Historic Bingo Hall Announces Shock Immediate Closure

Customers attending their regular bingo sessions at the building in Blackfriars Road on Sunday were informed of the decision with an announcement at the start of the evening. The surprised dabbers were told that falling numbers were to blame for the closure.

The announcer said there had been a considerable decline since Covid, somewhere between 30 and 40 per cent, which had impacted income.

 “Income has not been generating enough profits to cover increasing costs.” He was reported to have said.

Family-owned for over three decades, Winners Bingo Wisbech is a community club that occupies a historic Grade II listed Art Deco building, originally opened as the Empire Theatre in 1932. After making the familiar transition from theatre to cinema to bingo hall, Winners Bingo continued the community-centred tradition of the building.

Locals Fighting to Keep the Bingo

Dismayed dabbers were saddened and shocked to hear the bingo news. That evening, a petition was drawn up on Charge.Org, saying:

“Tonight the town said goodnight to our bingo hall.

“But maybe it’s not too late. It needs support. From the local people, the local council, and local businesses.

“We have to try. Too many people rely on this as their social lifeline. Wisbech doesn’t need another empty building, Winners Bingo Wisbech 

 “Our local community needs our bingo hall. For a lot of people, it is literally a lifeline.

“It’s not just bingo it’s a social hub. Amazing staff and great atmosphere. It needs sponsors, local support, and council backing. 

“Our town needs this. Don’t let another Wisbech staple go.” 

The petition, found here, has already gathered nearly 350 signatures, and there is hope that bingo in the area can be saved in one form or another.