Motion nightclub in Bristol has said it is "not in a position" to close its doors over the weekend in part due to soaring costs. It has defended its decision to host a free rave on Sunday (September 18) ahead of the Queen's state funeral, after one club-goer described it as "distasteful".
The legendary venue on Avon Street had initially programmed to host two after parties for Tokyo World music festival this weekend (September 17-18). It was forced to cancel both club nights on Saturday and Sunday after First Bus axed the shuttle service from Eastville Park a couple of weeks ago, making transport from the festival site "mission impossible".
Speaking to BristolLive, a spokesperson for the nightclub explained: "We were due to host the after parties for the Tokoyo World Festival this week, however, due to the perfect storm of Brexit and Covid-19, First Bus has cancelled the planned transport from Eastville Park to the venue in BS2. In light of these being cancelled, and with wages, increasing power costs plus multiple other factors of life in 2022, we felt we were not in the position to keep the venue shut.
Read more: Tokyo World after parties at Motion cancelled due to First Bus staff shortages
"As with everyone else we were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 and wish the new King all the best in his new role. God Save The King."
The 'bank holiday special' Free Rave was announced on Monday (September 12) on Motion's social media channels promising the most exciting DJs in Bristol and from further afield from 11pm until 5am. Tickets are free and must be used before 12.30am, with £5 entry on the door thereafter.
In a statement shared on social media, Motion said: "Plans opened up on Sunday after getting the day off on Monday? Head on down for an inevitable banger of a party for the grand price of nowt. Expect the best in bass music from up and coming local talent."
The nightclub's move to create the free event was criticised by a Bristol resident and avid Motion patron, who wished to stay anonymous.
"I'm a little disappointed that local nightclub Motion are running an event on Sunday to take advantage of the bank holiday on Monday - it's a little distasteful," they told BristolLive. "I'm not in any way a Royalist but when they rely on local support for planning abatement and deeds of easements - it's beyond rude. I'm actually a keen patron of theirs but I'm shocked."
The Motion fan added that they believed the additional club event was "exploiting the situation". "I think given the large numbers of people that are deeply moved by the passing of the Queen, I think that organising a rave until 5am is both offensive and very short-sighted given the support that they rely on from the local community."
Motion confirmed that the Godspeed event on Monday, September 19 would also be going ahead with a minute silence held at the entry point and inside the venue at 8pm. It said that "all staff and attendees are being asked to respect this decision".
"We have sought advice already and understand that there are no restrictions on this bank holiday. We do, of course, 100 per cent appreciate and are thankful for everyone's support over the recent years and into the future," the club's statement added.
The club's future was secured in 2020 when bosses feared that a new development of 300 flats would make business unviable. Developers and the council agreed on a deed of easement, which in theory gives Motion the legal right to continue making noise at its existing levels.
Motion Bristol is located at 74-78 Avon Street, Bristol. BS2 0PX
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