Dave Sweetmore speaks of sadness at closure of Carsons Bar

Carsons Bar

Local DJ Dave Sweetmore has spoken of his sadness at the closure of popular Middleton music venue, Carsons Bar.

The family-run venue staged famous acts including Viola Beach, The Space Monkeys, Clint Boon and Dave Sweetmore himself, who used to DJ there every month.

The closure has marked the end of an era for local musicians, who joined with the owners for a private closing party on Saturday (2 April).

Middleton music man Dave Sweetmore said: “This is not just the closure of a music bar, it is a piece of history. As soon as I was told that the place was going to close down and that I’d been invited to a private leaving party, I cancelled all my plans and made a beeline for it.

“I used to love DJing at Carsons. When you were in there it didn’t feel like you were in Middleton at all, you felt like you were in the heart of the northern music scene. The names that played there over the years just sum up the kind of place it was. Life won’t be the same without it.”

Owner Jemma Carr said: “Thank you for everyone's kind words about Carsons. It's made me feel very emotional. I certainly underestimated the love people have for the place and what it means to everyone.

“I feel so proud of what we have achieved and even more proud of my family. Thanks for all your custom, support and friendship over the last eight years. I hope it enriched your lives as much as it did ours.”