If there’s one thing Norwich is proud of, it’s our independent spirit. From top to bottom, the City of Stories is filled with unique businesses and venues, who all go above and beyond in their passions. So, it’s only right to be celebrated in times like Independent Venue Week, which happens annually at the end of January! We’re hearing from the city’s very own Norwich Arts Centre about this week of wonderful celebration.
Hello from Norwich Arts Centre. We are an award-winning independent grass roots venue based in the centre of Norwich on St Benedicts Street in the bustling Norwich Lanes, home to the independent quarter of Norwich with its cobbled streets cosy cafès, restaurants, pubs, and bars.
Based in a Grade-I listed, beautiful flint church built in 1349, we have been a thriving venue since 1980, showcasing a year-round programme of the best new music, comedy, theatre, and performance.
Independent Venues Week is a very special week for small venues, the UK’s annual 7-day celebration of independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. It’s an important part of our annual programme, and we love being a part of this national event with hundreds of other amazing independent venues that share our passion for championing new music and performers.
“Independent Venue Week is a nationwide initiative with a local feel, highlighting why venues are so much more than just places for live music – they are cultural hubs for learning, creativity, arts and culture more widely connecting people in their local community of all ages, backgrounds, abilities, genders, ethnicities, skills, experiences and walks of life. These venues, all local businesses, are the backbone of the live music scene and Independent Venue Week recognises all that they have done to create some of the most memorable nights of the past so they can continue to do the same in the future.”
– Sybil Bell CEO and Founder of IVW
We’re a small, passionate team here at NAC and we all love what we do so it’s a real pleasure to come to work and deliver our programme of events to you.
We are also very lucky in Norwich to have a great local music scene and we support this as much as possible with regular local band nights and support slots for touring acts. We hope to offer new bands a springboard to progress onto bigger venues like The Waterfront, Epic Studios or the UEA and beyond!
It’s so important right now to keep local venues thriving! Many small venues are closing up and down the country. It’s a tough business because we’re here to take risks, to support new artists and musicians, provide you with new, exciting experiences, and give a home to scenes outside of the mainstream. Without us, the music scene would be beige!
So, what can you do today? Sign up to your local venues newsletters and follow them on socials. Then, buy a ticket! Take a punt at something. You’re unlikely to be disappointed. Tell your friends how amazing your local venue is and encourage them to go, because independent venues are for everyone!
Norwich Arts Centre is the perfect place to catch your next favourite performer and we look forward to welcoming you!
You can find out all about us, what we do and book tickets online at norwichartscentre.co.uk
Follow us on Instagram, Facebook and sign up to our newsletter.
Find out more about IVW HERE.
