Weddings cancelled after venue closes suddenly

More than 20 weddings and events have been cancelled after the closure of a historic Essex venue.

The Old Essex Barn, near Kelvedon, closed on 3 March due to "ongoing operational challenges and significant financial losses", according to its board of directors.

The decision to close "was not taken lightly", the board told the BBC, adding that all deposits would be refunded.

One bride-to-be said that news of the closure had left them feeling "as if our entire world has collapsed around us".

Sarah – not her real name – was due to get married at the Old Essex Barn in four months' time, and had paid more than £13,000 to the venue.

Although she has now been told she will receive a refund, she said the last few days had been emotional, having first learned about the closure via social media.

"It isn't just about cancelling a wedding at short notice, it's about the months of time, effort and planning we've poured into making this day perfect," Sarah said.

She added that other venues had offered to help "but given the short notice, none are able to accommodate our original date".

She added: "Some don't allow us to use the live band or ice cream truck we've already paid for, while others don't offer accommodation, meaning our distant relatives wouldn't be able to attend."

The BBC also spoke to Emma – not her real name – whose wedding in a few months' time has been cancelled with "no explanation as to why".

"I've sent out all my invitations already, so if we do eventually find a venue, I've now got to buy more invitations which is more added cost," Emma said.

"It's just ridiculous – I've lost faith now into looking at any actual wedding venue at the moment because I just feel like I don't know if that one's going to be shut down next."

Emma said she was still waiting to hear if she would receive a refund for her deposit.

"In hindsight, I'm quite lucky that we haven't spent the full amount yet but £3,500 is still a lot of money to us," she said.

"I thought it [The Old Essex Barn] was perfect - it was local, it wasn't far up the road.

"We just fell in love with [it] and that's what we wanted, and unfortunately that's no longer going ahead."

The BBC understands in addition to the weddings, other cancellations included six festivals, several private parties and 120 covers for Mother's Day.

Staff at the Old Essex Barn – which dates back to the 15th Century – were told they had been made redundant when owners came to the venue on 3 March.

The venue's manager - Regimantas Trimakas – told the BBC he was not aware of the impending closure until the owners arrived, stating that security cameras were disconnected and the building's locks had been changed.

"They basically changed the locks. They put a security firm into the premises and they said the business is shut," Mr Trimakas said.

"That was very shocking to me."

Essex Police confirmed its officers attended the venue at the time "following concerns individuals had entered a business premises without permission", but found no criminal offences had been committed.

Mr Trimakas paid tribute to the "brilliant" 24 members of staff – both full and part-time – who had been made redundant, and said he felt "gutted" for those whose events had been cancelled.

"I couldn't sleep for a couple of nights," he said.

"I feel very, very responsible for this but it's out of my hands - I can't do anything about it."

The board of directors for the Old Essex Barn confirmed to the BBC that it had been their decision to close the venue, but they had been left "with no viable alternative" and that the business "was not financially sustainable".

"We understand that this closure has impacted both customers and staff, and we deeply regret the disruption it has caused," the board said in a statement.

"We have contacted all customers for whom we have details, and we appreciate their understanding during this difficult time."

It continued: "All deposits for future bookings will be refunded in due course, and we sincerely wish them all the best for their future events."

The board told the BBC all staff would be paid their final wages in full, and any accrued holiday pay was being reviewed.

The statement said: "We are grateful for their hard work and dedication and wish them the very best moving forward."

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