CAMP’s closing statement
On 1st April 2026, our landlord proposed a 30% rent increase. We carried out a survey of comparable rents in the area and found that CAMP was already among the three most expensive commercial rents locally. We couldn't agree to 30%, but we settled on a 10% increase to keep relations civil.
After that, our relationship with our landlord became strained, and noise complaints began arriving with a frequency we'd never seen before. In all the years we've been operating, we'd only ever had a handful. We soundproofed the building when we moved in and had always planned to improve it further through grant funding – but once the future of our lease felt uncertain, we no longer felt able to invest more in a building we don't own. We've already put £40k+ into this space and never taken a penny back out.
This week, we met with the planning and environmental health departments at Thanet District Council. What they've asked of us would mean operating in a way that simply isn't viable for our business. And on the same morning, our temporary events notice for Neon Ballroom was rejected following a complaint from a single resident. That means we have to cancel the party. All ticket holders will be refunded in full.
We've overcome enormous financial challenges over the past five years through sheer dedication to CAMP and to providing this space for our community. But when circumstances make it this hard to stay, it becomes impossible to continue.
So, with heavy hearts, we're starting the process of closing CAMP. This isn't a decision we wanted to make. We've fought for a long time, and we're too tired to carry on.
We feel the rejection of our Pride events notice reflects a wider failure to protect and support nightlife in Margate – and we worry about the knock-on effect on the whole ecosystem of the town. When thousands of people come here for Pride, Soul Weekend and everything else, they need places to go after dark. We think it's shortsighted not to see that.
To everyone who has supported us – our members, our patrons, the people who've celebrated their 40th birthdays, weddings, engagements and biggest moments here – thank you. You allowed us to live the dream for that little bit longer.
We’ll never forget the moments and memories made in this space - a room full of queers screaming Like a Prayer at the top of their lungs, the Mic Drops that have given performers their first shot, the Pride parties and the chaotic Monday quizzes. We’ll miss it all so much.
An old computer shop on Northdown Road became a beacon for queer hope and joy, and now becomes another statistic in a long line of queer spaces closing up and down the country, facing battles just like ours.
We don't know exactly what closure will look like yet. But we do know we’ll be closing the bar on 8th August, after a goodbye party for Pride. Until then, come and see us and say your goodbyes to CAMP and all the staff who have made this place so magical.
CAMP forever ❤️
Sophie, Jess, Derek, Jesse and Olivia xxxxx
