It was once well known to a generation of clubbers for its sticky carpets, round the block queues and massive dancefoor. And now the iconic nightclub Ritzy, a venue fixed in the memories of thousands of Boltonians, is to be celebrated in an exhibition later this month. The huge club, which operated in the town during the late 80s and early 90s will feature in a special exhibition launching at the Bolton museum from Saturday, November 20.
Ritzy was part of a clubbing culture which has all but died in Greater Manchester’s towns and cities. With stricter licensing laws in play until the late 90s all pubs closed at 11pm with clubs such as Ritzy then becoming the ‘only show in town’ for those wanting to carry on the party or go dancing. During its heyday, the club was open several times a week, with a student night on Tuesdays, ‘Club 25’ on Wednesdays, dance music on Thursday, with Fridays reserved for celebration night.
On Saturdays clubbers were told to ‘dress to dazzle’ with After Dark providing the ‘ultimate discotheque night out’. As part of the borough’s ‘Put Big Light On’ festival, Bolton-based neon glass sign makers Neon Creations are to build a replica of the familiar pink sign which once adorned the entrance to night spot. The iconic sign is to be recreated for the exhibition (PIC: Ritzy & 5th Avenue Facebook group).
Memories from clubbers will also part of the exhibition, as well as more of Neon Creations most stunning glass signs. A spokesman fo.