Our readers have cast their votes and today we can reveal the nine finalists in the running for our special arts awards. Arts correspondent Emma Knights reports
Inspiring cultural champions are set to be celebrated at this year's Norfolk Arts Awards, and today we can reveal the final nine who have been shortlisted for our special awards voted for by our readers.
The EDP People's Choice Awards are part of the Norfolk Arts Awards which will take place in October during the 2017 Hostry Festival.
Our EDP accolades are all about giving our readers the chance to shine a spotlight on their heroes of the county's vibrant arts scene, and thousands of people cast their votes on the EDP website for who they would like to win each of the three awards - best individual, best small organisation or project and best large organisation or project. The final nine revealed today are brilliant examples of those who have achieved great things for all things cultural in Norfolk, and the winners will be announced at a ceremony at Norwich Cathedral's Hostry on October 20.
The finalists are:
• Best Large Organisation Or Project
Come Yew In! - a free touring production by Norwich-based theatre group The Common Lot which celebrated the history and diversity of Norwich.
Princess Theatre - the Hunstanton venue presents a packed programme of events including an array of touring shows, pantomime and cinema screenings.
Diss Corn Hall - the venue re-opened this year following a major refurbishment and presents a varied programme of events spanning the arts.
• Best Small Organisation Or Project
Norwich Puppet Theatre - the city venue presents puppet shows for all ages as well as doing lots of schools and community projects.
Lost In Translation Circus - a leading UK contemporary circus company which also hosts classes and events for all at its Norwich base.
GroundWork Gallery - an innovative King's Lynn gallery which focuses on both art and the environment.
• Best Individual
Annie Catwoman - a key figure in Norwich Arts Centre's Sonic Youths project who has helped countless musicians further their ambitions.
David Lambert - a drama tutor and director at the helm of Norwich Theatre Royal's arts courses for 28 years.
Isabelle King - the author of The Norfolk Story Book and founder of Books Talk Back which supports new writers.
The Norfolk Arts Awards is part of the Hostry Festival which will this year run from October 15 to 29.
For more about the Norfolk Arts Awards and Hostry Festival, visit www.norfolkartsawards.org and www.hostryfestival.org
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