It’s a challenging time for the UK’s nightlife. Just two weeks ago Dalston’s beloved Dance Tunnel – host to some of London’s most forward thinking promoters including FWD>>, Ostgut Ton and Tama Sumo’s Your Love – announced that it would be closing its doors permanently in August. It joins Plastic People, The Arches, The Roadhouse, Peoples and The Elephant & Castle as one of the thousands of venues up and down the country that have been forced to close their doors permanently in recent years.
In fact, according to recent figures from the Association of Licensed Multiple Retailers, nearly half of the UK’s clubs have closed in the last ten years. It’s a worrying trend, one which is being driven by increasingly strict licensing laws, aggressive developments and a lack of understanding about the cultural and economic value of night culture.
One organisation working to change all that is the Night Time Industries Association. Uniting a cross-section of the UK’s most iconic clubs – including Fabric, Sub Club, Motion, Haunt, Hidden and The Rainbow Venues – with a diverse array of artists including everyone from Seth Troxler to Lady Leshurr, the group is launching a new series which aims to celebrate UK club culture. Kicking off with six club nights in six cities across the country, #NIGHTLIFEMATTERS is part of an ongoing series of events, talks and exhibitions aimed at encouraging the public to support, protect and celebrate British nightlife.
The first event takes place at Fabric on 21st May, supporters can sign up for further info at nightlifematters.com. Following on from the success of the We Love Hackney campaign, the NTIA are also encouraging the public to write to local councillors and MPs letting them know what nightlife means to them.
Alan Miller, Chairman of the NTIA, said: “The “silent majority” that loves going out, socialising, dancing, eating & drinking, meeting new friends and getting inspired will now have the chance to have our voices heard – and make a difference. By supporting Nightlife Matters, a message is sent to local councillors & MPs that we want nightlife protected and celebrated, not destroyed.”
Don’t let our nightlife disappear, have your say and get involved.
