ONE of Taunton’s most popular nightlife venues plans to go out with a bang tonight as it welcomes clubbers for the final time.

Okoko’s New Year’s Eve party will mark the “end of an era” for the Dellers Wharf club which opened in 2010, while another of the town’s central clubs is set to become a Chinese restaurant.

The club’s owners announced the closure on Facebook and its own website, inviting revellers to join them for “One last party, Okoko style.”

The shock closure will see Taunton’s dwindling nightlife diminished further, following the closure of Khode, formerly Bliss, in East Street earlier this year, leaving Fever and Mambo as the town’s prime night-time hotspots.

Michelle Andrews, owner of the managing company 241 Leisure which once boasted Khode and Okoko in its portfolio, told the Gazette that the time had come to embark on new projects.

While maintaining hope that the Okoko venue could remain as a nightclub in the future, she confirmed that Khode will not be welcoming clubbers any time soon.

She said: “I ask myself why a town the size of Taunton has so few club attractions. Taunton used to have many late night venues, but I guess less people are going out in the current climate. Taunton is definitely quieter than it was.

“We will be staying in Taunton, but putting Okoko up for sale and I hope to see it trading as a nightclub again someday.

“It’s the end of an era for Okoko, after almost five years it is time for us to move on and pursue new projects. We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has been a part of Okoko and thank you to every person who has walked through our doors.

“Okoko has seen some truly amazing nights and we very much hope New Year’s Eve will be one of those amazing memories.

“I have been overwhelmed by all the messages on social media. Bring on New Year’s Eve for one last party and as for the future – who knows?

“Khode was recently sold and will become a Chinese buffet restaurant.”

Clubbers have been reacting to the news of the closure on social media, bemoaning the dying nightlife in the town with some calling it “tragic” and others saying they will look to go out of town to places like Bridgwater for a big night out.

Anna Louise Louca said: “Taunton is becoming such a sad place. There’s going to be zero nightlife soon.”

Wendy Nicholls posted: “How sad, had some good nights in there. Taunton needs Okoko.”

Andrew Hughes said: “Taunton doesn’t have a nightlife, hasn’t done for decades.” While Robert Overthrow added: “Massive shame, we’ll give Okoko a great send-off, though.”

When it opened, it was hoped the over-20s club was going to “boost the town’s night-life”.

Following a £300,000 refurbishment to the Dellers Wharf, which closed earlier in 2010, the owners wanted to create the right atmosphere and a “girl-friendly” environment.

Speaking to the Gazette at the time, then-operations manager Jason Alford said: “People say there’s no nightlife in Taunton, and that people are driving to Yeovil and Bridgwater, instead – we want to bring that market back into town.”

After tonight’s final big bash, the club will close and be put up for sale.

Tickets are available but arty-goers can still pay on the door.