The site of a popular live music Sheffield venue is set to reopen on Saturday under a new name.
The 150 capacity Panke Social venue in Exchange Street, formerly known as Bal Fashions, will host its first big event with the help of party organisers Let It Play Records.
Panke Social has taken ownership of the much-loved live music venue, which was known for its eclectic crowd and some of the best dance and underground music in Sheffield.
The venue offers floor-to-ceiling views across Sheffield, a four point Martin Audio sound system and a cosy downstairs bar area.
In a statement, the new owners of Panke Social said: ”We have helped the venue during the ownership change and have been responsible for sound upgrades in the venue.”
Recently established party organisers Let It Play Records will host Saturday’s event.
Matty Nicol from Let It Play said: ”Our main focus for the first party is to establish a core inclusive community of like minded people who also have a genuine passion for discovering dance music in an inclusive space.
“All people are free to come and express themselves, where they can get a taste of the type of music they can expect from future events.”
Let It Play aim to create an inclusive intimate space that welcomes all types of people, and encourages everyone to express themselves.
“Someone attending one of their parties for the first time can expect a journey through different genres of dance music. In particular, those involved with Let It Play have voiced an appreciation for the underground 90s house and techno scene, as they hope to provide a night of music that people likely haven’t heard before.
Aiden Healy, also from Let It Play, added: ’’We will look to retain the same small room high energy environment that made Bal Fashions such a special venue.’’
Bal Fashions was once a clothes shop which morphed into a hybrid between a bar, night club, events space, and general meeting space in the Castlegate area.
Jimmy Seller, who frequently visited the old venue, said: ‘’Bal Fashions just had a unique vibe. It was sort of homely, like the upstairs kind of felt like a living room. I thought it was really cool.”
Bal Fashions threw its farewell party on 8 March. The reason for closure was not revealed, but the venue announced on Instagram: “All good things must come to an end. The time has come for us to say goodbye, hang up our headphones, doth our hats to all that came and let the venue move into a new era of its life.”
