Up-and-coming Norwich band Cord braced themselves for the big time last night as they put on an intimate performance for their fans in the city.

Up-and-coming Norwich band Cord braced themselves for the big time last night as they put on an intimate performance for their fans in the city.

The four-piece have just released their new single, Winter, following a series of delays and, having gained the support of Radio 1 DJs, hopes are high. It is thought the single could chart as high as the top 20 this weekend.

Fans turned out in force for an acoustic performance of Winter and another song, Best Days, at HMV in Gentleman's Walk.

Following the performance the band mingled with fans and signed copies of the single.

Lead singer James Leeds said: "It is a relief to have the single out and it is a very exciting time - we're just keeping our fingers crossed right now. We seem to have a lot of support locally - we've just done a sell-out gig at the Waterfront - and we hope that can help us."

Cord are signed to a five album deal with Island Records - home to household names including U2 and the Sugababes.

They will be playing again at Virgin Megastore, Castle Mall, on Friday between 1pm and 2pm.