When I found out we had been broken into, I felt like I was living in some sort of alternate universe. Is this really happening? It can't be true, can it? No, you're lying?
They scaled a building and risked their lives to reach the third floor at the back of our building and broke in. All the internal doors were locked, yet they forced their way through every one of them.
They took all the spirits, DJ equipment, camera equipment, CCTV hard drive, other sound equipment, and even a hoover, with an estimated total loss of £9,337 plus damages.
Our primary focus moving forward is the security of the building. Even if we manage to fundraise and buy new equipment, will it be safe? We need to make the building secure by all means necessary to continue our operations and get back to serving the local dance music community.
To give context to what we do—Doppler Studio & Radio is a 100-capacity dance music venue and online community radio station in Leicester.
We nurture and mentor young local promoters to organise events at the venue, book touring headline DJs, and shine a light on local talent through our own curated club nights.
The online community radio serves as a platform for listeners, but the positive impact of bringing like-minded DJs together has been instrumental in forming collaborations, fostering new friendships, and starting new projects as a result of building this space.
We have only been open for just over a year, and the benefits of this project have been huge! Just to list a few:
- Jobs created for security, front of house, bartenders, cleaners, management, marketing, and promoters
- Providing Leicester with an alternative night-time offering
- Supporting local DJs, MCs, and musicians in showcasing their talent, thereby building the creative economy as they grow and invest in their careers
- Increasing local spending at other establishments before patrons head to us
I've invested everything into this project because I understand the huge benefits a grassroots music venue can have on a scene, and I am committed to making this project work. But I, and everyone who uses this space, need your support.
Understandably, money is tight for many people, and any donations will be greatly appreciated and will go a long way in ensuring the longevity of the venue and the project.