A PERFORMING arts venue in Ryedale has been awarded a blue plaque.

The Shed, which is based in the village hall in Brawby, is a miniature arts venue which has been hosting music, poetry, art and comedy acts for 25 years.

The plaque was unveiled at a ceremony last week as part of BBC Music Day, which saw more than 40 such plaques unveiled around the country celebrating sites of musical history.

The plaque reads: “BBC Music Day. Brawby village hall - the home of The Shed. Artists from such countries as Madagascar, Zimbabwe, Japan, Finland and Alaska performed here. Awarded by BBC Radio York. British Plaque Trust.”

Speaking about the award, The Shed’s founder and creative director Simon Thackray said: “I am delighted to receive the award on behalf of The Shed, but I see it more as an award to the thousands of people who have supported The Shed over the past 25 years and enjoyed the music and poetry, and an award to the world-class musicians, poets and artists who have played for us, and with us.

“I hope this small marker will encourage people to experiment a little and venture off the beaten track and try new artistic experiences.”

As an enterprise, The Shed long since broke free from the confines of Brawby Village Hall.

It has presented award-winning events in about 30 village hall venues across North Yorkshire, as well as taking shows to the Queen Elizabeth Hall and V&A in London, and major arts venues and festivals in Leeds, Sheffield, Belfast,

Cork, Gateshead, Halifax and Newcastle.

Blue plaques, which commemorate buildings of special significance, are not delivered by any one authority outside of London, where the scheme is run by English Heritage.

The Shed’s plaque is one of the first in the district of Ryedale.

A blue plaque in Pickering marks the Hungate home of watercolour artist Francis Nicholson.