Hundreds of people have been sharing their memories and sadness after one of the region’s best-loved venues announced its sudden closure.

The Ocean Room will shut after almost 50 years leaving Gorleston and Great Yarmouth in shock.

For many in the area, attending the club was a generational rite of passage.

The club announced going into administration, marking an end to three generations of family ownership.

Locals have been reminiscing about the venue on Facebook and voicing their sadness at the news.

Teresa Garbutt said: "I have fabulous memories of Thursday nights there in the early 90s."

READ MORE: The Ocean Room on Gorleston seafront to close down

Great Yarmouth Mercury: The 1995 Afternoon Tea DanceThe 1995 Afternoon Tea Dance (Image: Archant Library)Great Yarmouth Mercury: It was formerly a dance hallIt was formerly a dance hall (Image: Archant Library)

"Going for a meal at Cozies, then onto the Ocean Rooms.

"New Year's Eve was also epic. I'm glad I was in my late teens and early twenties during that time."

Barry Gravenell will also miss the venue, he said: "So sad to see this, such a massive loss to Gorleston and what was a rite of passage for so many!"

Locals have noted how the festive period at the Ocean Room will be missed, Samantha Smith said: "I really hope someone steps in to take this on."

"Christmas nights here were the best! I even remember the teeny boppers discos in the 80s."

Maxine Whitaker agreed, she said: "Absolutely devastating news for the area."

"Held loads of fabulous events here and been to many brilliant evenings. Christmas isn't Christmas without a night here."

READ MORE: Gorleston dance students saved from storm by Ocean Room

Great Yarmouth Mercury: Blur played a 'secret' gig on the Ocean Room stage at the peak of Britpop in 1995Blur played a 'secret' gig on the Ocean Room stage at the peak of Britpop in 1995 (Image: Archant Library)

Julie Bunning added: "Such sad news feel sorry for the owners and workers- loved an evening there! It will be missed."

The current operators, Kelly Edwards and her cousin Ben Jay, have called their situation "untenable" due to the long-lasting effects of the cost of living crisis and the pandemic.

Ms Edwards said there has been a "huge change in habits" since 2020.

"We have battled so hard to adapt and evolve what we do - we've invested heavily in the hope we can turn things around."

"Unfortunately, there has been little to no national or local government support through this time."