More than 55 years of Watford history is set to end on New Year’s Eve when Pryzm throws one last party before closing its doors to customers for the final time.

It was announced last month that the Watford nightclub will be shutting down after failing to reach an agreement with the landlord.

Through its various name changes and refurbishments as Oceana, Destiny, Kudos, Paradise Lost and back to Bailey’s, there has been a nightclub at 127 The Parade since it first opened as Top Rank Watford Suite in 1965.

Watford Observer: Top Rank in the 1960s. Image: Bob Nunn Collection/Watford MuseumTop Rank in the 1960s. Image: Bob Nunn Collection/Watford Museum

Thanks to our friends at Watford Museum and pictures from the Watford Observer archive, today we look back at some views of the town’s premier nightspot in its early years and recall when a legendary DJ entertained at the venue.

Watford Observer: Alan Freeman visited Top Rank in September 1969. Image: Watford ObserverAlan Freeman visited Top Rank in September 1969. Image: Watford Observer

Best remembered as longest-serving presenter of BBC Radio programme Pick of the Pops, Alan ‘Fluff’ Freeman visited Top Rank in September 1969 while he was working for Radio 1.

Watford Observer: This water feature in the Pond in front of the nightclub was creating plenty of attention in the 1960s. Image: Watford Observer/Watford MuseumThis water feature in the Pond in front of the nightclub was creating plenty of attention in the 1960s. Image: Watford Observer/Watford Museum

The pictures from our archive show him happily signing autographs while also appearing to burst into a song with a band on stage.

Watford Observer: The famous DJ was joined by a band during his visit to the Watford venue. Image: Watford ObserverThe famous DJ was joined by a band during his visit to the Watford venue. Image: Watford Observer

Watford Observer: A building society was located next to Top Rank in this postcard of The Parade. Image: Watford MuseumA building society was located next to Top Rank in this postcard of The Parade. Image: Watford Museum