Starworks events cancelled after blaze at Wolverhampton venue

Devastated bosses said the damage was being assessed and that the Reload in Wonderland and Wonderland events have been cancelled.

The house, garage and nu rave events were due to take place after each other from Saturday afternoon.

Fifty firefighters tackled the fire at the Grade-II listed building on Frederick Street, Blakenhall, where Wolves players celebrated their promotion just last week.

An investigation was launched to find the cause of the fire, which broke out at the 40,000 sq ft venue yesterday and engulfed the left side of the building. Fire crews were called at 7.45am.

Nathan Thacker, director of operations, said: “We are absolutely devastated but are working closely with fire safety investigation officers and the environment agencies in relation to public safety as that is our primary concern.

“Thankfully no-one was on the premises at the time and the fire was contained – however the building was heavily smoke logged.”

Mr Thacker added that the Roy Chubby Brown gig on May 25 would also likely be rescheduled.

He said a decision on other events would be made once authorities had confirmed the building is safe to reopen.

Director Wayne Scott-Fox added: “We know our customers will be devastated that some events will be postponed but the safety and comfort of our guests is paramount.

“The fire is devastating as it comes just after we celebrated hosting the Wolves Official Players’ promotion after party, which was one of our greatest events to date.

“However, we will be back and better than ever.”

It is believed the blaze was sparked near to where cocktail bar, the 1883 lounge, was being refurbished. Firefighters were lifted onto the roof of the building, near St John’s retail park, to help tackle the flames.

Crews from Wolverhampton, Bilston, Fallings Park, Dudley, West Bromwich and Tipton stations attended with 50 firefighters involved at the height of the incident.

Some remained on site throughout yesterday and revisited the affected area to dampen down hotspots.

WATCH Wayne Scott-Fox discuss the blaze:

West Midlands Fire Service watch commander Warren Davies, said: “The fire’s location is still unconfirmed. It is either ground floor or the first floor.

“It looked like it had taken over the majority of the building when we first got here.

“Smoke was billowing out from either side of the building. It did manage to get into the roof space and the beams but we managed to put that out with hose reels.”

Starworks is based in the former factory of the Star Motor Company.

The building was home to the motor company, which was one of the first mass production car companies in the UK.

The building was transformed into a music and events venue in 2016.

Guests who have purchased tickets for events should contact their point of sale.