NightQuarter Helensvale closure: ‘An emotional day’ as venue prepares for final event tonight

It will be an evening of tears and goodbyes as NightQuarter prepares for its close tonight. But the popular venue will be going out with a bang. Here’s what’s to expect.

MORE than 5000 are expected to pack NightQuarter tonight as it prepares to close its Helensvale doors for the final time.

The popular entertainment precinct first announced its closing last month, when it was revealed landlords Scentre Group had raised the rent 100 per cent.

Owner Michelle Christoe said it would be “an emotional night” as they had reached out to many longtime NightQuarter performers to appear one last time.

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“The performers tonight have been with us since we first started NightQuarter and they’re all locals, it was important to us to have musicians we felt close to,” she said.
“There’s so many of them, we would have loved to have had all of them.

“Last weekend was fairly sad, we had patrons coming up us, giving us hugs, they were crying and that was just last weekend. Tonight will be very sad … everything we do will be the last.”

NIGHTQUARTER RESCUE PLANS TAKE OFF

Owners Michell Christoe and Ian Van Der Woude first announced the closing late last month. Picture Richard Gosling

NIGHTQUARTER SEARCH FOR NEW HOME COULD SEE IT MOVE CLOSER TO GLITTER STRIP

There’s no update yet on the search for a new location, with sites across the Gold Coast recommended and being discussed.

Organisers previously told The Bulletin it was important a new location fulfil a strict list of requirements, including accessibility, longevity and cost efficiency.

Ms Christoe said despite the search ongoing, they had already received an outpouring of support.

NIGHTQUARTER CLOSING: GOLD COAST’S YOUNG PERFORMERS SAY GOODBYE

“I’m sure we’ll find something and we’ll be back open by the end of the year … we’ve had many venues already contact us to organise their events,” she said.

“The whole community has been so supportive. We’ve received some beautiful emails, some of the girls have received flowers with thanks from local patients.

“It’s going to be quite an emotional day for everyone involved.”

What’s on for NightQuarter’s final night

UB40 with Ali Campbell & Astro - The Paddock Stage from 4pm

Lock n Load - The Backyard at 6:45pm

Obi Sun - Busking Station at 6pm

Harry J Hart Trio - The Backyard from 5pm

Roving Fire Twirling