Lancaster music venue's heartfelt message ahead of final night on New Year's Eve

The team at a popular Lancaster arts venue have posted a heartfelt message ahead of its closure at the end of the year.

Kanteena on Brewery Lane will shut after a final event on New Year's Eve, it has been announced.

The venue, which opened in 2019, will close as the building is due to be demolished as part of an £85m regeneration project for the wider Brewery Lane area.

A multi-storey car park and mobility hub is earmarked for the Kanteena site, and there are plans to convert the nearby former Mitchell's Brewery building into a brand new 500 capacity music venue and food hall.

But Kanteena, which has gained a huge following for its varied mix of gigs, DJ nights, festivals, food and many other arts events, will no longer exist in its current location.

The statement from the Kanteena team, posted on social media on Tuesday, says:

"Our last night, sadly, will be on New Year's Eve.

"Back in 2019, when our proposal first 'won' the 'audition' to become tenants of this derelict and disused site, we were told that the project was essentially a pilot.

"The idea was to see if a multi-use venue could work in Lancaster and if it did, it would become part of the wider masterplan for the future of the site.

"Fast forward almost eight years and here we are.

"Still in the building, still making noise, having just enjoyed our busiest and most profitable year yet.

"We've brought some huge acts to Lancaster. Put on some massive events and after years of grafting and experimenting, things have finally started to pay off.

"So, to say that closing now feels a bit cruel would be a bit of an understatement.

Kanteena on Brewery Lane, Lancaster

"Just to be clear, we did not want to close. We would love to go on forever, but we can't.

"We've offered to pay more rent to stay in the building. We want to continue. But that's not possible, and it's important to us that we're all facing the same direction here.

"No crossed wires. No hidden agenda. No deliberate New Year's Eve ticket-selling conspiracy.

"If someone had told us back in 2019 that we'd still be here almost eight years later, the whole project would have looked very different.

"With that kind of time, we could have planned, invested and built something with a proper long-term future.

"Instead we've been working year to year, regularly being warned not to book events more than six months in advance because the site could be sold or demolished.

"This meant no real assurances, no guarantees and no ability to plan too far ahead.

"Imagine trying to book massive artists, organise festivals or build a sustainable independent venue when you don't know whether you'll still have a building to put it all in.

"And yet somehow, we've made it work.

England fans watching football at Kanteena during the 2026 World Cup. Photo: Kanteena

"Whatever comes next will be done with the same passion, love and determination that has gone into the project from day one.

"Just with the benefit of hindsight, and a few million mistakes under our belts.

"There is nothing imminent apart from a rest.

"Thank you for the continued support, the messages, the rumours (some of them), the dancing, the drinking, the singing, the fancy dresses and everything that's gone in to making Kanteena what it is.

"We've got plenty of love left in us, and we're not done making memories just yet.

"So let's make the most of the time we've got left in the building. We'll keep doing what we do best, and we'll keep you posted as and when there's something worth posting.

"Much love, the Kanteena team."

Legendary radio DJ Gary Davies played an 80s music set at Kanteena last month

Several supporters of the venue posted comments in response to the Kanteena team's statement.

Glen said: "Had some fabulous days and nights there and seen some brilliant gigs. Good luck for whatever happens next."

Marisa said: "Have a rest but here's hoping you find a new venue, with a more permanent future and with as much character, soon. We need a Kanteena and the entertainment you have brought to our area."

And Graham said: "Personally I think you have grown to become vital for this city. You are in an area yet to be developed that has two theatres, historic pubs and a short walk into /from town. It's the entertainment corner of Lancaster! Fingers crossed of an alternative in the future. Thank you for all your hard work, I will always love Kanteena and the memories of the fantastic nights out."

Gigs planned at the venue between now and New Year's Eve include 90s indie band Reef, tributes to The Jam and Dolly Parton, a DJ set by Clint Boon of the Inspiral Carpets, and a music night by Lancaster promoters Idiot Box.

Reef appear at Kanteena on November 14.

In June 2025, companies Marco Living and Axis-RE revealed they'd bought the three-acre Brewery Lane site, which has stood largely derelict for decades, and had plans to develop the land as a joint venture under the name Lanmara Developments.

In November 2025, planning permission was granted to demolish buildings in the area and for a temporary change of use of vacant land to a public car park.

Also that year, there was a public outcry against the plans to knock down Kanteena, although its management had already announced they would be closing at the end of 2025.

It was then announced that Kanteena would stay open longer than originally planned, until the end of 2026.

In July 2026, the developers held a public consultation into the proposals for the regeneration scheme, which is near both the Dukes and Grand theatres, and the Lancaster Music Co-Op rehearsal and recording hub which is currently under renovation.

Plans for the Brewery Lane site include a 500-plus capacity food hall/music venue, a hotel and restaurant, student accommodation, multi-storey car park, medical centre, education space, public squares and more.

The developers said plans for a long-term music venue on the site were made after listening to feedback from supporters of Kanteena.

The listed former Mitchell's Brewery building is being earmarked for a food hall and music venue

Demolition work has been carried out to clear the site near Brewery Lane

Speaking to Beyond Radio in July 2026, Russ Worthington and Nick Mullins from Lanmara Developments said the new food hall/music venue would involve re-use of the Grade II listed Malthouse building, also known as the former Mitchell's Brewery, and include office space.

An artist's impression of how the Brewery Lane area could look after redevelopment, including a new Malthouse venue

"What we're looking to do with a music venue and a food hall, is cement this cultural scene in our development," said Mr Worthington in July.

"Kanteena in its existing form, will close, because that's where we're going to be putting the multi-storey car park/mobility hub,

"But that doesn't mean that cultural scene is lost. It's really just going through that metamorphosis as we move from one venue into a food hall and music venue.

"We're looking to do a 500 capacity venue which isn't in competition with anyone else, it's just adding to it."

A planning application for the regeneration scheme has now been submitted to Lancaster City Council. 

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