Annual events in Norwich and the countryside:
(and there are many more!)
•
Spring International Literary Festival at the UEA (Mar-Jun)
This event is huge and is a highly regarded festival in the literary calendar. The event is put on by the Centre for Creative and Performing Arts at the University of East Anglia and has been running for 17 years. The festival is made up of internationally acclaimed authors, readings and audience discussion.
•
The East Anglian Game & Country Fair, Norfolk Showground (April)
•
Fun in the Broads (from Easter)
A programme of events for the whole family centred on the Norfolk Broads usually starting from Easter. The events include boat trips, picnics, nature studies, workshop and more.
•
Easter Funfair at Chapelfield Gardens in central Norwich
•
Norfolk and Norfolk Festival (2 weeks in May)
This amazing festival has been running for over 200 years and is the largest international arts festival for the East of England. You will be blown away by it programme of events that includes; contemporary music and dance, classical performances, theatre, comedy, a full children’s programme and concerts. Acts come from all over the world to perform and every year it gets more unusual, more exciting and more daring. Past performers include; Ute Lemper, Philip Glass. Dawn Upshaw and Mica Paris. This truly is an event NOT TO BE MISSED.
•
Norfolk Open Studios (May)
This runs as part of the Norfolk and Norwich Festival and brings over 200 artists together to open their studio doors for all to see their work and craft.
•
Wymondham Music Festival (Jun-Jul)
•
Royal Norfolk Show (Jul)
This agricultural show is the talk of the town come July. A great 2 day event for the whole family.
•
The Bishop's Garden, Norwich more details
Next to Norwich Cathedral opens it's doors for a few Sundays in June and July. Don't miss this wonderful opportunity to see this beautiful garden located in the heart of the city - and all proceeds go to charity.
• Lord Mayor's Celebration in Norwich (Jul)
Enjoy a 3 day spectacular including party in the park, a procession and other grat entertainment for all the family.
• Worstead Festival (Jul)
The largest village festival in the county! Fun for all the family.
• Children’s Summer Holiday Activities (Jul/Aug/Sep)
Norwich City Council offers FREE activities for children including open-air theatre and fun activity days.
• Norfolk Open Churches Week (Aug)
This huge event usually commences with a classic car rally from Norwich Cathedral – it’s quite spectacular!
•
Alysham Agricultural Show (Aug)
•
Heritage Open Days (Sep)
This amazing 3 day programme is the largest in the UK with usually over 200 events taking place.
• EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival (Sep/Oct)
Come and celebrate all of Norfolk’s finest food produce and talent
• Autumn International Literary Festival (Oct-Dec)
Another literary festival from the UEA this time from the Arthur Millar Centre. More readings, discussions, video linking and a whole host of international, award winning writers. For 2009 this includes; Carol Ann Duffy, Sir Richard Eyre, Colm Toibin and Baroness Shirley Williams.
Fair Food (7-10 October)
Norwich Cathedral is the setting for a weekend of high-profile events revolving around the theme of trade justice both local and global. An exhibition in the Cathedral Hostry mounted by fair trade players at home and abroad will act as a backdrop. Watch out for further details.
•
Aylsham Food Festival (Oct)
•
Norwich Beer Festival (Oct)
Now in it’s 32nd year this festival is so well attended with the queues to get in you would think the beer was free! DON’T MISS.
•
Aurora Festival (Nov)
Come and celebrate film, installations and live performance.
•
Sparks in the Park (Nov)
A HUGE celebration for Guy Fawkes night held in Earlham Park in Norwich.
•
Christmas Lights (Nov)
Come and see Norwich City Hall switch on their lights plus lots of Christmas entertainment.
•
NORWICHRISTMAS (Dec)
A festive fayre including craft market, heritage and entertainment.
•
Ice Sculpture Trail (Dec – Norwich)
In addition to these highlights watchout for school holiday events from Norwich Castle, Dragon Hall, The Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts, Inspire Discovery Centre, Norwich Cathedral and The Forum. Plus the Music in Norwich programme, Norwich Philharmonic, Norwich Playhouse and Theatre Royal Norwich.
•
Arts Highlights
•
Festival Highlights