Velvet Music Rooms on Broad Street is holding a final party this Sunday 29 October after deciding to close after nearly 20 years of trading.
The family-owned venue first opened its doors in 2004 and has won numerous awards in the past 19 years for its live music, live sports TV offerings, and the quality of its staff and management.
Velvet was also the flagship venue for the Birmingham Jazz Festival this summer, as well as being the venue for live music three nights a week.
The closure means that Henry’s Blueshouse, the live music shows that has been based at Velvet in recent years, has now moved to its new home at the O Bar on the corner of Broad Street and Gas Street.
Henry’s Blueshouse opens at its new venue from 7pm on Tuesday 31 October with one of its favourite groups the Chickenbone Blues Band on stage at 8pm.
Meanwhile, Velvet’s co-owners and sisters Dani Hadley and Eilis Collins explained that the venue was a Birmingham-Irish family business, and that this family had “grown and evolved” since the early 2000s.
Dani said: “After a phenomenal 19 years of trading, a number of new commitments, ambitions and opportunities have come our way, and that means it’s closing time at Velvet Music Rooms.
“We’re calling ‘last orders’ on Sunday 29 October, Velvet’s final day of trading, and we want everyone to come and join us over the weekend for a fond farewell, a pint or two, and one last knees-up!
“Everyone is welcome, and we would especially love to celebrate with the wonderful people who have been an integral part of our journey over the past two decades.”
Eilis said: “We want to say a massive ‘thank you’ to our loyal staff, past and present, as they have been the heart and soul of our journey.
“It’s their laughter and enthusiasm that have lit up all our nights, along with our wonderful customers who’ve had special moments with us.
“We want to thank everyone involved from the bottom of our hearts for their custom and friendship over the past 19 years, and we’re determined to raise a toast to them all this Sunday! It’s been great craic.”
Velvet general manager Steve Emmison said: “Whilst we’re sad to leave Velvet, we are immensely proud of our achievements, and our contribution to the nighttime economy on Westside.
“We will always cherish winning Best Independent Bar, Best Front of House and Best Management Team many times at the Best of Broad Street Awards, and at the Wonders of Westside awards that followed, and being recognised as the Best Venue for Live Music and Sports.
“We also have so many fond memories of supporting Birmingham’s up and coming artists, most recently supporting the Birmingham Jazz Festival and Henry’s Blues House.
“We feel we have made a unique contribution to our vibrant, diverse city.”
Dani added: “It’s time for new adventures for us. But we want to raise a glass to everyone this weekend.
“May the road rise up to meet you, may the wind always be at your back, may the sun shine warm upon your face, and the rains fall soft upon your fields. Sláinte and thank you for being a part of our story!”
On the future of Velvet’s premises, Eilis added: “We can’t say anything just yet, but the new caretakers of our former home will be revealed in the next few days, and we know they will be given a warm welcome.”
Mike Olley, general manager of Westside BID, said: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to work with Dani and Eilis over the last two decades, and with their parents Johnny and Geraldine. The whole family plus Steve the manager and so many of their staff have all become firm friends.
“We’ve been honoured to have Velvet as leading business members of the BID and while we’re sad that they are leaving we want to wish them all the very best for the future.”
ENDS
