POPULAR Edinburgh venue Electric Circus has announced that it will shut its doors for the final time on Saturday 25th March.
The decision comes after huge expansion plans were revealed last December for a neighbouring gallery. It emerged that Edinburgh City Council had agreed a deal with both parties that would allow the £11 million development to take place; allowing the Fruitmarket to effectively double the size of the gallery and subsequently take over the music venue.
While Electric Circus had been expected to stay open for another two years as the development got underway, its operators have decided to close early and “go out with a bang”.
Having established itself as one of the city’s most popular grassroots venues, the sudden loss of the Electric Circus is bound to have a significant impact on the Edinburgh music scene and its emerging artists. It wasn’t too long ago that the former Picture House on Lothian Road was turned into a Wetherspoons pub.
Electric Circus said: “It is with a very heavy heart that Electric Circus has decided to close. We would first like to say the biggest thanks to all of you; to the staff who have worked with us past and present, to all the promoters and bands we have had the pleasure of hosting over the past 7 years. To the incredibly loyal customers; from karaoke, club & gig-goers – without you we wouldn’t be here today, you have all been a joy!
“The decision to close was not an easy one but we feel that due to the recent news regarding the eventual closure of the venue and the expansion of the Fruitmarket Gallery we feel, as a business it is best if we go out with a bang.
“Our last day of business will be Saturday 25th March & we hope that over the next few weeks we will see lots of familiar faces come down to celebrate the last days of Electric Circus.
“Please note – we will be contacting all customers that have booked with us after the closing date and a full refund of any payments made will be given. Our office is open Monday – Friday 11am – 7pm.
“We thank you all again for your custom and continuous support and look forward to inviting you to one last party, more details of the last weekend will be published in due course.”
