Thank you to everyone who manned the good ship Wire over the years.”
Another cried: “Leeds nightclub scene is on knees – there will be no clubs left at this rate.”
A third added: “The spot is legendary. There should be a blue plaque for some of the outstanding artists that rocked that basement.”
And a fourth wrote: “Leeds losing another institution…heartbreaking.”
High energy costs have crippled businesses and soaring inflation has seen punters cutting back on nights out.
Figures from Business Rescue Expert reveal the number of nightclubs that went insolvent in 2022 was 512, up from 280 the year before.
From January to June 2023, over 400 nightclubs were unable to pay their debts, just half way through the year.
It comes after Revolution Bars revealed plans which could involve closing up to 12 bars after six have already shut.
In January, Rekom, which runs dozens of venues across the UK including Atik and Pryzm clubs, was forced to call in administrators after facing “challenging” trading conditions.
Retailers closing stores in 2024
RETAILERS have been feeling the squeeze since the pandemic, while shoppers are cutting back on spending due to the soaring cost of living crisis.
High energy costs and a move to shopping online are also taking a toll, and many high street shops have struggled to keep going.
Here’s a list of all the big-name brands closing stores this year:
- Argos – The brand announced plans to close 100 standalone UK branches last year as it looks to move away from the high street and focus on expanding its presence in supermarkets.
- B&Q – The chain has over 300 shops across the UK, so chances are you have one near you, but some stores have closed in recent months.
- Boots – The health and beauty chain announced that it would be closing 300 stores last July. Closures are ongoing and this will see the retailer’s estate reduced from 2,200 to 1,900 shops.
- Clintons – Clintons mulled plans to close 38 shops in a bid to avoid insolvency late last year. We’ve listed the stores affected.
- Costa Coffee – The caffeine giant has around 2,000 sites nationwide, so chances are you’ll have one near you. The chain has shut the doors to dozens of its sites recently. We’ve revealed which stores are due to close this year.
- Iceland – The supermarket has more than 900 stores but closed nearly two dozen sites in 2023, and more selected shops are due to shut.
- Lidl – The supermarket, which has 950 stores, is changing up shop locations, which has meant that some stores have to close. But the retailer is also looking to open 12 new supermarkets.
- M&S – M&S, which runs 405 stores across the country, has been closing a string of branches across the country in a blow for shoppers. It’s not all bad news, though, because the chain also has big plans to open dozens of new shops as well.
- Trespass – The firm announced in July last year that it was closing six branches, but more are on the way.
- WHSmith – The retail giant, which runs over 1,100 stores, has shuttered eight stores since March 2023, but more are coming.
What is happening in the hospitality industry?
Food and drink chains in general have been suffering in recent months as the cost of living has led to fewer people spending on eating out.
Businesses had been struggling to bounce back after the pandemic, only to be hit with soaring energy bills and inflation.
Multiple chains have been affected, resulting in big-name brands like Wetherspoons and Frankie & Benny’s closing branches.
Byron Burger fell into administration last year, with owners saying it would result in the loss of over 200 jobs.
Pizza giant, Papa Johns is shutting down 43 of its stores by next month.
Tasty, the owner of Wildwood, said it will shutter the sites as part of major restructuring plans.
The brand plans to close 20 loss-making restaurants after a “challenging” start to the year.
Britain’s biggest pub company, Stonegate, has raised fears about its survival as it races to plug its debts.
Stonegate owns 4,432 sites across the UK under the Slug & Lettuce, Be at One, Sports Bar & Grill brands and 350 traditional style pubs under its “Proper Pubs” banner.
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