A music venue set to shut this month has announced it will host one last event as a surprise goodbye before officially closing its doors for good.

The Chambers in Folkestone had been due to call time on its 26-year stint in the seaside town on December 7, with owners Chris and Liz Smith thanking customers and bidding farewell in a post online.

However, in a surprise turn of events, the legendary venue has confirmed it will accommodate a final gig days before Christmas, in what is being called “a fitting way to go out”.

In a statement on social media, the couple said: “It's true, we had indeed pulled our doors closed on December 7 and we've had some beautiful, very personal nights over the last month and have shed some tears with wonderful people.

“Then though, we heard that the Strictly 80s at 20th Century Speedway had to be cancelled (due to circumstances totally beyond anyone's control) so we approached the Strictly 80s team and here we are, one last fling.

“A party is a great way to finish, it's one of the main reasons we've been here, wouldn't you agree?”

It will be the tenth year it has hosted the last Christmas party night of the season with Strictly 80s, though punters have been warned not to expect drinks on draught – though other arrangements will be made.

It comes as a welcome surprise for the venue, which doubled up as a bar and coffee shop before it was forced to close earlier this month.

In October, Chris and Liz announced they would call time on December 7 having struggled since the pandemic to get people through the doors.

A year prior, they released a joint statement saying that the building in Cheriton Place would be put up for sale, saying the past few years had been tough for them, as well as many other businesses in the town.

Previously Mr Smith told KentOnline that the venue had “never been quieter”, with fewer people coming out to enjoy the acts he put on.

Social changes, lockdowns and the cost of living were just some of the factors to blame.