A smaller city than some, Norwich certainly punches above its weight with its arts scene, festivals and cafe culture. It also boasts a vibrant music scene with a variety of venues catering to different tastes and genres. Whether starting out and looking for a place to play or looking to see up and coming bands to more established acts, there is plenty to choose from, from pubs to major touring venues. Let’s take a look at some of the best music venues in the city.
Access Creative College
114 Magdalen St, Norwich NR3 1JD
Access Creative College is not just a venue but also an educational institution focused on creative industries. However, it often hosts gigs, performances, and showcases by its students and artists in local venues around the city and is a great way to get gigging.
The intimate atmosphere and the youthful energy of the campus make it a great place to discover emerging talent in Norwich. We recommend to our students to start out with one of the city’s many open mic gigs and work up from there. Notable open mics are at The Brickmakers, The Merchant’s House and Voodoo Daddy’s, but there are loads more to choose from on almost every night of the week. We want our students to build the confidence to go on and play the bigger venues and our own stage at Latitude Festival.
Voodoo Daddy’s
London Street, Norwich
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The new Voodoo Daddy’s venue was the natural choice for us to begin our NEW NOISE! events. A regular stop off on the national touring circuit, but not too big for acts establishing a local following, it offers a diverse range of live performances, including bands, DJs, and themed nights, along with a strong Open Mic night. With its lively ambiance and eclectic programming, Voodoo Daddy’s is a favourite spot and a natural home to many of our Access Creative College performers.
B2
496 Sprowston Rd, Norwich NR3 4DY
Situated in the heart of Norwich, B2 is a versatile venue known for hosting live music events, club nights, and private functions. Its spacious layout, professional sound system, and vibrant atmosphere make it a popular choice for both local and touring artists. From rock and indie to electronic and hip-hop, B2 caters to a wide range of musical tastes. We have done more student gigs here than we could count!
Brickmakers (The Brickmakers Arms)
Location: 496 Sprowston Road, Norwich, NR3 4DY
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The Brickmakers, affectionately known as ‘The Brickies,’ is a legendary pub and live music venue in Norwich. It has been a cornerstone of the local music scene for decades, showcasing both established acts and up-and-coming artists across various genres, including rock, punk, metal, and acoustic. With its cosy atmosphere and commitment to live music, The Brickmakers is a must-visit for music enthusiasts.
Epic Studios
112-114 Magdalen Street, Norwich, NR3 1JD
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Epic Studios is a state-of-the-art multimedia production facility that also doubles as a live music venue. It hosts a diverse array of concerts, gigs, and events, featuring local, national, and international artists. With its cutting-edge audiovisual equipment and professional setup, Epic Studios offers a premium live music experience in Norwich. At ACC, we run our huge end of year awards party here, which gives our acts an amazing opportunity to play one of the biggest and best stages in Norwich, with a full light show, LED screens and more.
Norwich Arts Centre
St Benedicts Street, Norwich
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Norwich Arts Centre is a hub for creativity and culture in the city. Alongside visual arts and theatre performances, the venue also hosts an eclectic mix of live music events, showcasing both established artists and emerging talent. The intimate setting and diverse programming make it a favourite among music lovers. It has famously hosted gigs by Nirvana, The Manic Street Preachers and more. It’s a favourite amongst our college indie bands and indie lovers, with many going on to play here, such as Red Mar, Mama Oh No, Aphra, Lucy Grubb, Gabby Rivers and more.
The Waterfront
King Street, Norwich
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The Waterfront is a renowned live music venue and nightclub located in an old converted warehouse by the river. With a capacity of over 700, it attracts both big-name acts and underground artists across genres like rock, indie, electronic, and more. There is a smaller venue upstairs, which is a comfortable size for local acts and small touring bands on the circuit. The venue’s industrial charm and top-notch sound system contribute to unforgettable live music experiences. From Blur to Biig Piig, so many of the acts we know and love have played here and many of our students have also gone on to grace this stage.
These venues collectively offer a vibrant and diverse music scene in Norwich, catering to a wide range of tastes and preferences. Whether you’re into intimate gigs or large-scale concerts, there’s something for everyone to enjoy in this dynamic city.
Want to learn music in Norwich?
If you want you want to study music and you’re located in Norwich or the surrounding Norfolk area – look no further. Access Creative College in Norwich offers multiple Level 2 and Level 3 music courses.
Apply online and start your music journey today!