A Kendal bar and nightclub is set to re-open with a bang tonight, with a a special launch coinciding with A-level results day.

Kent Street venue Passions and Idols will open its doors to revellers, nine months after the closure of its predecessor Studio-Loft.

Owner Andrew Milliard – Lakeland Radio’s DJ Milli – was granted licensing permission for the town centre spot earlier this month. The local businessman said he was hoping to ‘put Kendal nightlife back on the map’.

The confirmation has sparked excitement in the town, and a Facebook page set up for the venue in July has notched up almost 800 ‘likes’.

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Work has been ongoing for several months to clean and restore the venue, which was closed by former owner Vimac Leisure in November.

Mr Milliard will be opening all four floors with two live bands, three acoustic artists and six DJs.

“These are all local acts and it’s a good idea for any artists who want to promote themselves to come down and have a look,” he said.

The party continues into the weekend with a performance from Carlisle band Twister on Friday, and further bands and acoustic acts on Saturday.

The top and bottom floors - to be known as Idols – will house an eating area, cocktail bar and pool tables, while the other two floors – Passions – will host the live music and DJs.

After this weekend, Idols will be open from Thursday to Sunday every week, with Passions opening until 3am on Fridays and Saturdays.

Mr Milliard who also runs town centre venues Smokies and new sports bar Cafe Sola, said: “This is all about supporting Kendal and the surrounding areas.

“I’m very passionate about local people and I want to do my bit for the town, but I will need people’s support.”