Manchester’s Iconic Salford Lads Club to Remain Open After Closure Threat

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

Last month, it was reported that the club was struggling financially due to rising maintenance costs and a drop in grant funding. To remain open, it was forced to try and raise £250,000 by mid-November, and called out for support from the wider music community.

By offering sports and creative activities six days a week, the venue serves as a safe space 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 Dead, was famously shot outside Salford Lads Club.

In an update shared to Instagram earlier Thursday (Nov. 28), the owners have now confirmed that the club has reached its fundraising goal and can move forward with operating as usual. 

“We did it! Salford Lads and Girls Club is officially saved. Thanks to the incredible generosity of our supporters, we’ve 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 we can continue to make an impact for generations to come,” it added.

“A heartfelt thank you to every individual, business, and partner who stepped up to help us keep the lights on. This is your victory as much as ours. Together, we’ve shown what’s possible when a community rallies together.”

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

Legendary songwriter Nash, meanwhile, joined over 1,000 online donors by contributing £10,000 to the cause, having spent his childhood in Salford. Gallagher auctioned a guitar and helped create an Oasis exhibition at the club to raise funds to keep the site open.In October, The Guardian reported that Salford Lads Club’s income for 2023 reached £160,000 ($202,574) with outgoings adding up to approximately £394,700 ($499,725). Last year, the club faced insurance and utility bills of a combined £43,000 ($5444).