Legendary UK nightclub that's hosted world's biggest DJs is shutting doors this weekend after two ‘incredible' decades
After almost two decades in business, the iconic establishment is set to host one last wild night out.
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Motion, located in a Grade-II listed industrial warehouse in Bristol, has hosted famous nights out since 2006.
The venue has welcomed a variety of iconic DJs, drawing techno music lovers and ravers from far and wide.
But don't worry if you're a fan of Motion, the owners have secured another site nearby.
However, they still shared their sadness at leaving the iconic venue, explaining that it holds "a lot of special memories".
Managing director Dan Deeks has described the closure as bittersweet.
"We're trying to keep our heads up high and enjoy the last weekend and keep a celebratory mood... but obviously massive sad that we're going to lose the club," he told the BBC.
"We've had massive support, a real outpouring of supportive messages, memories. It's been really heart-warming.
"It holds a lot of special memories, some really special times."
Deeks has worked at the club for more than 15 years and explained that the nightclub owners had put forward a bid when the landlord shared plans to sell the site.
"They don't want us to buy it. Our lease expires and that's the end of it," he explained.
SKY Amazing plan for world's 2nd tallest skyscraper twice as big as The Shard with highest ever nightclub & observation deck
While he is unsure of the landlords' plans for the building, he went on to say the club was "incredibly grateful" for the past two decades.
Deeks added that despite the sadness of the closure "things are looking good".
"We've got a new site to move to and we're really pleased because it's not a leasehold, it's a freehold site," he said.
Famous names
Motion has played host to countless music acts over the years, including Rudimental, Sub Focus, Conducta, Jax Jones, Barry Can't Swim, Greg Wilson, Mall Grab, Honey Dijon, and DJ Seinfeld.
DJ and producer Eats Everything spoke to the BBC about the club's closure, calling it "a piece of UK nightlife history".
Famous acts who have performed at Motion
Rudimental
Sub Focus
Conducta
Randall
Artwork
Greg Wilson
Mall Grab
Sonny Fodera
Honey Dijon
DJ Seinfeld
object blue
DEBONAIR
Calibre
Big Miz
Kettama
Demuja
Chase & Status
Princess Nokia
M Huncho
Jeff Mills
Floating Points
JME
Hunee
Mr Scruff
Disclosure
Ben Nicky & Friends
Chris Stussy
Enzo Siragusa
Theo Kottis
A for Alpha
Joseph Capriati
Max Dean
Samsön
Todd Terry
Marshall Jefferson
Graeme Park
Goldie
Special Request
DJ Storm
Doc Scott
Ant TC1
Benny L
DRS
GQ
Lowqui
Medic
Richie Hawtin
Chicane
Kryder
Interplanetary Criminal
Soul Mass Transit System
Skeptic
Amy Dabbs
Miley Serious
Gia
Logic1000
Jasper Tygner
Hammer
O'Flynn
Barry Can't Swim
LP Giobbi
TIBASKO
Jax Jones
Route 94
Enzo Is Burning
Maisie Jane
Sean Johnston
Chaos In The CBD
Christian AB
DANILO PLESSOW
FREAKENSTEIN
LUKE UNA
Steffi x Virginia
TOM RIO
DAN WILD
JETHRO
"It's one of the most important venues in the country," he continued.
"Friendships, marriages, children, all manner of relationships will have been formed on the dance floor in this place.
"It's broken tracks, it's broken artists that have had their first gigs here and now have gone on to become massive stars.
"You've had every single DJ under the sun come play here. And now it's closing and it's sad, man. It's a sad day, it holds a big place in my heart."
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Benefit to Bristol
Carly Heath, who works as a night-time economy adviser in Bristol, recalled spending thousands of hours handing out flyers outside Motion, as well as putting on nights there.
"I'm trying not to think about [the closure] too much. I feel really, really sad," she said.
She explained that venues like Motion were "critically important to our economy", contributing to culture, togetherness, and well-being as well as generating tens of millions of pounds.
"These guys are going to go on and do amazing things. Cities are about flux and change," she added.
"This is the end of one chapter but I firmly believe it's the beginning of another."
Motion will draw the shutters for the final time after a final 24-hour party over the weekend.
"We are absolutely going for it. There's points where it won't stop," said Deeks.
"Everyone will be able to come down, have a good time, and see it off in style."
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More closures
Plus, a family favourite restaurant chain has closed the doors of a "landmark" branch.
A Poundland location has been evicted from an iconic UK seaside town.
And a Michelin-star chef has closed a "spectacular" restaurant after just five months in business.
Plus, a major card chain has launched a closing down sale after announcing it is closing down for good.
A major retailer is having a 50% Christmas sale in July after closing nine locations.
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