18/09/2026
🤍THE END OF AN ERA🤍
After nearly 35 years, the time has come for us - Barry Faulkner Snr & Barry Faulkner Jnr - to step away from running the Middlesbrough Empire.
It's incredibly difficult to put into words what this place has meant to us.
The Empire has never just been a nightclub. It has been a huge part of our lives and, judging by the stories, friendships and memories we've shared over the years, we know it has meant an awful lot to many of you too.
From the incredible Sugar Shack years, when some of the biggest DJs in the world came to Teesside, to every Friday, Saturday, live show and unforgettable night since - what happened inside those walls was only ever possible because of the people.
Our staff. Our DJs. Our promoters. Everyone behind the scenes.
And most importantly, YOU.
You turned up. You filled the dancefloor. You brought the energy.
You created the atmosphere and the memories.
WE ALL DID THIS TOGETHER.
So while this is the end of an era for us, it is not the end of the Middlesbrough Empire.
We are passing the baton to new owners who have exciting plans to reinvent the club, give this incredible venue a new lease of life and hopefully bring some of that glory back to Teesside once again.
We genuinely wish them every success and hope the Empire continues to create memories for generations to come.
But we couldn't simply disappear quietly after nearly 35 years. We're asking everyone who has ever been part of the Empire story to come back through those doors and join us for one final weekend together.
12th & 13th NOVEMBER
Old-school regulars. The new generation. Staff, DJs, promoters, friends and everyone who ever danced beneath that roof.
LET'S GIVE OUR CHAPTER OF THE STORY THE SEND-OFF IT DESERVES.
From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for the memories, the loyalty, the support and most of all, the love. IT HAS BEEN AN ABSOLUTE HONOUR.
Barry Faulkner Snr & Barry Faulkner Jnr x
SEE YOU ON THE DANCEFLOOR
