Confirmation that Watford’s biggest nightclub is closing is not only a big blow to the local economy, but also potentially ends a chapter in the town’s history dating back almost 60 years.

Ever since it started life as Top Rank Watford Suite in 1965, the venue at 127 The Parade has been the premier nightspot in the town, playing host to some of the biggest names in music and entertainment through its various guises as Bailey’s, then Paradise Lost, Kudos, Destiny and Oceana to its current incarnation of Pryzm.

In a statement today, Pryzm confirmed that its Watford club will cease operating after it throws “a party to remember” on New Year’s Eve.

We’ve taken a delve into our archive to look back at some of the names and events that have been hosted by the nightclub in the past.

Top Rank

Watford Observer: Tommy Cooper performing at the opening function of the Top Rank Watford Suite in 1965Tommy Cooper performing at the opening function of the Top Rank Watford Suite in 1965 (Image: Watford Observer)

Bailey's

Watford Observer: Groups including Slade, The Supremes and The Commodores performed at Bailey's in the 1970s and 80sGroups including Slade, The Supremes and The Commodores performed at Bailey's in the 1970s and 80s (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Elton John leaping around on stage at Bailey's in 1976Elton John leaping around on stage at Bailey's in 1976 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Bailey's was the venue for Watford FC's end of season awards night where the staff and players memorably performed sketches on stageBailey's was the venue for Watford FC's end of season awards night where the staff and players memorably performed sketches on stage (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: John Ward and Steve Harrison have John Barnes in stitches at one of the Bailey's awards ceremoniesJohn Ward and Steve Harrison have John Barnes in stitches at one of the Bailey's awards ceremonies (Image: Watford Observer)

Paradise Lost

Watford Observer: Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley in a fundraising event at Paradise Lost in 1988Wham! star Andrew Ridgeley in a fundraising event at Paradise Lost in 1988 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: EastEnders legend Anita Dobson was another star to visit Paradise LostEastEnders legend Anita Dobson was another star to visit Paradise Lost (Image: Watford Observer)

Kudos

Watford Observer: Clubbers enjoying a Foam Party at Kudos in 1994Clubbers enjoying a Foam Party at Kudos in 1994 (Image: Watford Observer)

Destiny

Watford Observer: Former mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill and 'Del Boy' at the opening of Destiny in March 1999Former mayor of Watford Dorothy Thornhill and 'Del Boy' at the opening of Destiny in March 1999 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: The entrance to DestinyThe entrance to Destiny (Image: Watford Observer)

Oceana

Watford Observer: The Oceana dancefloor in 2008The Oceana dancefloor in 2008 (Image: Watford Observer)

Watford Observer: Some of the seating in OceanaSome of the seating in Oceana (Image: Watford Observer)

Pryzm

Watford Observer: Pryzm opened in 2016 following a £1million makeoverPryzm opened in 2016 following a £1million makeover (Image: Newsquest/Jane Parr)

Watford Observer: The 80's room in Pryzm in 2016The 80's room in Pryzm in 2016 (Image: Watford Observer)