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The effect of the coronavirus pandemic on UK’s Nightclubs

By Kerol Garcia (UK)

The live entertainment industry in the UK has suffered heavily in the past one year as a result of the coronavirus pandemic. Niteries and discos that used to pack mammoth crowds barely twelve months ago have been forced to suspend both their food and cabarets so as to adhere to the prevailing restrictions as per the government. Many owners have opted to transform their premises into testing centres and foodbanks just to stay afloat. This is their story.

Motion, Bristol

Motion is an entertainment venue located at the very heart of Bristol City that has been forced to shut down indefinitely since March 2020. The glimmer of hope that they would at last open up for the planned shows in December was quickly sniffed out when the city of Bristol was upgraded to tier 3 Covid19 restrictions.

Despite the tough times, Motion has been able to achieve a number of very remarkable goals over the course of this downtime. First, it was able to partner with developers in ensuring that its public campaign for relevant sound proofing was a success. It has also been able to make the necessary arrangements for the resumption of live entertainment through its partnership with Ghostwriter Venue Consulting Company.

Sneaky Petes, Edinburgh

With Scotland being at the bottom of the list in regard to opportunities for resumption of business, Sneaky Pits chose to adjust to a pizza bar for a brief stint before tougher restrictions were enforced again. Even though this was a far cry from the cult music experience it previously offered, Sneaky Petes was at least able to sustain itself for the brief period in which it was open.

Printworks, London

Printworks is certainly one of the more successful stories as far as live entertainment during the Covid19 pandemic is concerned. This is because it is one of the few clubbing getaways to have remained open despite the coronavirus outbreak even though it was offering production services only. Printworks was also able to secure a grant from the Culture Recovery Fund which has since been able to keep it buoyant.

Studio 338, London

Food storage and distribution to locals was the initial way in which Studio 338 responded after it was completely shut down in March 2020.  It was also able to come up with socially distanced events which only lasted during the short period during which restrictions had been eased. Its fortunes were however dashed again after an unsuccessful application for support from the Culture Recovery Fund.

Invisible Wind Factory, Liverpool

Invisible Wind Factory has experienced a plethora of transformations since its last event in March 2020. It was first turned into a recreational centre for roller-skating and archery while simultaneously acting as a vegetable box distribution base. It has also been used for streaming live online events as well as for mass testing exercises conducted by the NHS. Invisible Wind Factory is also one of the fortunate venues to have received support from the Culture Recovery Fund.

 
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