Norwich venue at risk of closure

Lizz Page 7 January 2016

Noooooooooooo...

Norwich stands for creativity, independence, community spirit and a strong DIY ethic. We all are incredibly proud of this, I'm sure you'll agree.

We are also blessed to have so many varied venues in which to enjoy live music, from cathedrals to banking halls to converted churches to pubs. Our local music scene is thriving.

One such venue is The Owl Sanctuary, located on Cattle Market Street. Set up by Dan Hawcroft and his enthusiastic team a few years ago, it started from nothing and has grown into one of Norwich's best places. From craft sales to free cult movies to grabbing a beer on the way to The Waterfront to enjoying a game of pool to dropping off donations for the Norwich Soup Movement based upstairs, this really is a vital hub for the city.

But most of all, we love The Owl for its live music. From playing host to Slaves' very first sold out gig to little local acts, The Owl has put on hundreds and hundreds of gigs since it opened. From reggae to psychedelia to folk to punk, its seen them all, and we have loved them all. We've loved Dan's can-do attitude. We've loved the variety of boozes. We've loved the laid-back vibe in the bar and the full on moments at the gigs.

So when it was announced yesterday that The Owl Sanctuary was told right before Christmas that the building had been sold, with no prior warning, we were devastated right alongside all of you lot. Absolutely GUTTED. Also bear in mind that Dan and his family live above the venue.

Losing this gem would be in incredible loss to all of us here in Norwich, and beyond.

I am crowdfunding for donations for Dan, his family, his staff and The Owl, to help them get back on their feet, maybe to find a new nest where the larks can continue, and to show them the love and generosity of spirit that they have shown the music community of Norwich over the last few years.

I know it's a brassic time of year for us all. But if you are able to donate anything before the end of January I would be most grateful. Also I believe that during the last week of January there will be a gig every night at The Owl. Let's pack the place out and make sure they know how much we appreciate them.

Here's the linkhttps://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/owlsanctuary.

Thank you x