Manchester's Iconic Salford Lads Club will remain open after the closure

Salford Lads Club has confirmed it will remain open after the historic Greater Manchester venue faced the risk of closing earlier this year.

Last month, it was reported that the club was struggling financially due to rising maintenance costs and falling grant funding. To stay open, he had to try to raise £250,000 by mid-November and called for support from the wider music community.

Offering sporting and creative activities six days a week, the venue acts as a safe haven for young people from some of the city's most deprived communities and was opened by Scouting founder Robert Baden-Powell in 1904. The cover of The Smiths' iconic third studio album, The Queen is deadfamously shot outside Salford Lads Club.

In an update shared on Instagram earlier on Thursday (November 28), the owners have now confirmed that the club has met its fundraising target and can go ahead with normal operations.

“We did it! Salford Lads and Girls Club has officially been saved. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we have smashed our £250,000 target, ensuring the doors of this iconic building remain open for our young people and the community,” the post began.

“From historic concerts to changing lives through youth work, this club has stood as a beacon of hope, culture and connection. This funding ensures that we can continue to make an impact for generations to come,” he added.

“A sincere thank you to every person, business and partner who stepped up to help us keep the lights on. This is your victory as much as ours. Together, we have shown what is possible when a community comes together.”

Morrissey, Graham Nash and Noel Gallagher were among those who donated or raised funds. The first is brought donated £50,000 to a public GoFundMe pagehaving previously provided financial support in the past when essential building maintenance work was required.

Legendary songwriter Nash, meanwhile, joined more than 1,000 online donors in contributing £10,000 to the cause, having spent his childhood in Salford. Gallagher auctioned off a guitar and helped set up an Oasis exhibition at the club to raise funds to keep the site open. In October, album” rel=”nofollow” target=”_blank”>The Guardian reported that Salford Lads Club's revenue for 2023 reached £160,000 ($202,574) with outgoings around £394,700 ($499,725). Last year, the club faced insurance and utility bills totaling £43,000 ($5,444).