Seaside venue closure blamed on cost of living

Cost of living pressures have forced the Empire to shut in its present form, its owners said

A stalwart seaside town venue is to close from next month following "a tough decision" by the owners.

The Empire, located on Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth, will shut from 13 September.

"The reasons for this closure are complex and, sadly, reflect a wider trend affecting venues across our area and the nation," a statement explained.

Director, Jack Jay, said they hoped to reopen in a re-launch next year, but added that the venue was "unsustainable" in its present guise.

"The decision to close is something we've been deliberating and agonising over for months," he told the BBC.

"It's the perfect storm of rising costs, rising wages, margins getting shrunk, and unfortunately it feels like a bit of a change in direction in the whole night life scene."

The Empire will shut next month but there are hopes it can be relaunched in another guise at a later date

Built in about 1912, the Empire has been owned by the Jay family for the last 70 years.

As an independent music venue, it has hosted many up-and-coming bands.

The Empire re-designed its offerings post-Covid to stage live music and serve craft beers and street food.

However, on its website, the management said: "The rising costs of operation, coupled with significant changes in entertainment habits, have created an unsustainable environment for a live music venue of our kind."

The Empire has been owned by the Jay family for more than 70 years

Mr Jay said that while many households in the country were struggling financially, "whatever the squeeze, in Great Yarmouth it's felt 10 times".

"This has been an incredibly tough decision for our family, one we have wrestled with for a long time," the statement said.

"The Empire has been more than just a business to us; it's been a passion project, a labour of love, and a true focal point for so many incredible memories.

"We have poured our hearts and souls into creating a space where music could thrive and where unforgettable experiences were made."

My Jay said the family were still exploring new ways the building could continue to be part of the community's social scene in the future.

Arcade owner John Stowers said the closure of his Marine Parade neighbour was "a real shame"

In a recent report, the Music Venue Trust identified the loss of 125 trading grassroots music venues in 2023, citing financial, operational, legal and personal reasons.

In 2024, 46 venues were identified as having permanently closed, the trust revealed.

John Stowers, who runs Majestic Amusements next to the Empire, said the closure was "a real shame".

"Every business relies on each other," he said.

"It's an icon. It's been here since I can remember. What's next? We want to thrive as a business but if we keep losing them, what are we going to have?"