Music pub builds outdoor stage to allow gigs for 150 people

Work has already started for the new stage at The Brickmakers on Sprowston Road after the venue's application for funding from the Arts Council was successful.

The stage will be completed by May 17, ready for May 20, with a charity event in aid of the East Anglian Air Ambulance sold out for May 30 as six artists are set to perform.

With restrictions on all social contact not set to ease until June 21, the outdoor stage will allow 150 people to attend music events rather than just 50 inside as part of the step three roadmap rules.

Landlady Charley South said: "We did not think in a million years that we would get the funding for it so we were absolutely elated to receive the funding from the Arts Council.

Work begins on the new outdoor stage at the Brickmakers music venue in Sprowston (Image: The Brickmakers)

"We could not believe it. We have wanted to do it for a long time but we never had the means to do it.

"It's perfect timing and it eases the pressure a bit more than having people inside."

The venue will be making full use of the new stage this summer with events scheduled until September, including the Brickfest annual festival on August 30, a Pride event on July 10 and a Brickaroo country music festival on June 27.

And there will also be summer sessions every Sunday.

The Brickmakers, Sprowston Road. Picture: DENISE BRADLEY (Image: Archant)

Miss South said: "It has been such a long time. Creative people need to be playing and I think they have missed it.

"Music is more than a job, it's actually part of them and when you take that away, it's not good for them. They are all very excited to get playing with the new stage in the garden. It is something positive which is much needed."

The concrete pad was laid for the stage on May 1 ahead of the lighting, electrics and PA system being installed thanks to Viking Stage Lighting and Cookes Band Instruments.