The Empire is Boogie Nights' new Great Yarmouth venue

The Empire's Bank Holiday weekend events kicked off with the return of the much-loved Boogie Nights.

The longstanding club night was left temporarily homeless following the closure of its former Gorleston venue, The Ocean Room.

The Empire on Marine Parade, Great Yarmouth. Picture - James Weeds (Image: James Weeds)The event's return came with a new twist as a live synth band performed classic hits alongside DJ Paul Allen's floor-filling mixes.

Mr Allen said: "We were absolutely blown away by the response from the people there.

"It was beyond what we thought it would be. And it was really lovely and heartwarming to see so many old and new faces out in support."

READ MORE: What should happen with the Ocean Rooms in Gorleston?

FLASHBACK: DJ Paul Allen behind the decks at an Ocean Room Boogie Nights in 2003. Picture - Newsquest Archives (Image: Newsquest Archives)The club night began a weekend of music at The Empire's reopening. Empire owner Jack Jay said Friday's turnout was very positive and "showcased the venue to lots of new people who seemed to love it".

Live music also returned to the venue on Saturday, with more acts announced for this weekend, including the Helen Ashton Band on Friday and the Aspen Road Band on Saturday.

The Empire has also announced the return of its live comedy nights later this month and two of the UK's biggest tribute acts, Arctic Roll and Royal Monsters, going head to head at the beginning of May.

The venue also serves street food from Norwich caterers, including burgers from acclaimed restaurant Bun Xchange and freshly made pizzas from Slice, from the Norwich Lanes, which will be available until 9pm.

The Empire reopened as a live music and street venue in 2021 after being closed for 13 years. Before that, the 120-year-old building had been a long-running cinema before becoming a popular nightclub known as Bourbon Street, and later as Zen.

For more information, visit The Empire on Facebook.