Over 6,500 people have signed the [link]change.org/p/queen-s-university-belfast-stop-queen-s-university-from-demolishing-mandela-hall-and-it-s-sister-venues?recruiter=470474558&utm_source=share_for_starters&utm_medium=copyLink[/link] petition calling for Queens University in Belfast not to demolish its famous Mandela Hall venue and Bunatee and Sub bars where many a generation of music-loving students and civilians have whetted their whistles.
The university wants to build a new £25 million integrated student centre, but the signatories would prefer them to revamp the existing facilities, which down through the years have welcomed everyone from Slash, Ed Sheeran and Jessie J to Manic Street Preachers, Imelda May and Biffy Clyro.
It's also been home base for the Northern Ireland Music Prize, won last year by SOAK.
Hot Press remembers a particularly magnificent Snow Patrol launch gig there for their gazillion-selling Eyes Open album. Indeed, we still have the t-shirt with the Belfast skyline on it!