STUDENT night promoter Mike Hannigan, who is behind the Beans nights, has gone bankrupt – but is looking forward to a brighter 2009.
Mr Hannigan, a DJ and club promoter, is continuing to run Beans at Cruise in Chester every Monday, with acts lined up including I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here! winner Joe Swash on Monday and Celebrity Big Brother contestant and actor Verne Troyer on February 9.
The 33-year-old, who will now operate as a sole trader, said: “On 25 November I chose to make myself bankrupt. The reason for this was because of debts incurred prior to moving to Cruise. I didn’t feel I was in a position to clear it.”
Mr Hannigan, who has been hosting Beans since 1999, said he had felt under stress for financial and personal reasons but was now looking forward to a happier new year.
“I have a got a strong contract with Cruise and they have been phenomenally supportive,” said Mr Hannigan, who said 700 students enjoyed Beans on Monday night.
“It’s fun. It’s the cheesier side of clubbing. The students love it and there’s something for everyone. We try and give as much variety and offer the best night out for their limited disposable income.”
Mr Hannigan, formerly of Athelston Close, Bromborough, will host a Beans 10th birthday party in September and on February 23 is organising a world record attempt for the most number of people dressed as Smurfs in one venue after his previous record was smashed.
“As soon as the clock chimed at midnight on New Year’s Eve I felt a line had been drawn,” he added.
There was a dispute over the right to use the Beans brand when Mr Hannigan moved his student night from RB’s to Cruise. Dave Cooper of RBs wanted to continue using the concept, although Mr Hannigan maintains he came up with the name and ran it as a separate company.
