Manchester's Deaf Institute and Gorilla music venues are closing their doors for good

16 July 2020, 16:35 | Written by Cerys Kenneally

(News)

The Deaf Institute and Gorilla music venues in Manchester won't reopen after the coronavirus pandemic.

Both venues, located in the heart of Manchester, have struggled to stay afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Today (16 July), the company behind both venues, Mission Mars, announced with "great sadness" that neither the Deaf Institue of Gorilla will be able to reopen.

Roy Ellis, CEO and founder of Mission Mars said, "The Deaf Institute and Gorilla have been at the forefront of the music scene in Manchester for many years and it is with great sadness that we announce that we will not be reopening."

Ellis added, "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."

Earlier this month, the UK government announced a £1.57billion support package to be split between music venues, independent cinemas, museums, galleries, theatres and heritage sites. The #saveourvenues campaign is still looking to raise money for over 400 grassroots UK music venues that are still at risk of permanent closure.

Donate to the #saveourvenues campaign at saveourvenues.co.uk.