The should be a party atmosphere at The Brook this weekend as music lovers celebrate the news that its been saved from closure.

It's appropriate that one of Britain's true folk rock icons, the great Richard Thompson, a sell for weeks, will be live on stage tomorrow evening leading the cheers.

The Brook has been rescued from administration by a company which includes the landlord of rival Southampton nightspot the Platform Tavern.

The deal was first revealed in the Daily Echo last month, when it emerged that the Platform Tavern was involved with one of the last remaining bids, after more than 40 groups expressed an interest in taking over the ailing venue.

News that the Portswood Road site had gone bust and could close triggered a tidal wave of support from big name stars like Midge Ure and from customers. Bosses received more than 1,000 messages of support.

The venue has staged more than 3,500 gigs since it opened 13 years ago, and has seen music legends such as Bill Wyman and John Martyn perform.

The Brook's new owners are a company called Stage4, which was set up specifically to save it.

Backed by IT contractor Steve Amey, Stage4 ensures The Brook's strong live music heritage is continued by including Nick Lewis, son of founder Brynn, and manager Dylan Clarke, who stays on in the role. The fourth director Stewart Cross, of the Platform Tavern, was also involved in The Brook's early days.

The quartet are keen to emphasise that while they plan to honour the past, they also aim to make changes.

"I am involved because I didn't want to see it go down the drain," said Nick. "But it is going to be very different from how it was before. We are going to add to it and diversify to make it even better."

Stewart said: "This is a great day for the south's music scene.

"I have been a patron of The Brook since it started and live music has always been close to my heart. There will certainly be a lot of celebrating with my existing and new customers."

Stage4 plan to maximise use of the space, which can hold 600 people, by attracting corporate events during the day and opening it to other uses such as music lessons and community events.