Shock as Atomic nightclub in Cambridge closes

An iconic and alternative Cambridge nightclub has closed its doors for the final time following failed negotiations with the leaseholder and owner of the property.

The manager of the Atomic Club on Station Road, Cambridge, Sheena Belham, 31, and her DJ partner Darren Douglas, 43 announced the shock decision to clubbers in a Facebook post on November 20.

Rising prices in maintaining the lease had been a major part in the decision to close the club which had been running in the city for around 25 years.

The announcement read: “We are sorry to be the bearer of bad news but through no fault of our own, we are sadly having to close our doors on Friday.

“But for now we are opening our doors tonight and tomorrow for everyone to join us in saying goodbye and raising a glass to such an amazing place where we’ve all met great friends, created an amazing community and made some awesome memories.

“We are devastated at this news and sorry to let everyone down. We are looking to find a new venue in the new year. Much love to you all.’

The closure leaves a major doubt over the future of Cambridge’s Dot Cotton event, one of the only LGBT+ nights in Cambridge.

The organisers say that due to most venues only offering weeknights, they may have to cancel the event which is held on a Saturday.

Both organisers have day jobs, so a week night event would be an impossible option.

Dot Cotton was named after the legendary Eastenders star and after the Dorothy Ballroom, which was the event's original home. The ballroom is now the Waterstones bookshop on Sidney Street in the city.

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