Hitchin's Club 85 will remain open into 2025 while negotiations continue to secure the beloved venue's future, with a "battle fund" to help save the site edging ever closer to its target.

Back in September last year, landlords Jas and Ranjit Lidder submitted a planning application to turn the Whinbush Road site into 16 homes ahead of their planned retirement, but the proposal was withdrawn earlier this year.

Despite this, it still appeared that Club 85 would close down, with a farewell show scheduled to take place on December 30.

It has now been confirmed that the beloved grassroots music venue will remain open until the end of June 2025.

"We can now confirm that Club 85 will remain open until the end of June 2025 while negotiations continue to secure the venue's future," manager Bob Mardon confirmed in a video message posted on Facebook.

READ MORE ON THE CLUB 85 STORY

In July this, Bob revealed that after last-ditch talks with Jas, he was given the opportunity to purchase Club 85, with around £2.2 million needing to be raised to do so.

Those efforts were kickstarted in August when a "battle fund" was launched, with the venue's GoFundMe target set at £30,000.

Since then, an incredible £23,000 has been raised, with Bob keen to thank the community for their support.

"I also wanted to say a great big thank you to everyone that has supported us so far," he said in his video message.

"It's so empowering to feel all the love and support that we are getting from the community, and it really does make a hell of a difference, so keep going and thank you very much."

To donate to Club 85's "battle fund", visit www.gofundme.com/f/club-85s-battle-fund.