53 Degrees will continue to host shows in 2015.

It was expected that the venue would close to the wider public at the end of the year, which we revealed over the summer.

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However, a deal has been struck between 53 Degrees and HD Concerts for the upstairs Club room to be used for public shows.

HD Concerts is the gig promotions company owned by Joff Hall, who previously worked full time at 53 Degrees as Events Manager.

Joff said: “HD Concerts are pleased to announce an arrangement has been made with UCLan Students’ Union/53 Degrees for us to operate a limited number of shows in the club room at the venue in 2015.

“Whilst we hope to secure some exciting acts to play the venue our expectations are realistic.

“We are only able to look at promoting a modest number of shows through the year, in order to not drain the Students’ Unions resources, therefore initially we will mostly be looking to rebook artists that have been successful at the venue previously.

“However going forward our aim is to be able to provide a strong programme events that appeal to as many music fans as possible and for the venue to remain an asset the city’s cultural offering.”

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UCLan was equally cautious about the decision.

A statement from the university said: “The future focus of 53 Degrees is for it to be a student-led venue which not only fulfils the charitable purpose of the University and Students’ Union but also enhances the student experience. This, of course, may involve live music.”

“In terms of renting the venue to independent promoters for the purpose of public live shows then we will look at each request on a case-by-case basis. This is the approach we have taken with HD Concerts. The organisation is well known to us, its shows are popular and offer good value. We are, however, talking about a very small number of shows.”