The venue was set up by Norwich City Council in 1990, three years later, The Union of UEA Students took over the running of the premises.

As Norwich’s favourite live music destination for the past 25 years, the illustrious list of internationally recognised artists to have graced this historic venue include; AMY WINEHOUSE, APHEX TWIN, ARCTIC MONKEYS, COURTNEY PINE, ELBOW, FAITHLESS, FUN LOVIN CRIMINALS, JOHN MAYALL, NIRVANA, PAUL WELLER, PULP, RADIOHEAD, ROOTS MANUVA, STEREOPHONICS, THE PROCLAIMERS, THE PRODIGY to name but a few.

The venue regularly hosts fresh and exciting bands and works closely with local promoters to support Norfolk’s music community.

The Waterfront hosts the best in alt and indie clubbing on weekends, Friday nights host nationally renowned Rock ‘n’ Roll Party PROPAGANDA, while Saturday nights are much loved club night MELTDOWN the largest and longest running (Est. 1993) alternative and rock night in the East.