Diss Corn Hall has made it through to the regional finals of a prestigious awards event, and will now face “a David and Goliath” battle against some of the biggest venues in the county.
The St Nicholas site is in the Arts, Culture and Theatre Venue category in the Muddy Stilettos awards and will go up against the likes of Gorleston Pavilion Theatre and Bandstand, Cromer Pier Pavilion Theatre and Sheringham Little Theatre.
But the biggest name, in the eyes of the Corn Hall’s Sophie Scott, is Norwich Theatre Royal.
She said: “It was very exciting to be given the good news this week, but it is only the first stage of the work to ultimately win it.
“Now we need people to get behind us again and give us their support as we are up against some much bigger and more established venues in our category.”
Mrs Scott added that, for the public to vote for the Corn Hall to get it this far in the competition, was a huge compliment.
“It feels really positive to be given a chance to go up against those other venues, including the Theatre Royal, which is probably the best known arts venue in the county,” she added.
“So to be mentioned in the same breath as the other finalists is a testament to the hard work of the team here at the Corn Hall.”
With the final five venues announced for the final, it is now down to the public to vote again for its favourite.
Mrs Scott said: “The Muddy Stilettos for us is very much a David and Goliath contest, but I hope we can galvanise support to put up a good fight – we are always up for the challenge.
“It is a bit daunting, but the Corn Hall is a venue which is at the heart of the community and we have a very passionate, supportive and loyal following.
“We also punch well above our weight with some of the acts we bring in, like comedian Mark Watson, who brings his UK tours to us, as we have built up some great relationships with acts over the years.
“Even if we don’t win, which I hope we do, this has put Diss on the map and shows that the Corn Hall continues to attract quality acts, which people get to see on their doorstep – so I hope people will get behind us for the final push.”
The regional awards votes close tomorrow (April 18) at 1pm – to vote for Norfolk finalists, click here, or to vote for Suffolk finalists, click here.
OTHER FINALISTS IN THE DISS EXPRESS AREA:
Best Local Food/Drink Producer – Norfolk
The English Distillery (Roudham)
Best Local Food/Drink Producer – Suffolk
\- Brownie and the Bean (Redgrave)
\- Little Pig Bakery (Stonham Aspal)
Beauty Salon / Clinic – Norfolk
The Doll House (Long Stratton)
Boutique Stay – Norfolk
Glamp & Tipple (Attleborough)
Family Attraction – Norfolk
Banham Zoo (Banham)
Yoga/Pilates Studio – Norfolk
Pilates Habit (Attleborough)
The Space (Burston)
