Every January, Independent Venue Week shines a light on independent music & arts venues and the people that own, run and work in them. Here in the east, these small but mighty places are the beating heart of a dynamic music scene all year round – if you are visiting Norfolk or Suffolk, make sure you check out their listings.
Wet Leg at Norwich Arts Centre
Norwich Arts Centre
Established in 1980, inside a Medieval church, Norwich Arts Centre has an extraordinary history of supporting new music talent and bringing big names to the city. Nirvana played here in 1989, the likes of Oasis, Coldplay and The Manic Street Preachers have all graced the stage. More recently they have been pivotal in the rise of musicians from the region including Let’s Eat Grandma and Sink Ya Teeth. Their programme is varied – from rock and indie to world music and folk – and in addition, they regularly host live art, poetry, club nights and comedy. Recipients of both an NME Best Small Venue Award and a BBC Music Day blue plaque, the Arts Centre is well established as one of the region’s most important music venues.
www.norwichartscentre.co.uk
Mama Oh No at Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom
Voodoo Daddy’s Showroom, Norwich
Combining an eclectic range of live music, a range of cocktails and beers, the best pizza in town and free guitar hero, Voodoos is an inclusive space, playing host to everything from bands and solo artists (across all genres) to cabaret, comedy and poetry. Musically, you can expect to catch the best post-punk, neo-soul, new-wave jazz, rock, indie and electronic stuff – from emerging local talent to international tour shows. Run by an independent collective of music and arts lovers, Voodoo’s always delivers an entertaining and unique night out.
www.voodoodaddysshowroom.co.uk
The Baths during Independent Venue Week. Photo Rue Hackett
Brighten the Corners, Ipswich
Alongside an annual music festival, Ipswich’s Brighten The Corners also run three unique venues in the town centre.
Find out more about what is on at The Baths, The Smokehouse and St Stephen’s Church at www.brightenthecorners.co.uk
The Baths
In the late 1960s and early 70s, legendary acts including Led Zeppelin, Cream and The Move played to audiences standing on boards laid across St Matthews Baths. Fast forward to 2021 and The Baths reopened as a 300-capacity pop-up live music venue and has since hosted national and international artists and DJs, including Porridge Radio, This is the Kit, The Wedding Present, Electric Six and Katy J Pearson, to name a few.
Suep at The Smokehouse. Photo Oli Ford.
The Smokehouse
Opened in 2016, this 70-capacity micro-venue in the heart of Ipswich hosts over 100 gigs a year. Offering a platform to young and aspiring artists, promoters and DJs, The Smokehouse has a DIY aesthetic paired with industry leading equipment. It is also one of the three venues that houses the annual Brighten the Corners Festival, offering audiences the chance to get up close to some of the best live bands around.
Girl Ray at St Stephens Church. Photo Ellie Koepke
St Stephen’s Church
St Stephen’s Church is a live music venue housed, café/bar and record shop in a Grade II listed medieval church in the heart of Ipswich. The 200-capacity venue bridges the gap between its sister venues The Smokehouse and The Baths, and previous bookings include Don Letts, Bernard Butler, Rosali and Pom Poko.
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts
John Peel Centre for Creative Arts, Stowmarket
Opened in November 2010, in tribute to legendary music DJ and journalist John Peel, the John Peel Centre is a lively arts space situated in Stowmarket’s 19th century Corn Hall. Alongside its predictably vibrant and eclectic programme of live music, the centre also presents exhibitions and performances. Plus regular community events including music quizzes, writers’ evenings and a book group.
