"Nothing lasts forever": An emotional farewell to Corsica Studios

After 24 years, one of London's most enduring and beloved nightspots held its emotional final dance last weekend, opening on Saturday night (March 28) and rolling through to the early hours of Monday morning. And yet, despite the aptness of Corsica Studio's closing season slogan, "Nothing Lasts Forever", and its prominence all over T-shirts and mirrored-wall art throughout the venue, throughout the last few months... did we ever really think this day would come? We were all clinging to the hope of a billboard conversely messaging "Corsica Studios Forever". 

Ever since Adrian Jones and the late great Amanda Moss moved their event project to a space beneath the railway arches on Elephant Road in 2002, the space then known as the Corsica Arts Club, and now, Corsica Studios, has inarguably acted as the beating heart of London's club scene; a constant home for the weird and the wonderful, the location of first nights out and big occasions, a space where burgeoning promoters got their the first shot, alongside the home of some of the UK's most respected party brands. 

However, after nearly a quarter of a century playing host to just about every electronic legend you can name (and probably scores that you can't), last September Corsica Studios confirmed that it would be closing at the end of March; the South London space will undergo redevelopment at the cost of nearby developer The Elephant Project, with the team confirming that it had “arrived at the best outcome possible for the space,” although to achieve it, “certain things about the building and its current format will have to change.” The change, of course, is that it will no longer be Corsica Studios as we knew it. 

All good things must come to an end, memento mori, all things must pass, nothing lasts forever... however you'd prefer to phrase it, the venue's legendary run has reached its conclusion. But what a conclusion! With a run of closing parties lasting three months, curated by a mix of club regulars such as TranceParty, Hyperdub, Ivan Smagghe and Manfredas Dresden, Small Talk, Fred again.., BICEP & Optimo, Wigflex, I Love Acid, You're A Melody, thousands have been able to say their farewell in 2026. 

Though of course, Corsica Studios said "Goodbye x" with its final party on Sunday, with the help of Marcellus Pittman, Kode9, SHERELLE, Pearson Sound, Mia Koden, Bill Brewster, Pangaea, Daniel Avery, Josey Rebelle, and many many more to give the London institution a right proper last knees-up. Photographer Clayton Burke captured all the hugs, the gun fingers, the naughty antics and heartfelt reunions from Corsica Studio's final party. Check out a selection of his images below — Nothing lasts forever, but Corsica Studios' legacy is forever.

Megan Townsend is Mixmag's Deputy Editor, follow her on X