Two of Manchester’s most beloved music venues, the Deaf Institute and Gorilla, are permanently closing their doors due to financial complications brought on by the coronavirus crisis. Mission Mars, the company behind both venues, confirmed the news yesterday (July 16).
“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,” Mission Mars CEO and founder Roy Ellis told Manchester Evening News. “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.”
He added: “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. We are extremely grateful to our hardworking teams and guests and followers for their loyal support over years.”
The Deaf Institute has been operating for more than a decade, while Gorilla opened its doors in 2012. Despite the government’s recent £1.57 billion fund for venues and cultural spaces, many artists and venues are still facing the devastating impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
