Lancaster nightclub beefs up security for new opening date after attacks on venue

Wednesday, 26 October 2022 15:23

By Greg Lambert @greglam72

Owners of a Lancaster nightclub have beefed up security measures for its grand opening after a series of attacks on the venue.

Vibe in Dalton Square will now open for a student night celebrating the festival of Diwali on Thursday (October 27) followed by a Halloween event this Friday (October 28) and a sold-out launch night on Saturday (October 29).

The club was originally due to open last Saturday.

But owners Tim Barbary, Avi Nandwani and Rick Backhouse decided to postpone the launch after the venue suffered from criminal damage - including a vehicle reversing into the building late at night on two separate occasions.

Police are treating these incidents as linked, and a man has been arrested.

Mr Barbary told Beyond Radio that anti-crash bollards have been installed outside the venue and there will be extra security for the opening.

A statement on the Vibe Facebook page said: "We are delighted to announce we will be opening this weekend!

"Vibe is a brand new company with new owners, new general manager and new door supervisors.

"We are proud to put people over profit and firmly believe safety is our number one priority.

"We’re so excited to bring the best nightclub experience possible to Lancaster!

"Our official Launch Party takes place on Saturday - tickets are currently sold out, but we’ll let you know if more become available!

"We’re still taking every precaution to create a safe and fun experience for everyone to enjoy."

Thursday's event is called Bollynights Lancaster: Diwali Fest and is for Lancaster University students, including members of the university's Indian society.

Tickets for Vibe events are available here.

Last week Beyond Radio interviewed the owners ahead of the original opening date.

On Sunday, a man was arrested on suspicion of criminal damage and dangerous driving following the incidents at the Lancaster club. He was subsequently bailed.

A dark-coloured Ford Focus reversed at speed into the front of Vibe before driving off at around 1.30am on Saturday October 22, just 10 minutes after staff had left.

A car also reversed into the front of the club on Wednesday night, October 19.

There was also further vandalism to the back of the building in the early hours of Friday October 21, when windows were smashed.

The club is in the same building as the former Glow Rooms.

In June, Joshua Hughes, 22, died following an incident outside the club, which then closed down.

A man was arrested on suspicion of Section 18 assault and bailed pending further enquiries.

A police investigation is ongoing.