The O2 Academy Leicester will shut its doors at the end of 2026 after the University of Leicester confirmed it will not renew its partnership with the venue’s operator.
The announcement brings an end to more than a decade of concerts, club nights, and student events at one of the city’s most prominent mid‑sized music venues.
In a statement, the university said the agreement with Academy Music Group will conclude in December 2026, after which the venue will cease operations. The O2 Academy currently occupies part of the Percy Gee Building—home to the Students’ Union—and has hosted hundreds of touring acts since opening in 2010.
The university has outlined plans for a major redevelopment of the building in 2027, prompting the closure. Work is scheduled to begin in January 2027 and continue throughout the year. The project will overhaul the Students’ Union facilities, with proposals including a redesigned nightclub and events space and expanded rehearsal and performance rooms for student societies
The university says the changes will allow more of the building to be accessible to students throughout the week, addressing concerns that large sections are currently closed off for external events.
The closure will remove one of Leicester’s key live‑music venues, known for hosting mid‑tier touring artists, tribute acts, and popular club nights. Events are scheduled to continue until late 2026, with the venue operating normally until the partnership officially ends.
It remains unclear whether a new operator will take over the refurbished space once redevelopment is complete.
Stuck in the Middle has contacted Academy Music Group for comment.
