One of Manchester’s longest-running comedy nights has been forced to close after almost a decade – with just two hours’ notice.

The Iguana bar, which hosts the Mirth On Monday comedy night, is to shut down this weekend in the face of rising business rates But promoter Des Sharples only learned of the news at around 6.30pm last night, as he was preparing for what he thought was to be just another gig.

He sent a message out via Facebook, and more than two dozen comedians swooped on the venue, all performing a couple of minutes of material to bid it an impromptu farewell.

Sharples said: ‘Word got out in a flashmob manner and it turned out to be a wonderful send-off. Shame we never made the big 10 years but its probably best to go out with a bang rather than a whimper.’

Those who rushed down to the bar in Chorlton included Mick Ferry, Seymour Mace, Tony Burgess and Smug Roberts, who ate a pie from the chip shop next door in the style of Robert de Niro. Sharples was given a standing ovation at the end of the night.

However, he added: ‘I've got no plans to set up another night as I'm quite looking forward to do more stand-up myself again. I'm also very excited about having the freedom to enjoy all the forthcoming bank holidays without knowing I've got a show that night... not to mention double EastEnders and Coronation Street on what the missus calls Super Soap Monday.’

Since opening on February 25, 2002, Mirth On Monday has played host to Alan Carr, Jason Manford, John Bishop, Sarah Millican, Justin Moorhouse and Jim Jefferies – as well as a surprise appearance by Roy Walker.

The bar itself opened in 1999, but owner Pascal Paschalis says he can no longer afford to keep it open after a 50 per cent hike in his business rates – up from £1,200 a month to £1,800.

Mr Paschalis, who employs ten people, had appealed to the government’s Valuation Office Agency, which sets business rates according to a property’s value, but was rejected.