A top nightclub has defended its decision not to cancel a planned Bank Holiday rave on the day of the Queen's funeral.
Popular Bristol party venue Motion say the are "not in a position" to close its doors at all over the extended weekend.
Bosses blame soaring costs for carrying on as normal despite even some regulars slating the decision to throw their 'Godspeed' all-nighter.
Many shops, bars and cinemas won't be opening as planned as the sovereign is laid to rest in London on Monday with millions expected to tune in across the world.
The legendary venue on the city's Avon Street are putting on the free rave, a move that has been described as "distasteful".
BristolLive reports that they decided to stay open because they were forced to pull two parties for Tokyo World music festival after a shuttle bus service was axed.
A spokesperson for the nightclub explained: "We were due to host the after parties for the Tokoyo World Festival this week, however, due to the perfect storm of Brexit and Covid-19, First Bus has cancelled the planned transport from Eastville Park to the venue in BS2.
"In light of these being cancelled, and with wages, increasing power costs plus multiple other factors of life in 2022, we felt we were not in the position to keep the venue shut.
"As with everyone else we were truly saddened to hear of the passing of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II on September 8 and wish the new King all the best in his new role. God Save The King."
The 'Bank Holiday special' free rave was announced on Monday on Motion's social media channels promising the most exciting DJs in Bristol and from further afield from 11pm until 5am.
In a statement shared on social media, Motion said: "Plans opened up on Sunday after getting the day off on Monday? Head on down for an inevitable banger of a party for the grand price of nowt. Expect the best in bass music from up and coming local talent."
The nightclub's move to create the free event was criticised by a Bristol resident and avid Motion patron, who wished to stay anonymous.
"I'm a little disappointed that local nightclub Motion are running an event on Sunday to take advantage of the bank holiday on Monday - it's a little distasteful," one regular told the publication.
"I'm not in any way a Royalist but when they rely on local support for planning abatement and deeds of easements - it's beyond rude. I'm actually a keen patron of theirs but I'm shocked.
"I think given the large numbers of people that are deeply moved by the passing of the Queen, I think that organising a rave until 5am is both offensive and very short-sighted given the support that they rely on from the local community."
Motion confirmed that the Godspeed event on Monday, September 19 would also be going ahead with a minute silence held at the entry point and inside the venue at 8pm.
It said that "all staff and attendees are being asked to respect this decision".
"We have sought advice already and understand that there are no restrictions on this bank holiday. We do, of course, 100 per cent appreciate and are thankful for everyone's support over the recent years and into the future," the club's statement added.
The late monarch passed away "peacefully" aged 96 last Thursday in Balmoral, Aberdeenshire, surrounded by close members of the royal family.
Her son King Charles III, who automatically became king upon his mother's death, declared seven days of mourning, including the late monarch's state funeral.
