Old Ice nightclub in Colchester to reopen as entertainment venue

Solo Summers has signed a short lease on the old home of Ice, in St Helen’s Lane, in the Dutch Quarter.

Ian Saunders, who set up Solo Summers in memory of late wife Solo, was knocked back in his bid last year to take over the old Embassy Suite, in Balkerne Hill.

His plans to open an adult entertainment venue were turned down by the council’s licensing committee.

But he didn’t give up on his vision for a new entertainment venue and once opened, after lockdown rules relax further on June 21, the new St Helen’s Lane venue will host gigs, DJ nights, burlesque, comedy and dancing.

Ian and Solo Saunders

Mr Saunders said: “Ideally, we would have preferred a larger premises and if there is a premises in the town centre, we are certainly interested in it.

“But on a positive note, a 195-person maximum capacity venue in this current environment is actually not a bad starting point as it makes good business sense to start off smaller, with less risk, to realistically see how the story unfolds.

“The Solo Summers business model is a simple one whereby we, as a business, do not provide any of the variety entertainment, but we provide the secure platform for event promoters and entertainers to host their event or talent to the world via live-streaming, supported by live as well as virtual audiences.

“Our prime focus is to ensure people can enjoy a good and safe night out and come together without prejudice and express themselves within a safe environment, regardless of age, race, religion, gender or sexuality.”

The venue’s website is set to launch this week with details of forthcoming events.

Read more:

• Music Warehouse in Colchester to shut after 37 years in town
• New Colchester location plan for Solo Summers after Embassy bid
• Plans to revive Embassy in Colchester as church are approved

Events will be ticketed and available to club members.

The first bookings include a drum and bass event with Rough Tempo Radio and a drag competition/rainbow dance party hosted by Colchester Pride.

Mr Saunders added: “It has been a long journey to get this off the ground, but at least we now have a confirmed starting point.

“I thank, in advance, all residents in the Dutch Quarter located close to the venue as they have had an extended period of non-activity at the venue since the venue closure in 2015.

“We will do everything in our power to make it as harmonious as possible in launching the first Solo Summers venue.”