Welsh music venue Cardiff Barfly has shut its doors, with the building set to remain closed for the foreseeable future.
Live music is under threat across the country. The lingering effects of the recession mean that people have less in their pockets to spend, making audiences less inclined to support new and unknown bands.
Added to this, noise regulations make it difficult for venues to bring their acoustics up to speed. In Wales, Cardiff’s The Point was forced to close its doors in 2008 after spending vast amounts on soundproofing.
Combined with the loss of income from shutting its doors, The Point was simply not viable even after the alterations were made.
Now the Welsh capital has suffered another loss. Cardiff Barfly – part of a chain of venues – has been forced to close its doors. The venue shut over the weekend, with a sign on the door confirming its permanent closure.
NME reports that sources close to the Barfly do not expect to see it re-open. Continuing, the source explains that falling attendance levels were to blame for the closure of the city centre venue.
The Cardiff Barfly opened in 2001, located across from Cardiff Castle. In almost a decade the venue has claimed some pivotal acts, including appearances from The Libertines, Interpol, The Killers and Super Furry Animals.
The closure is the latest set back for the Cardiff music scene. However in brighter news, SWN is just around the corner. A multi-venue showcase, the massive festival brings together local and international talent for a series of events.
Together with live performances, SWN will contain a number of industry events where the focus will inevitably fall on the decline of live music.
SWN takes place between October 21st – 23rd.
