Fremantle’s iconic Fly By Night was forced from its original home of Military Drill Hall in 2015 after the National Trust WA opened expressions of interest for the venue to third parties.
The musicians club then relocated to Victoria Hall where executive director John Reid and the rest of the team were “treading water” as they worked tirelessly to secure the lease and a liquor licence that would allow them to operate as they used to.
“We’ve just been doing smaller shows and putting on events where a liquor licence isn’t imperative and just soldiering on until we got the lease sorted and the liquor licence sorted to actually generate revenue to pay for staffing and overheads,” Reid told theMusic.com.au.
“It’s been a bit of a tricky journey, but we’ve made it. I’m actually very surprised.”
The Hall currently has a capacity of 280, with a mezzanine level being installed to bring the total to 330.
With a new PA in the space, the venue is now taking bookings, with a goal to host smaller national and international tours as well as continuing to support local bands.
“The Victoria Hall is perfect for some touring acts, local acts doing CD launches, smaller theatre productions and movie screenings.”
The City Of Fremantle has granted The Fly a five-year lease and the Department of Racing, Gaming and Liquor has approved a Special Facilities licence.
“The Fly By Night as a not-for-profit member-based organisation. It’s been going for 28 years, it’s an iconic, cultural entity in Fremantle and it’s here for musicians and the community to facilitate what they want to do.”
Check out theGuide for all upcoming events at Fly By Night.
Originally published by Dan Cribb at themusic.com.au.
