Popular nightclub to shut down after 'one last dance'

A popular nightclub has announced it will be closing for good on New Year's Day after struggling with "rising costs".

Red By Night, at Waterfront East in Brierley Hill, has hosted live music and entertainment since opening in 2019, but will be closing its doors on 1 January.

Venue manager James Raybone shared the news in an emotional Facebook post citing "ongoing economic pressures" and a "sustained drop in footfall" as some of the reasons behind the move.

"This decision was not taken lightly. We have fought hard, adapted, reworked, and tried everything we could to keep Red By Night alive, but sometimes passion alone isn't enough," he said.

Mr Raybone added: "Red By Night has been a place where people met, celebrated milestones, danced without judgement, sang at the top of their lungs, discovered new music, supported live acts, and made memories that will stay with us forever.

"Like many independent venues across the country, the reality we face is difficult. Ongoing economic pressures, rising costs, and a sustained drop in footfall have made it impossible for the venue to continue in a sustainable way."

He went on to thank all the customers and musicians who have supported the venue over the years.

To mark the end of an era, a final event, dubbed The Last Dance, will take place on Wednesday.

The venue manager said: "New Year's Eve will be our final night together. Not a goodbye filled with sadness, but a chance to celebrate everything this place has been. One last dance, one last singalong, one last night under the lights."

A Facebook post of the announcement attracted hundreds of comments from revellers sharing their sadness at the news.

A member of the Point-Blank Forever 80s band commented: "Red By Night was never 'just a venue'. It was one of those rare rooms where bands felt supported, audiences felt safe and nights turned into memories.

"You're absolutely right: independent venues like this don't disappear because of lack of passion or effort. Anyone who's worked with you knows how hard you fought, adapted, and cared. The loss isn't just bricks and mortar — it's a cultural one."

A customer added: "Really sad to hear this, had some fantastic nights here over the years. It will be a shame to see it go."

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