ONE of Camden's best loved music venues is set to close its doors for the last time this weekend.

Saturday night will be the last hurrah for the Purple Turtle in Crowndale Road, a venue that has been catering for Camden's rock, punk and metal fans for more than 17 years. 

But now the lease has come to an end and a new contract agreement has not been reached between Purple Turtle bosses and Camden Council who own the building, despite “years” of discussions.

The bar, which opened when Danny Fraifield and Greg Muden took over the space, has since developed a name for itself as one of Camden's leading alternative music venues and a staple for live rock music.  

Mr Fraified said that he felt “privileged” to be a part of the “London live music scene”  especially as there are “so many other venues shutting down.” He praised the promoters that have “stuck with them over the years,” especially “legendary” Mick 'Monsta' Wood for “keeping metal live in Camden.”

Mr Fraifield added the Camden Crawl had been one of highlights for the venue over the years: “We had a lot of fun with that and Camden Rocks and Desertfest, as well as Cherry Cola and Uproar nights.”

Promoter Mr Wood, who used to run Bar Monsta in Kentish Road has spearheaded a campaign to save the Purple Turtle, which has the support of over 300 people on its Facebook page. Campaigners will speak out in the name of alternative music and culture at a farewell club night on Friday (June 26). Then on Sayturday (June 27), the last event at the venue will feature live music from heavy blues rock and roll band The Graveltones. 

Ex-shareholder and licensee Lee Bennett said: “It is great space and it is a shame to see another great venue in Camden fall.”

Purple Turtle bosses had been keen to renew the lease for another 20 years, but say they were only offered a 15 year lease with a three year break clause, which could result in them being asked to leave with “a moment's notice.” With the amount of money they planned to invest in the building, they explained that three years would not be enough to pay off the costs. As well as continuing talks about the chance of a roling contract, they are now in the process of looking for another venue in the capital, possibly in Camden, and tell fans to “watch this space”.