It’s nearly a decade since a Sheffield club took the decision that there were far better things to do than sleep at weekends..

We’re not sure what the move has done for the weekday employment prospects of certain followers – especially come clocking in time on Monday – but its popularity shows no sign of slowing down and the clubbers continue to travel from miles around to dance and chill until dawn and beyond.

It was in deepest, darkest part of the city centre’s Cultural Industries Quarter that Niche first opened its doors in 1994.

Developed out of a former little mesters-style workshop, the club was the brainchild of Steve Baxendale who formerly ran the city’s rock club Rebels that used to operate from the Castle Markets area and later opened Capitol on Matilda Street (now .Zero).

Niche has spawned many venues that have tried to copy its formula but the majority seemed to have opted for the pillow rather than staying the all-night course.

The Sheffield city centre venue has always retained a very underground vibe with word-of-mouth being the mainstay of its audience.

But the buzz has definitely spread to some interesting and mainstream areas on occasions down the years.

Take That apparently turned up one night in their private limo following a gig at Hallam FM Arena (or Sheffield Arena as it was then).

They stayed for the duration.

Only a few weeks ago Niche was visited by the one and only Cheeky Girls who are gagging to come back by all accounts.

The venue’s all-night concept – which has spawned a few thousand vampire-like characters shielding their eyes from the sun somewhere between 8am and 10am on a Saturday or Sunday morning in the city centre over the years – was all a bit alien back in 1994.

But these days it’s not uncommon for a club to go on until 6am or onwards but few boast the tight-knit following of Niche.

Niche spokesperson Angelina Quirk said: “In 1994 Steve Baxendale made his dream a reality when he independently transformed a building into a unique and private club with an underground atmosphere and a fresh clubbing notion. His creation grew in strength and strength and was soon to become one of Sheffield’s most established and influential clubs.

“In fact, Its dramatic success in July 2001 led to the development of the exclusive second floor that rapidly proved to be an additional attraction to fast growing number of clientele that would still to this day pack out the venue to its full capacity and increase its reputation.”

This Bank Holiday weekend sees one of Niche’s biggest events to date as Galaxy 105’s Tony Walker takes charge of the decks on Sunday, August 24.

The DJ is well known to Sheffield crowds for his long stint at legendary house night Love to be… that was the mainstay of the Music Factor (now Bed) on London Road in the mid-nineties.

This 11pm until 8am Niche house party promises quality hedonism for those that can last the course.

If you really want to guarantee you won’t see next week you can always have a couple of practice runs.

The eight resident Niche DJs – John Allen, Chris Bailey, Jamie Duggan, Andy Spoff, Shaun Scott, Mark Skelton, Les Skelton and Nev Wright – are banging out the “sexy and sassy speed garage, bouncy vocal house and classic old skool beats” on both Friday and Saturday night until dawn and beyond this, and every other weekend.

Niche Allniter is situated at 87-91 Sidney Street.


More information on 0114 275 1414 or website: www.nicheallniter.co.uk

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