As a regular gig-goer in Brighton, I was upset to discover the Hanbury Ballroom music venue is to close and reopen as a private club.

It was especially ironic to hear the news at one of its numerous excellent sell-out shows this year Midlake, last Friday.

The wide range of venues and events are what attract talented musicians and fans to Brighton and these in turn guarantee the success of musical festivals such as Brightonlive and the Great Escape.

However, the local scene depends on having affordable and receptive music venues of all sizes, so small promoters and bands can continue to put on excellent music shows, making Brighton one of the best places for live music in the UK.

The beautiful Hanbury Ballroom is the best of these and will be sorely missed.

-J Pepper, Brighton