Castle goes out with a bang

DJ Clint Boon on the decks

music venue The Castle went out with an unforgettable bang.

Supporters enjoyed a firework display to bid an emotional farewell to the 150-year-old Union Street premises, now earmarked for demolition.

Oldham music legend Clint Boon also left his mark on the closing weekend by spray-painting the infamous cow logo of his band Inspiral Carpets on the wall of the venue, which has entertained thousands and staged countless famous bands.

Clint commented after his final set on Sunday: “It was a very emotional moment for me, but celebratory at the same time. I doubt Oldham will ever have another venue like The Castle. A very special place.”

The keys of the famous premises - once the Grey Horse Inn pub - in which legends such as Oasis and Inspiral Carpets played early gigs, are expected to be handed over to Transport for Greater Manchester today.

Manager Steve Jones earlier claimed Metrolink works put the final nail in the coffin into the death of The Castle.

Martin Commons (26), who worked there, called the occasion epic: “Friends I haven’t seen for years came from all over for the last night. It was special when everyone went outside to see a mega firework display with the final tunes out on street party on Union Street.”