The Dorothy Pax music and arts venue at Victoria Quay has announced it is closing down after eight years of hosting exhibitions, events and festivals.

Owners made the announcement on Facebook in a statement which said: “We are heartbroken to announce that The Dorothy Pax is now closed with immediate effect.

“It’s not been an easy decision to make as this affects not only ourselves but the bar staff, the engineers, the artists, our local boating community, our wider Sheffield community and our suppliers.

It added: “We’ve had some amazing parties, produced several festivals, hosted countless world-class talent on our stage, laughed, cried, shared incredible evenings, made lifelong friends and boogied the night away.

“This is a difficult time for all at The Dorothy Pax and we’re grieving over the loss of our home and livelihoods.”

The venue has recently put out a Gofundme page to support their employees and freelancers to make redundancy payments.

As well as having a ‘final hurrah’ for the staff working there. Its has already raised more than £2,000 already with its target of £3,000. 

Owners said the pub struggled for five years before closing due to Covid, however received help from The Music Venue Trust which has already helped 900 plus businesses within the grassroots music industry.

But in more recent events the pub has also been affected by the rising bills and how people are affected from the cost-of-living crisis. 

It’s held countless events since hosting a part of the first Tramlines including gigs for smaller artists, exhibitions and festivals.

On the 6 March it was supposed to be hosting an exhibition for the photographer Chris Saunders which would have been free for people to go in. The pub held events often for free for the community in Sheffield. 

Photo Credit Google Maps