Authorities have officially ruled the fire at Pink Punters nightclub in Fenny Stratford, Milton Keynes, an accident following a joint investigation. The blaze, which broke out in the early hours of 26 April 2026, caused significant damage to the venue but resulted in no injuries.
The fire started on an outside balcony at approximately 2am, prompting a major emergency response. Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service sent 12 crews to the scene to tackle the flames as they spread through the three-floor building. Staff and security at the club, a well-known LGBTQ+ venue owned by the McMahon family for 36 years, were credited with acting quickly to safely evacuate hundreds of patrons.
Following the incident, Thames Valley Police initially arrested a 51-year-old Milton Keynes man on suspicion of arson with intent to endanger life. However, after a thorough investigation, the man was eliminated from all enquiries and cleared of any suspicion on 30 April 2026. Officials have also confirmed there is no link between this incident and a separate fire at St Martin’s Church on 24 April 2026.
Venue owner Frank McMahon has expressed his relief that the fire was accidental and has publicly vowed that the club will reopen. He stated that the venue has always been about the people who visit, rather than just the building itself.
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