The UK's Night Venues Face Extinction

News & Features

Major night venues are giving warnings that they may not reopen.

A picture of a staircase with the words little south on the bottom
A white background with a few lines on it

...venues such as London's Printworks, Fabric and Ministry of Sound have called for support to prevent permanent closure.

Across the UK, night venues have been unable to operate since March 2020. Sound systems have fallen silent and staff furloughed indefinitely. The businesses have suffered huge losses and even the major venues such as London's Printworks, Fabric and Ministry of Sound have called for support to prevent permanent closure.

A picture of a concert with the words little south on the bottom
A white background with a few lines on it

...chancellor Rishi Sunak offered a solution for individuals who found themselves out of work to retrain and find different jobs.

Broadwick Live, the parent company that operates Printworks asked a third of it's staff to take redundancy and has warned that the company is fighting for survival.


During the UK's coronavirus response, the music industry has shrunk resulting in thousands without work. The government has been the focus of criticism for failing to offer enough support to the live music industry. Criticism has been made of how support measures have favoured big businesses and larger corporations rather than grass root, smaller independent venues.


It is estimated that 191,000 jobs were associated to the late night venue trade in 2018. Doubts of support for the industry were further enhanced when chancellor Rishi Sunak offered a solution for individuals who found themselves out of work to retrain and find different jobs.

The little south logo is on a blue background.

Written by

Editorial Team • 21 October 2020
by Editorial Team 26 July 2025
DJ Hayley Blue has recently garnered attention for her noteworthy performances with Sonar events and has some exciting upcoming residencies. In her mission to spread joy and encourage movement, Hayley aims to create an atmosphere where attendees can enjoy an inclusive musical experience.
by Editorial Team 22 July 2025
On October 3rd, 2025, Move nightclub, located in the heart of Exeter, will host an important event featuring renowned trance DJs Aly & Fila. Additionally, Smoking Jo will lead the house music lineup in the Bomba room upstairs.
by Editorial Team 22 July 2025
On August 9th, 2025, INCEPTION, a local collaboration dedicated to dance music events, will host a unique three-hour experience featuring progressive house and melodic techno aboard the Princessa Party Boat in Falmouth. The event will showcase a line up of talented DJs, including Nathaniel Sim and Luko
by Editorial Team 19 July 2025
Pat McGrath delivers a summer techno instalment and does not disappoint! His mix represents his current love of the genre. Pat McGrath is a familiar DJ name to South West festivals - he explains how he was lucky to DJ at the 2024 Masked Ball all-nighter and how he has some summer events planned.
by Editorial Team 4 July 2025
Boardmasters, the Cornwall Surf and Music Festival is set to return to Watergate Bay in Newquay, featuring an impressive lineup that includes Raye, Myles Smith, The Prodigy, Central Cee, Wet Leg, and more.
by Editorial Team 30 June 2025
Released on June 25, 2001, Basement Jaxx's 'Rooty' showcases the versatile nature of house music through a dynamic blend of various musical styles supported by strong pop hooks and meticulous production. This second album solidified Basement Jaxx's position in the pop music scene while promoting UK house music.
Show More