Liverpool-based online radio station and bar Melodic Distraction is set to close.

The station and venue’s closing date is today (Friday, 29th September), with the team behind Melodic Distraction citing rising costs associated with running both projects as the reason for the decision to close. They added that funding opportunities to help keep the business afloat are falling, while the cost of living crisis has significantly reduced footfall for the bar.

In a statement, Melodic Distraction said: “It’s with mixed emotions that we announce the closure of Melodic Distraction. While it’s sad that this chapter is coming to an end, we’re so proud of all the DJs, artists and creatives who have made Melodic what it is over the last eight or so years.

“The North West has a beautiful music community filled with talented, passionate and caring people. The community will live on, thrive and continue to make incredible art as it always has done! Go out and support them, love them and keep on uplifting them. Please, please, please also continue to support your local music organisations, venues and independents where you can. This is happening across the UK and we all have to play our part in supporting the spaces that keep our culture alive.”

Melodic Distraction Radio launched in 2017 and became a vital hub for DJs based in the North West of England. The bar launched four years later, and frequently hosted live music and DJ events.

Today’s final day of broadcasting features radio shows from Melodic Distraction Radio staff past and present. The schedule is running from 9am through to 7pm BST with station co-founder Josh Aitman doing the final ever live broadcast from 5pm-7pm. Listeners can tune is via the radio station’s website.