The Deaf Institute and Gorilla are both closing for good

Both The Deaf Institute on Grosvenor Street and Gorilla on Whitworth Street have been forced to close for good by the coronavirus pandemic.

Bosses at Mission Mars, the company behind both venues, confirmed the news today following a number of rumours on social media about the closure.

Roy Ellis, CEO and founder of Mission Mars said: “The Deaf Institute and Gorilla have been at the forefront of the music scene in Manchester for many years and it is with great sadness that we announce that we will not be reopening.

“This difficult decision has been made against the backdrop of COVID 19 and the enforced closure of all of our sites and with continued restrictions upon opening of live music venues.

The Deaf Institute has been an integral part of Manchester’s music scene since it opened in 2008. Gorilla, which opened in 2012, has also been hugely popular.

Mission Mars is also behind other iconic Manchester venues including Albert’s Schloss, Rudy’s Neapolitan Pizza, Albert’s Schenke and Albert Hall.

It has been estimated that around 90 per cent of grassroots venues are believed to be at risk of permanent closure.

Mr Ellis also said: “We appreciate that these music destinations are well loved and have provided an early stage for many acts in the North West and are therefore well known in the world of music.

“We would encourage any industry and music entrepreneurs who might be interested in this as an opportunity to please get in touch.

“We are extremely grateful to our hardworking teams and guests and followers for their loyal support over years.”

The Deaf Institute was recently part of the Let the Music Play campaign, appealing for a £50m government rescue package.

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