The Ice House Community Opening Event

Yesterday evening, Out There Arts hosted their Community opening for The Ice House, a recently refurbished Grade 11 building with an original thatched roof. For many years it stood empty, but has now been given a new lease of life.

The evening started with volunteer acknowlegements, and then a beautiful Cellist performance by Ezme Cello which enabled people to wander around and enjoy the artwork created by local schools during workshops and 'Family Saturdays' at the Drill House, the music enhanced the atmosphere.

The Ice House

The building also features information about the history of The Ice House and its involvement in the Herring Industry which of course is an important part of Yarmouth's heritage. A fun fact, did you know that fish fingers were invented in Great Yarmouth? I didn't (which is embarrassing since I have lived here my whole life!).

One of the interactive displays created by Jason Parr and Moorlands Primary School.

When I first entered the building, I was immediately impressed with the ambience of the building. It reminded me of an artistic (and very clean) nightclub, especially with the use of lighting and the projections of fish and historical footage of Yarmouth across the walls and interactive displays.

Attendees enjoying the evening.

Throughout the evening, there were floor acts (rollerskating, juggling, stilt walking and much more) performed by Drillaz Circus Students and Dulce Duca, Circus School Manager.

Later, there were stage performances by students of all ages showing their circus skills.

Drillaz Circus Students, Will and Tilly performing together.

Attendees were also treated to a brilliant performance by Bowjangles, a String Quartet that combine music and singing with comedy. One of the highlights of their performance was watching them encourage the crowd to throw balls at their velcro covered heads whilst they were performing, both amusing and fascinating to watch.

Local poet Jason Parr also performed some of his spoken poetry which included a touching tribute to the late artist John Dashwood. I caught up with Jason after his performance and he was happy to be a part of the event and celebrate local heritage "Nice to be invited to read some of the poems I was comissioned to do and some extra". He is also the organiser of the 'Broken Spoke' events which incorporate poetry, local art, films and performances from local artists.

Jason Parr performing.

Jason Parr and Ezme Cello performing together.

Alongside this, attendees were also encouraged to make their own willow fish with Willow Phoenix (a Suffolk based company that incorporate sustainability and crafting into workshops) as a keepsake to take home. I tried (and failed) to create a fish but was given a lovely willow wand instead!

My willow wand from Willow Phoenix

Food and drinks are also available at The Ice House (food courtesy of Zaks), and although the weather wasn't fantastic yesterday, I still enjoyed stepping out onto the balcony to see the view and can picture how pleasant it will be to overlook the water in the sunshine.

The inside view from the balcony

The outside view from the balcony.

Overall, the evening was a wonderful celebration of local skills, community and heritage and I am delighted to have attended it.

Marcin Rodwell, the Communications and Audience Development Manager of Out There Arts said about the event:

"The community launch for The Ice House was an amazing milestone in The Ice House project, celebrating the incredible work we've produced alongside the community, schools, colleges, universities, businesses and neighbours.

Now the building is open, the conversation and work will continue, developing the building into the national centre for outdoor arts and circus and cementing it as a major asset for the towns arts community"

The Ice House is open every Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evening until the end of August and I would certainly recommend a visit. It is lovely to see the building being used again.