Paparazzi has announced a second venue in Victoria with the upcoming launch of Encore that will replace a popular event space that closed last month.
Located in the former space of the Victoria Event Centre (VEC) at 1415 Broad Street, this new addition promises to bring more vibrant nightlife to the city, with a mix of classic Paparazzi vibes and new entertainment options.
“We heard from the community that they wanted more, and we’re excited to bring this dynamic new space to Victoria,” read a social media post announcing the new venue slated to open in 2025.
“ENCORE will be a weekend hotspot with live DJs and a spacious dance floor, capturing the energetic atmosphere that people love about Paparazzi.”
Beyond weekend events, ENCORE by Paparazzi said they will cater to the arts and entertainment scene by hosting live shows during the week, showcasing both emerging talents and local favourites.
This approach aims to support and celebrate Victoria’s local arts community.
In recent years, Paparazzi has shifted from being a queer space and one of Victoria’s only gay bars to a nightclub that now promotes itself as inclusive for all. However, the removal of queer iconography has led many in the 2SLGBTQI+ community to express feeling less welcome within its walls.
In contrast to this, the VEC was known for being a longstanding safe space for the 2SLGBTQI+ community. Now, with the VEC closed and a new venue taking its place under Paparazzi’s ownership, concerns are mounting that it may no longer offer the same inclusivity.
Additionally, members of the Victoria music scene, including musicians and event promoters, have voiced reservations about Paparazzi managing the new venue.
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“We’re grateful to our landlords for their support in making this vision a reality,” Paparazzi shared. “Their commitment enables us to keep this space open and thriving for Victoria’s nightlife and arts community.”
See also:
- End of an era: Victoria Event Centre to shut down after two decades
- Paparazzi’s Drag Sunday sashays away after organizer decides to end the weekly show
- Some believe one of Victoria’s only safe spaces for queer folks isn’t what it used to be
ENCORE will take over the space previously held by the VEC, which closed its doors on October 27th after more than two decades.
In a social media announcement last month, the event space shared the news, attributing the closure to the termination of its lease and the building’s recent listing on the market, which added uncertainty to its future.
“We’ll be updating here again in the future, so stay tuned, and thanks for all the incredible memories,” the Victoria Event Centre’s message read last month, hinting at the possibility of a new chapter.
With Paparazzi stepping in as the new operator, the venue is set to continue as a cornerstone for community events, entertainment, and nightlife.
