The Empire, on the Golden Mile in Great Yarmouth, has announced it will close its doors on September 13.

In a statement, the Jay family, who own the venue, described the decision as “incredibly tough”.

They cited rising costs and changing entertainment habits that have created an unsustainable environment for independent venues nationwide.

The Jay family said the decision to close The Empire in Great Yarmouth was incredibly tough. (Image: The Empire) Ben Jay, director, said: “This has been an incredibly tough decision for our family, one we have wrestled with for a long time.

“The Empire has been more than just a business to us. It's been a passion project, a labour of love, and a true focal point for so many incredible memories.”

The venue reopened in 2021 as a hub for street food and live music.

Mr Jay said that despite the closure, the family is committed to keeping the historic building alive with new projects and future uses already being explored.

The announcement is another blow........

© Eastern Daily Press