© Image shot at Printworks
With the iconic Printworks closing earlier this month and O2 Academy Brixton under threat, what is the future for London's nightlife venues?
For countless individuals, raves have been an essential catalyst for personal growth, expression and facilitating connections, unified by a shared passion for music. In this space, a profound sense of openness prevails and judgment dissipates, making room for acceptance, unity, and a jubilant celebration of individuality. Yet, despite its significance to many, these crucial spaces are under threat.
As the UK's hospitality sector steadily emerges from the shadows of the pandemic, the spotlight justly shines on the challenges faced by nightlife venues. Even prior to the damaging consequences of the virus and the continuing financial strain caused by the cost of living crisis, these intimate spaces, which have served as launching pads for musicians and DJ’s, teeter on the edge of financial viability.
The recent closure of London's most ambitious and visually stunning electronic music venue, Printworks, demonstrates that neither a world-class reputation nor consistently sold-out events can protect venues from the impact of regeneration and gentrification.
Over the span of five years, the colossal complex with a capacity of 6,000, proudly hosted some of the most iconic figures in the realms of dance and electronic music. Its exceptional standing was solidified when it achieved an impressive fourth place in DJ Mag's esteemed global Top 100 Clubs Poll of 2022. Ben, age 25, stated to us that Printworks was 'a venue like no other' and that it was 'really incomparable to anywhere else you can go in London.'
© Image shot at Printworks
The sadness surrounding the closure of Printworks is more than mourning the loss of an outstanding music venue; the closure illustrates the continued decline of the UK’s clubbing culture.
A few miles southwest, another staple of London nightlife is in a crisis of its own. In April, it was announced that the Metropolitan Police are seeking the revocation of Brixton O2 Academy's license after two people died in a crush at an Asake concert last December. A petition to save the Academy currently has over 111,000 signatures.
Michael Kill, CEO of The Night Time Industries Association (NTIA) stated to Skiddle that 'recent figures show that 32% of clubs have closed since 2019, and only 865 nightclubs remain in the UK, with 10 nightclubs closing permanently every month.' Additionally, the Music Venue Trust (MVT) warned back in March that 2023 will “inevitably” be the worst year for venue closures since its inception in 2014.
As venues with historical significance such as Brixton and innovative establishments like Printworks face uncertain futures, and grassroots venues continually having to confront unparalleled obstacles, the UK faces an alarming risk of cultural homogenisation. The London nightlife scene, an integral part of the city's cultural fabric, should be preserved as a matter of immediacy: before more venues are closed down before our very eyes.