In a world with a lot of uncertainty, safe spaces and cultural communities can be essential to retaining a sense of normalcy. For many, clubs are safe havens for self-expression that have united people through music and dance for decades. And as more and more of these key venues are threatened, so too is the nature and creativity of club culture and the refuge that these spaces can provide.

The unexpected news of Studio 24's imminent closure has left many feeling rightfully frustrated. From its days as Calton Studios, where Nirvana played their only Scottish date in 1990 to being the home of nights like Green Door and Audio Soup in more recent years, the Old Town venue holds a special place in the hearts of many Edinburgh residents.

Despite the disappointing news, negativity isn't necessarily the way forward because clubs and venues need some positivity to continue to thrive. Now is as good a time as any to show your local club night some love to prove the value and impact of these spaces within the wider cultural realm. And while you're at it, why not add your name to the Save Studio 24 petition?

To give you some inspiration, we've rounded up some of our favourite nights in the city and the ones we're most looking forward to in the coming weeks.

Electrikal Sound System
The Electrikal gang have been around since 2009, making regular appearances around the UK and Europe at various festivals and events with their mammoth sound system in tow. Renowned for their bass heavy nights and consistently excellent guests, you'll be able to get a taste at festivals like Kelburn and Eden this summer. In the meantime, they'll be hosting Hyperdub's newest signing, Proc Fiskal, on Fri 19 May at Bongo which is definitely worth checking out.

Hotline
Fairly new to the city, Hotline is an all-female night, 'established to give women more of a platform in the club scene'. Having thrown a successful launch party in March with a range of DJs from various well-known Edinburgh institutions, Hotline will return in June with an all-girl DJ special featuring Emily and Julia from Miss World, Anikonik and the Ride crew.

Hey QT
Based primarily at the Wee Red Bar, Hey QT is described as 'a sweaty dancey disco party for queers and their pals', promising a safe space policy and a whole load of fun all while celebrating the diversity of the queer clubbing scene. They've got a night coming up on 26 May with Simonotron of the legendary Hot Mess. Special mention should also be given to XOXO, another fantastic queer club night at the Wee Red Bar that recently hosted a prom themed party where those dressed in drag could enter to snatch the XOXO Prom Queer 2017 crown.

Samedia Shebeen
The Samedia Sheebeen began life in 2010 and has since become a regular club night in the city, also popping up in a number of different festivals around the UK and beyond. You can expect a mix of afrobeat, salsa, samba, dancehall and more with a firmly tropical vibe keeping everyone dancing. On 3 Jun, Samedia Sheebeen will be bringing DJ Maga Bo to the Mash House for the unofficial Meadows Festival afterparty.

Firecracker Recordings
Nights at Sneaky Pete's always have something that little bit special about them thanks in part to the intimacy of the venue itself. Edinburgh label Firecracker Recordings have made Sneaky's their spiritual home with bi-monthly nights bringing you producers and DJs specialising in unique and eccentric techno and house. Catch their next night on 3 Jun with House of Traps and special guest Whodamanny of The Normalmen and The Mystic Jungle Tribe. Another one to keep an eye out for is Teesh, Sneaky's monthly 'all you can eat mind buffet' which has a tendency to bring some pretty excellent guests to the club. Past appearances include Project Pablo, Lord of the Isles and Pearson Sound.