b-sidemusic:

NEWS:

NORWICH, OPEN WIDE

Norwich is about to gain another ace music venue, as OPEN readies itself for business. 

OPEN is an independently-run new venture in the city centre, comprising two gig spaces:  a grand main hall with moving walls (the capacity of which can be adjusted to hold anywhere between 300 and 1,450 punters) and a smaller club venue, which holds 400.

The building also boasts a dance studio, games room and climbing wall.

OPEN is run by a charitable trust (as opposed to, say, a brewery or mobile phone company), which means that the venue’s profits can be channelled back into local youth projects.

Speaking to B-Side, Live Music Events Manager Rick Lennox (who previously worked for One Little Indian and Polydor Records, and discovered Skunk Anansie) explained, “OPEN was not set up in competition with the UEA or the Waterfront – we would like to share big bands with other venues, as something extra for the City.”

 

OPEN, er, opens on 9^th March 2012 with BBC Introducing-favourite Billy Lockett, supported by Norwich sensation Lee Vann. 

For full details and ticket information, visit the venue’s website or click here to take a guided tour.