A venue in Stowmarket, named after John Peel, is providing an outlet for live music outside of the capital.
The venue relies mostly on volunteer workers at present. Sheila Ravenscroft, the wife of the late BBC DJ, is a patron of the centre, which is located near the home Peel lived in until his passing in 2004. Ravenscroft has been an active supporter and contributor since the venue’s inception. The venue itself is a converted corn exchange with a 250 capacity.
"At present the venue serves a very wide audience and is becoming a central arts venue for the Mid Suffolk district with indie film screenings; theatre; poetry events and films for children," says Lottie Brazier from the venue. "Touring bands often like to visit out of respect for John Peel. The venue has a very relaxed, community hall atmosphere, but still feels like a gig venue because of its spaciousness."
Despite its location the venue has been visited by the likes of Jarvis Cocker and Julian Cope, for its Classic Album Sunday event. With more visitors attending gigs the venue will be able to afford better equipment and diversify the type of acts that play there.
The venue will host a number of upcoming events. "This year we’ll be having some old Peel Sessions regulars like The Monochrome Set on June 18 and The Wedding Present on September 12," Brazier says. "We’re also screening the Beijing-set silent film Written In Dust on the 18th April, with musical accompaniment from Ling Peng and Andy Middleton." You can find out more information on the venue here.
