Following on from their recent return to UK clubland, Boro’s much loved club night Sugar Shack returns this January to it’s prestigious home, The Empire.
For those lucky enough to be in the north east in the early to mid 90’s, one name will be cemented in their mind if clubbing was their thing, the Sugar Shack. Born in 1993, this Friday night event was probably one of the regions biggest night. Alongside heralded names like Shindig or Promise in Newcastle, or Culture at Tall Trees, or the mighty Arena also from the ‘Boro’, the Sugar Shack quickly became a pilgrimage for clubbers across the UK, certainly in the north.
The Empire home to Sugar Shack in Middlesbrough is a historic live music venue that has played a significant role in the city’s cultural scene for decades. Originally opened in 1928 as a cinema and variety theatre, it became known as the ‘Empire Theatre’. Over the years, the building transitioned from a cinema to a venue that hosted a variety of performances, including live music, comedy, and drama.
In the late 20th century, as the demand for cinemas decreased, the venue shifted its focus entirely to live entertainment. By the 1990s and early 2000s, The Empire established itself as a popular location for live music performances and of course club nights like Sugar Shack.
The venue’s central location and distinctive architecture have made it a landmark in Middlesbrough. Despite facing challenges over the years, including financial difficulties and changing entertainment trends, The Empire has remained a beloved institution in the town, continuing to host a wide range of events and contributing to the local music scene.
As of the 2020s, The Empire continues to be a go-to venue for music lovers and a key part of the cultural fabric of Middlesbrough. So it was with a massive smile we were told of the parties reinvention in the tail end of 2024. A night was announced on social media, names like Graeme Park, Empire favourite Jeremy Healy, Alister Whitehead and a live PA from Alison Limerick, arrived on the flyer and with support from local heroes Appo, Ste Slater and Karl Frampton, we knew this event meant business.
With golden names like Frankie Knuckles (RIP), David Morales, Sasha & Digweed, Lisa Loud, MAW, Roger Sanchez, Oakenfold and many more, the relaunch of Sugar Shack had many of us biting at the chomp to see what was is in the pipeline. And this January, to see in 2025 in style, the next event promises to be bigger and better dare we say.
So Friday, January 31st 2025, the Middlesbrough Empire, Sugar Shack returns. On the bill this time is Judge Jules, Fergie, Brandon Block and Lisa Loud with residents Appo, Ste Slater, Karl Frampton joining the party and an extra special guest in the form of Simon Gibb.
Promising to be one hell of a party, we urge you to get your tickets asap here.
