One of Norwich's busiest nightclubs has closed and changed ownership in an effort to bring more live music to young people in the city centre.

Carnival, previously Knowhere, on Queen Street, has been given a lick of paint and brightened up with the effect of a circus big top on its ceiling.

The bar is the latest to be added to the growing empire of local businesswoman, Sarah-Jane Roberts, who also owns city centre venues such as Beluga and Farmer Browns in Tombland and Karma Kafe on Bedford Street.

Danny Banthorpe, marketing manager at Carnival, said: 'We are aiming for students and the UEA mostly, with cross-genre music from guest and resident DJs.

'There's a lot of choice in the city for students now so it's about getting the music and content right. There is Lola Los (on Bank Plain) and Tao (Prince of Wales Road) which are very student-orientated as well, so there are three venues there that the student promoters work hand-in-hand with to provide a good night out.'

Mr Banthorpe, along with Carnival's manager, James Watkins, is heavily involved in the Play Fest festival which launched at Eccles Hall School at Quidenham, near Attleborough, over two days in May last year, headlined by British rock giants The Futureheads.

He added: 'Our team is from a music and events background and we'll be looking to use Carnival as a warm-up venue for this year's Play Fest.'

Carnival is open between 9pm and 2am on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays, and 9pm to 3am on Fridays and Saturday.

For further details go to www.mycarnival.co

Are you opening a new business in Norwich? Contact reporter David Freezer on 01603 773418 or david.freezer@archant.co.uk