Band On The Wall of the future Supplied picture

Peter Bacon reports:

It started as The George and Dragon pub where the musicians played on a stage half way up the back wall, but the Band On The Wall has developed into a major national concert promoter. The announcement today of a £1.65m grant of stage two Capital funding from Arts Council England means it can develop the venue considerably.

Band On The Wall is owned and operated by Inner City Music, which has charitable status. The press release explains:

“The Capital funding will allow Band on the Wall to significantly enhance its facilities for learning and participation activity and performance, and the expanded building will be a space for the public to experience both music from around the world, and participate in programmes that explore and celebrate the rich cultural heritage of the local area.”

“The expansion plans see the main venue capacity increase from 350 to 500, significantly improved facilities for education and community engagement programmes, and the Picturehouse Bar remodeled with external terrace space increased and a new small second venue for emerging artists.

“The planned learning complex will include a rooftop A/V suite, allowing young people and education participants to create new work by engaging with international touring artists.

“The new learning spaces will be home to Band on the Wall’s improved archive facilities, enabling the organisation to better catalogue its rich library of historical content. Selected archive materials will continue to be exhibited throughout the venue.

“The Cocozza building is one of only a few remaining structures from the days of the Victorian Smithfield Market. Inner City Music is in the final stages of negotiating the purchase of the building and, subject to funding, the building façade will be saved and fully restored.”

LINK: Band On The Wall