Jun 28: West Runton Pavilion

This is a legendary venue which attracted some really big names, despite its location. It lies between Sheringham and Cromer. I passed through West Runton in early January 2026 as it happens, and was back in the area last month. I need to go back to take a picture of the plaque.

It was near to the Village Inn, which has a plaque on the wall.

It was demolished in 1986.

This Facebook page describes it as "gone but not forgotten". It has quite an active community, and the local newspapers have also written about its legacy.

The Facebook group has shared a whole range of memories, including the flyers and details of bands that played there.

This one has a good range of bands.

Haydn Brown provided the following detail:

For several years it was a starting point for many British tours by major artists, including The Damned; The Clash; The Commodores; Hot Chocolate; The Jam; Bad Manners; Motorhead; The Pretenders; Saxon and Iron Maiden. During the 1960's, 70's and early 80's, numerous pop groups took over the entertainment programme. Many bands preferred the venue for practicing, due to the exceptionally food acoustics. Although considered by some as perhaps ‘off the beaten track’, it proved an ideal location for groups trying out new material before making their UK tours. On August 19th 1976 the Sex Pistols performed here for about 30 people. Other bands included at different times, the Stranglers, the Jam, the Clash and the Four Tops.
The last gig took place in 1983 and only three years later in 1986, the building was demolished, to be replaced by flats named Slade Court which was named after the band ‘Slade’ who had played there twice. Today, the only reminder of the West Runton Pavilion, is a Blue Plaque on the wall of the nearby Village Inn pub, to commemorate its former existence.

John Medd remembers visiting the Pavilion to see Generation X.

Julie Fielder has written a book about the pavilion and its history. There was apparently a bus that used to run from Wells to the venue for gigs which seems unlikely these days.

The plaque on the wall has attracted some controversy regarding its accuracy as to which bands actually played there.

Does anyone else have memories of this venue?