Red Light, a popular LGBTQ+ cocktail bar on Little David Street in Manchester, has announced it will close for good after this year's Pride. The bar, which opened in 2023, shared the news on social media, stating the decision was not made lightly.
Reasons for closure
Owners cited rising costs, challenges connected to the bar's location, and ongoing difficulties operating a late-night venue alongside local residents as reasons for the closure. The final day of trading will be Sunday, August 30.
Award-winning venue
Red Light was part of a regeneration of one of Manchester's remaining cobbled streets. The bar was created by Deana Ferguson, a Manchester hospitality veteran who aimed to bring a premium cocktail experience to the village. In 2024, the venue won the 'one to watch' award from Time Out Group.
Community farewell
In an Instagram post, the bar said: "It's with heavy hearts that we share that this Pride will be our last as we close our doors on Sunday 30th August. This decision has not been made lightly. Like many independent venues, we have faced sustained financial headwinds, challenges connected to our location, and ongoing difficulties operating a late-night venue alongside local residents."
The post continued: "Together, these pressures mean that continuing is no longer viable. For so many years, this bar has been more than a place to drink. It has been a home, a dance floor, a refuge, and a place where people could find friendship, freedom, love, and themselves. We are immensely proud of the community that has grown within these walls, and grateful to every person who has been part of it."
The bar invited people to its final Pride celebration, saying: "We want our final Pride to celebrate everything we have created together. Come raise a glass, fill the dance floor, and help us give this place the joyful, unapologetically queer farewell it deserves. Thank you to our staff, DJ's, performers, neighbours, friends, and every customer who walked through our doors. You made this bar what it was. Although the doors will close, the memories and the pride we share, will remain. We hope to see you over the weekend, for one last Pride together."
