The Forum - Running A Multipurpose Public Building In A Pandemic Age

The Forum is so central to Norwich city centre that I just can't imagine****it not being there. So much happens inside its walls - eating, drinking, festivals, learning, reading, researching family histories, art exhibitions, music development, baby groups...you name it, it's there. So how did it cope with being shut during a long lockdown? We spoke to Richard Smith from The Forum to find out how they found a way through and what they've got on offer for the rest of the year.

Clearly The Forum is such a central focus for Norwich City Centre, it must have been a tough time for the activities you would normally have put on. What have you most missed and why?

I’ve missed the general bustle of people in The Forum. People visit for many reasons and I like that we cater for everything from attending events, having a coffee, sitting on the steps in Millennium Plain or browsing for books in the Library.Eventwise it’s a real shame that we couldn’t hold in person events although we did hold a virtual Norwich Science Festival and socially distanced Heritage Open Days.

What was your expectation when the first lockdown was announced in March 2020?

We suspected that the lockdown would continue for some time but not as long as it has! Luckily, due to our charitable funding structure and reserves we’ve been able to weather this difficult time better than expected.

With such a public space it must be a hard balancing act on the times you were able to open?

Of course. It would be irresponsible to open any earlier than the government guidelines stipulated. We’ve had to balance the strange situation of some tenants like the Norfolk & Norwich Millennium Library being able to open yet Café Bar Marzano and Pizza Express remaining closed.

Richard Smith

I would guess the diary of events was constantly changing with dates moving all the time?

Definitely! Luckily our regular hirers have been great and we’ve helped them rearrange their dates. What’s so encouraging is that the demand to hold events is huge – event organisers are just waiting for greater certainty. Hopefully post June 2021 things will be much clearer. I hope I haven’t jinxed anything by saying that!

How have your staff have coped and what have they been doing to help support and maintain the business during the lockdowns?

Our staff have been incredible thoughout lockdown. The majority of us have been flexi furloughed and delivering events like the online Norwich Science Festival from their home offices. Our Customer Services team have also been fantastic looking after the building which is spic and span. Lockdown has helped us bring forward lots of behind the scenes improvements to help the Forum building remain in top condition for year’s to come.

A special shout out to some of our staff who have used their time whilst furloughed to volunteer to assist with the Covid-19 vaccination programme. Others have done an amazing effort juggling work around home schooling duties.

How does it look as you look from 12th April onwards?

We’re extremely positive. The building will reopen and from May we’ll be able to hold events. Look out for the Norfolk & Norwich Festival as well as exhibitions and events withing the building.

What do you see as the highlights for the summer?

Dippy at Norwich Cathedral will be spectacular! And better still families can double down on the dinosaur fun with the GoGoDiscover Train raising funds for Break.

How can the public most help The Forum when they attend?

The best way is to come and enjoy our events! However, everything does have a certain cost to put on.

The Forum is a self-financing charitable organisation and all our events are funded thanks to income from our car park and tenants. So please park in the Forum car park and enjoy a Pizza or a coffee at Café Bar Marzano.

In what ways has the pandemic affected your thinking on your business?

As with many event organisers we’ve reflected on the mixture of events and activities we offer. We hadn’t tried many online events and Covid forced us to innovate quickly. We’ll definitely offer a mix of in-person and online events for

It's also focussed our attention on what people value and The Forum’s place in the cultural fabric of Norwich. The library being closed has been a real blow for so many and we can’t wait to welcome people back.

How has it affected your personal values?

Personally the pandemic has allowed me to take things slower and appreciate the little things in life.

What, if any, positives have you found coming out of the pandemic?

A positive is the community spirit between businesses. We’re all in this together and its been great working with Norwich BID and Visit Norwich helping shape the recovery of the high street.

What do you think you will change at The Forum as a result of the pandemic experience?

The balance of our events may change as we shift to a mix of in person and online events. From an organisational viewpoint we’ll see a move towards flexible working.

What highlights do you see during the second half of the year?

We have two big free festivals coming up: Heritage Open Days (10-19 September) and Norwich Science Festival (23-30 October). There’s going to be so much to see and do so be sure to check The Forum website!

Finally how have you kept peace and calm during this difficult time?

I’m a CrossFit fanatic so I've done my best to keep training while the gyms are closed. I’ve built myself a little garage gym and also go on long bike rides in the countryside.