A popular Northampton entertainment venue has announced it is closing after nine years, blaming rising costs and a fall in summer footfall.

The Picturedrome will close from September 27, making Saturday, September 26 its final day of trading.

KDR Events, which has operated the venue for nine years, announced the decision with a “very heavy heart”, saying increasing National Insurance, taxation, wages, utility and supplier costs had made the business unviable.

The venue said summer footfall had also fallen considerably, with consistently hot weather encouraging people to spend more time outdoors rather than on traditional nights out.

Owner Chris said: “The Picturedrome has been so much more than a business. It has been a place where people have celebrated birthdays, enjoyed their first nights out, watched incredible live music, made memories with friends and, hopefully, had some unforgettable nights along the way.”

He said the combination of rising costs and reduced summer trade had made it impossible to continue.

The announcement also paid tribute to the hundreds of people who have worked at the Picturedrome during KDR Events’ nine years at the venue.

Chris thanked bartenders, glass collectors, security staff, managers, DJs, cleaners, technicians and those working behind the scenes.

He said: “We have shared some incredible nights, plenty of laughs, a fair few stressful moments and memories that will stay with us for a very long time.

“Running a venue like this takes an enormous team effort, and we genuinely could not have done it without you.”

Customers, performers, promoters, suppliers and others who have supported the Picturedrome were also thanked.

Reflecting on the venue’s nine-year run under KDR Events, Chris added: “Thank you for dancing, singing, laughing, celebrating and making the Picturedrome what it was.

“Nine years. Countless memories. One hell of a ride.

“Thank you for being part of it.”