The Fight to Save UK Nightclubs: Join the “Last Night” Out Campaign.
“UK nightclubs are on the verge of extinction. Since March 2020, we’ve lost 37% of our beloved clubs, 3 per week and over 150 each year if current trends continue…” (NTIA).
On Tuesday, December 3rd, I had the privilege of inviting Michael Kill, CEO of the Night Time Industries Association (NTIA), to discuss the crucial “Last Night Out Campaign.” This initiative aims to combat the ongoing threat to UK nightlife by urging the government to intervene and take urgent action to preserve this vital part of our community, culture, and economy.
The campaign has adopted the slogan “Save the Rave from the Grave”—a nostalgic nod to the original “Rave to the Grave” moment from the 1990s. It highlights some alarming predictions: if the current rate of nightclub and venue closures continues, we could see them vanish entirely by New Year’s Eve 2029—just five years away.
Grassroots venues are more than mere establishments; they are cultural landmarks that foster creativity and community, serving as the heartbeat of our towns and cities.
This show also features important insights from a range of local industry voices, each sharing their perspective on the current clubland crisis. Notable contributors include James Holdsworth, (Director of Brighton Music Conference & Last Night a DJ Saved my Life charity, NTIA ambassador and Co-Promoter of Sterns Ravers Events) Andrew “Hilsy” Hamilton, owner of Holroyd/Suburbs Venue in Guildford, and Paddy Range, Resident MC at Volks Nightclub in Brighton.
Additionally, we welcomed Guildford’s Thirty3Hz residents, Phonetic, who provided a guest mix that takes listeners on a journey from the roots of jungle drum and bass to the latest upfront sounds. They also shared their experiences of the current clubland climate from a grassroots promoter’s perspective.
To find out how you can help put pressure on the government and ensure we don’t hear the death knell for our beloved venues on December 31, 2029, head to ntia.co.uk to sign the “Last Night Out” petition. Share it on your socials and use the provided email template to contact your local MP today.
Save the Rave from the Grave!
Keira EOC
