PICTURES of the now empty Citadel Arts Centre have been shared by heartbroken staff as they leave the venue for good.

Following Saturday's farewell gig hosted by Johnny Vegas, staff at the Citadel had just a few days to pack up more than 30 years of history and leave the Waterloo Street venue.

It was announced in January that the venue would be closing due to the cost of keeping it going, but the news devastated staff and the community.

In an emotional social media post, they said: "It’s difficult to put into words how it feels as we say goodbye to the Citadel Arts Centre.

"We would like to take the opportunity to thank each and everyone of you have supported this special venue that has meant so much to so many people for over 30 years.

"The important work we do with children, families, disabled and elderly people will continue in the public realm as ‘Citadel Arts’ so please keep in touch and keep your eyes peeled for us popping up in unusual spaces across town.

"But for now, we say farewell to this iconic building and we take so many wonderful memories with us."