NORMAN G JACOBS

Wisbech man Norman G Jacobs (1923-2016) was one of the most prolific promoters in the East Anglian region during the fifties and sixties. In 1942 he formed The Jacobs Theatre Leisure Group buying up run-down theatres in the Cambridge region and rejuvenating them. In early 1954, he leased Peterborough Corn Exchange on Church Street; the property was completely renovated and opened on 5 February 1954. Many of Jacob’s venues put on skating during the day and concerts at night. During his tenure, he brought many top bands to the venue as well as providing a much-needed platform for regional bands. The Corn Exchange came to an end when its lease ran out in May 1964; despite attempts to save the venue it was closed and later demolished. Jacobs needed a new venue and bought TG Hunters Garage, Wentworth Street and turned it into The Peterborough Palais. The venue opened on 29 September 1964 and was once again well supported by the local teenagers, and he rewarded them by bringing some of the country’s biggest bands to the venue. In December 1966, Jacobs stopped promoting live bands in favour of concentrating on the roller-skating side of the business and the introduction of bingo.

Main Venues:

Peterborough Corn Exchange Feb54-May64

Wisbech Corn Exchange Oct58-Aug65

Cambridge Corn Exchange Jan64-Dec66

The Palais, Wentworth Peterborough Sept64-Dec66