The Forum in Norwich, home to the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, is known as one of the most recognisable buildings in the county and has become a key community hub over the past 20 years. The imposing glass and steel structure welcomes more than a million people through its doors each year and houses not only books, but also a Pizza Express, coffee shop, amphitheatre, and the BBC East headquarters. The venue offers a packed programme of events, including the Norwich Science Festival, men’s knitting groups, a Makers Festival, and Christmas markets, as a way to engage people of all backgrounds and incomes with the city’s cultural happenings.
The Forum recently appointed a new CEO, Chris Gribble, who previously served as the chief executive for the Norwich-based National Centre for Writing. Upon taking on the new role, Gribble expressed his excitement for the position and his enthusiasm for expanding the offerings at The Forum. He is eager to ensure that all groups and communities have the opportunity to access and engage with the venue and its events. Gribble’s top priority is to help people struggling in the cost of living crisis to engage with events and access support. He also plans to focus on reducing the venue’s energy use by replacing major lights with LED bulbs in January.
In addition to prioritizing accessibility and energy conservation, Gribble aims to expand the free events at The Forum and ensure that the venue offers a full range of services and events for the community. He highlighted the importance of the library’s role in the community, noting that while books are important, the library serves a much broader purpose. The Forum also plans to support people through tough economic times and act as a point of access for individuals facing challenges. The venue’s ability to adapt and remain flexible has played a key role in its success over the years.
The Forum is home to the Norfolk and Norwich Millennium Library, and is known for its imposing glass and steel structure, offering a variety of amenities including a Pizza Express, coffee shop, amphitheatre, and the BBC East headquarters. The venue provides a packed programme of events, a new CEO, Chris Gribble, aims to expand access and enhance the offerings at The Forum, including increasing the free events and focusing on energy conservation. With over a million visitors annually, The Forum continues to play a vital role as a community hub and cultural center in Norwich.
