Mecca Hartlepool is rolling the clock back to 1996 this weekend as the much-loved venue celebrates 30 years of fun, community and unforgettable wins.

The anniversary celebrations will be kicking off on Saturday, February 7, at 5pm with bingo and live music as well as an afternoon party on Sunday, February 8, where customers are invited to enjoy a meal, a glass of fizz and a gift.

Sharron Dean, who was at the club on the opening night back in 1996 and who is a familiar face on the team today, said: “I was recruited when the club was still being built.

"There was so much excitement about a new venue opening in the town that we held a preview event with Roy Walker, who was the host of ITV’s Catchphrase, and the star turn on the first night was comedian Jimmy Cricket.

Mecca Hartlepool manager Michelle Doherty and 30-year staff member Sharron Dean are looking forward to the club’s 30th birthday celebrations.

placeholder image — Mecca Hartlepool manager Michelle Doherty and 30-year staff member Sharron Dean are looking forward to the club’s 30th birthday celebrations.

“I’ve seen the club change with the times and watched the social side of the venue expand when we opened the lounge area, giving customers a space to relax, enjoy a meal or a drink and catch up with friends.

"Today, I see younger players coming in and the average age of members is now much lower than on the day we opened.

"I love seeing generations of families playing and spending time together and our regular customers often bring in friends who are visiting from other parts of the UK or overseas to show them what bingo is all about.”

In the past year alone, Mecca Hartlepool has welcomed more than 14,500 customers through its doors and paid out over £2.9 million in prize money.

General manager Michelle Doherty said: “Some people are surprised at the prize money that can be won at bingo and the number of younger players. In fact a third of our members are aged 18-35.

"We see everyone here – from teenagers celebrating turning eighteen with their families to hen parties, and friends coming together to couples on first dates.

"Bingo is an experience that everyone can enjoy and we can’t wait for this weekend to mark thirty years of being an integral part of this amazing town.”