Published
Fri, Jul 17, 2020, 10:29
- The beloved spaces are the latest to fall victim to the ongoing pandemic.
Beloved Manchester venues Gorilla and The Deaf Institute are closing for good due to the coronavirus crisis.
"This difficult decision has been made against the backdrop of COVID-19 and the enforced closure of all of our sites and with continued restrictions upon opening of live music venues," said Roy Ellis, chief executive of Mission Mars, the company behind the two venues.
He continued: "We appreciate that these music destinations are well-loved and have provided an early stage for many acts in the north-west and are therefore well known in the world of music... We would encourage any industry and music entrepreneurs who might be interested in this as an opportunity to please get in touch."
Both venues were known for their intimacy and impressive bookings. Gorilla, which opened in 2012, was particularly popular with electronic music fans, hosting Iration Steppas, Floorplan and many more in 2019. The Deaf Institute, which opened in 2008, welcomed pop and rock acts.
The announcement comes as venues up and down the UK are having to readjust for the future, despite the government's recent £1.57 billion pledge for the arts. Two venues in Hull, The Welly and The Polar Bear, are closing, while London's Southbank Centre is making 400 roles redundant, reports the BBC.