THOUSANDS of music fans have been reacting to the news Poole’s Mr Kyps is set to close for good.

The popular Ashley Cross nightspot, which has hosted some big names from the UK music scene, announced earlier this week it was set to close after 17 years of live gigs.

Club founder Mark ‘Kyp’ Kyprianou has confirmed the Parr Street venue will host its last performance on June 9.

The penultimate show, on June 8, will be performed by venue favourites Mungo Jerry.

Ray Dorset, of Mungo Jerry, told the Echo: “I am going to do a special show there on the Friday before the venue closes. Great shame, Kyp did a brilliant job with the venue and this is another nail in the coffin as far as live music in the area is concerned.”

Mr Kyps, which has been a mecca for live music fans for almost two decades, will be closing to make way for a new development.

The building has been dogged by structural and maintenance problems in recent years, and after it was bought by Bay View Developments last summer, a decision was made to redevelop the site.

Mark said: “Regardless of us knowing this was coming we are still gutted. Seventeen years of live music is some time. The support I’ve received over the past couple of days has been absolutely amazing though, thank you to everyone.

“My facebook page has just gone mad - we’ve had 40,000 hits and 10,000 new likes.

“This does bode well for the future, as we’re still looking for a new venue.

“We’ve got Ray on the last Friday, which is great - and we’ll have a special night on the Saturday.” Up and coming acts and stars, top tribute acts and national names such as The Buzzcocks, Adam Ant and Pete Doherty have played the venue over the years.

Fans also took to the Bournemouth Daily Echo website to express their support.

One said: “I’m really sorry to hear this, I’ve enjoyed many fantastic nights there over the years.

“All the best Kyp and team, and thanks for the great memories.”

Another said: “Such a shame. Poole already has lots of flats, but not so many unique music venues. Is there an alternative live music venue in Poole of this size?”