Protesters have taken over an iconic nightclub and staged a sit-in “rave” as part of a campaign to “Save Our Nightlife”.

Starbass UK, a group which “squats” in empty venues to host music events, says it has entered ATIK Dartford, which closed down last week.

Barriers have been placed in front of the club's entrance in Essex Road with flags, a blow-up nutcracker and a smiley face sign.

In videos plastered across their social media platforms, the group claims to have “acquired” the venue through “squatting loopholes” in order to stage a “rave uprising”.

Speaking to KentOnline, a spokesman for the organisation – who did not wish to be named – explained how the group gains access to disused spaces to highlight the plight of young creatives in the music and entertainment industry when venues close over financial pressures.

The spokesman said: “We are witnessing a trend in British nightlife herding everyone into super clubs.

“We are all about growth and opportunity for young creatives, but with clubs closing and the market for creative opportunities thinning due to high costs, we are losing our musical heritage.

“We believe it is the fight against anti-social behaviour. A thousand music venues are releasing their patrons at 3am, posing a challenge for the police to ensure everyone gets home safely.

“Closing multiple clubs and centralising in one superclub could streamline police efforts and curb anti-social behaviour.

“However, this risks strangling the way forward for creatives in homegrown venues, potentially leading to a rise in underground, natured events.

“The closures are impacting the resources available for young people to go through the proper channels to showcase their talents.

“What we are doing, in a bit more of a gorilla way, is providing resources and opportunities for creatives.”

The spokesman claimed they did not break into venues but instead find inventive ways, such as through an open window or are let in by a disgruntled employee. It is not clear how they entered the space in Dartford.

They then enter en mass, secure the property and liaise with the police to ensure them no illegal activity is taking place, the group claims.

The spokesman explained it is then down to the building’s owner to start a civil recourse and take them to court to evict them.

While they have access, the group, which is based in London and the surrounding areas, says they put on music events, raves and workshops to invite the community back in.

“It is a way to give back to the community,” they added. “It is not their fault or responsibility that they are losing their venues.”

Police were contacted for comment.

ATIK Dartford closed last Monday after the firm which runs it and several other clubs across the country called in administrators.

Rekom UK announced due to higher bills amid the ongoing cost of living crisis it would be shutting its venues.

Chairman of the nightclub operator, Peter Marks, said: “Following a review of our business, we were unable to reach an agreement with our landlord and have been forced to hand back the lease of ATIK Dartford.

“Sadly, this means the club has closed and our team has been made redundant.

“While we understand the impact this will have on the local late-night economy, it is important to recognise that this decision follows an extremely difficult period for the sector, due to the combination of the cost-of-living crisis hitting younger generations and students particularly hard, as well as the rising costs including the national minimum wage which particularly affects hospitality, alongside increased business rates and many other costs of operating.

“We would like to take this opportunity to thank all our guests and teams who have made ATIK Dartford such an iconic venue for a great night out over the years.”

The two-storey club has gone through numerous name changes over its four-decade history and has been known to generations of clubbers as Scala, Flicks, Air and Breathe and Zens and Library.