WINSFORD’S popular night spot, De Bees, is celebrating 20 years in business this month and the search is on for the best love story from couples who met in the nightclub.

The music venue, which has stood at the heart of nightlife in the town since it opened in 1996, has endured a turbulent few years but has now positioned itself at the centre of Winsford’s flourishing arts and music scene.

De Bees has hosted several big names in music and comedy including The Levellers, John Power, Shack, Tim Burgess, Clint Boon, Dodgy, John Bishop and Alan Carr and more recently the stars of the film This Is England.

Three years ago, a devastating accident almost shut the venue for good when a fully laden salt truck collided with the building, closing it for three months.

Despite some difficulties, Cornerstone Inns, which runs multiple venues in mid-Cheshire including De BeesThe Red Lion, The Gate and The Prince’s Feathers in Winsford, fought against all odds and managed to keep the venue open.

Now, 20 years after opening, De Bees is set to introduce a new seven-day programme of activity and entertainment, including live music, comedy and theatre.

“It’s hugely satisfying to finally see the original vision for De Bees becoming a reality in our 20th year of operation,” said Damon Horrill, managing director of Cornerstone Inns.

“The town has developed a great music scene over the past 20 years and Winsford now boasts dozens of quality bands and artists.

“De Bees has been the first gig for many over the years and can now look forward to staging tomorrow’s new bands and attracting major artists for years to come.”

On Friday, November 25, De Bees will launch a coffee bar, serving fresh coffee and snacks from 10am to 10pm daily, as well as expanding its programme of gigs and events taking place throughout the week making the venue accessible to all for the first time in its history.

Damon added: “Hopefully young people will enjoy the opportunity to spend time in an environment where they are treated like adults and can be introduced to the positive culture we have created here at De Bees.”

De Bees will be hosting its 20th birthday party on Friday, November 25, and will also be welcoming pop rock trio Dodgy a week later Friday, December 2.

To help celebrate 20 years in Winsford, De Bees is searching for the best love story which started at De Bees.

If you and your partner met at De Bees, send us your story of how you met and you could win a VIP package for a special date night. The package includes an evening meal and drinks for two at the Kings Lock or Red Lion pubs followed by cocktails and champagne at De Bees.

Send your De Bees stories to josh.pennington@nqnw.co.uk or message Winsford Guardian on Facebook.