Events in Norwich and the Norfolk countryside - Highlights:
Spring Literary Festival
University of East Anglia
26 Jan - May 2010
A glittering array of writers is coming to the University of East Anglia (UEA) for its latest literary festival. Including; Don Paterson, Laila Lalami, Joshua Ferris and many more.
TICKETS available for this event:
Season ticket for all eight events in the festival: £42 (concessions and students £36)
Poetry passport: £12 (for the poets Don Paterson, Robin Robertson and Simon Armitage)
Individual ticket: £6
Tickets for all our literary festival events are available through UEA's Box Office or by calling 01603 508050 (9am – 5pm weekdays term time, 12noon – 3pm vacations). Box Office, Union House, UEA, Norwich NR4 7TJ (Cheques payable to: SUS (E.A.) Ltd. Please enclose a stamped self-addressed envelope).
MORE DETAILS
Watercolour in Britain: Travelling with Colour - Norwich Castle
30th January - 18th April 2010
Watercolour in Britain presents a rich variety of subject matter by many of Britain’s finest painters from the eighteenth century through to the present day. The unique and rarely seen works have been selected by curators from Tate Britain, Norwich Castle, the Millennium Galleries and the Laing.
Tickets: Normal museum admission
Watercolour in India: Travelling With Colour
The Old Skating Rink Gallery, Norwich, 01603 663890 info@sadacc.co.uk
Feb 19th - April 17th
An exhibition of watercolours from the South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection. The South Asian Decorative Arts and Crafts Collection has resulted from over 30 years of travelling through South Asia and neighbouring countries. The emphasis has always been on collecting objects which reflect the everyday arts, crafts and culture of this exciting and vibrant region.
Heart Photography Competition
Mon 1 March – Sat 13 March
Fusion at The Forum, Norwich
Taking a detailed look at some of the historic churches in and around Norwich. Shown as part of HEART's photography competition which ran in autumn 2009. The competition celebrates Norwich's outstanding collection of medieval churches, the pivotal role they play in city life and showcases inspiring photography talent.
Norfolk County Music Festival
1 - 13th March 2010 - around Norwich
Watch Norfolks talented young musicians perform in a festival which exists solely to promote, to encourage and to support performers.
Exhibition of Bronze Sculptures at The Hostry
Norwich Cathedral
13 - 20th March
Vanessa Pooley is holding an exhibition of bronze sculptures at The Hostry, Norwich Cathedral. Vanessa is a leading British sculptor and fellow of Royal Society of British Sculptors.
Dragon Hall and the East Anglian film archive introduce King Street: How the 20th century transformed our city
Mon 15 March – 22 March
Fusion at The Forum, Norwich
King Street Community Voices is a two year community history project funded by the Heritage Lottery Fund and based at Dragon Hall. The project records memories of King Street, from the early years of the last century up to the present day. It launches with a short film made by volunteers telling the story of this historic street.
This film is contextualised by a selection of rare archive films from the East Anglian Film Archive depicting the changing face of Norwich, from Grapes Hill to Argyle Street. These films have been digitized and are made available as part of the Digital Film Archive Fund Project.
The Exclusive 2010 Steiff Collectors Event at Jarrolds London Street Norwich
4 March 2010, 6.30pm
On arrival you will receive a free Steiff gift and have the opportunity to enter our exclusive competition. Steiff consultants will be presenting their 2010 limited edition pieces, which can be secured on the evening with a 20% deposit, and the Steiff Club Event Bear 2010 will be available for you to purchase. The evening will also include a special presentation by Ian Munro, Steiff UK Sales Manager.
Tickets £6 each available from Jarrold Customer Services, Floor 2, (T) 01603 660661 or www.jarrold.co.uk The ticket cost is redeemable against any purchase made on the evening and includes refreshments.
Britten Sinfonia at Lunch 3 - The Assembly House
Friday 5th March 1pm
The sound of the oboe is explored in this concert, perfomed by one of the finest musicians in the UK, Nicholas Daniel. This is set alongside a new work by German composer, Ulrich Kreppein, Schubert's String Trio and Mozart's Adagio.
Tickets - £7, £4 for 2009/10 subscribers to Britten Sinfonia's Norwich evening concert series, £3 students and under 18s.
Weekend Weaving workshop with Jenny Rose- Dragon Hall
13th & 14th March 10am - 4pm
Learn the basics of weaving and find out about different looms and warping techniques to create your own unique samples.
Cost: £55/ £45 concessions
Talk: Memories of the Norwich Yards with Frances Holmes - Dragon Hall
Thursday 18 March 7.30 pm
At the beginning of the 20th century a large proportion of the Norwich population lived in impoverished insanitary conditions with homes crammed into small yards leading off the major streets. This talk, illustrated with some fascinating period photographs, will tell the story of the yards from their creation to the present day, through the eyes of people who remember them as they were.
£5/£4 members of The Norfolk & Norwich Heritage Trust
Norfolk County Music Festival FINALE CONCERT - The Assembly House
Friday 19th March 2010 7.30 pm
This Concert, the culmination of the Norfolk County Music Festival events, features the most talented musicians from the county. Details of the programme, admission prices etc Telephone: 01508 - 493629
Norwich Philharmonic Society
St Andrew's Hall
Norwich Philharmonic Orchestra
Norwich Philharmonic Chorus
20 March 2010 7.30pm
Tickets: Prelude Records, 25b St Giles Street, Norwich, NR2 1JN - 01603 628319
www.norwichphil.org.uk
Science in Norwich Day - The Forum
Saturday 20th March 2010 10am - 4pm
Family science discovery day; hands on activities, exhibitions and displays for all ages. Situated in the Atrium
Sport Relief Mile, Norwich
Sunday, 21 March
The Sport Relief Mile event will be run in 16 cities and towns across the country to raise money for good causes both at home and abroad. The run in Norwich will go from Theatre Street, through the city centre to Chaplefield Gardens and finish on Millennium Plain.
Textile Taster Day: Wire-Work Jewellery with Ali Kramarchuk- Dragon Hall
Sunday 21st March 10am - 4pm
Discover the wonders of working with wire and learn how to transform it into innovative jewellery with textile designer/maker Ali Kramarchuk.
£30/£25 concessions
University of East Anglia - Centre for Creative and Performing Arts
Rosie Tremain, 26 March 2010
Visiting Writer
"Buy Local" at the Forum
Saturday 27th March 9am - 5pm
With the highest of quality, choice and customer service available here in Norfolk, why go elsewhere? Join us and discover an extensive range of quality local Norfolk businesses.
Slackers Club at Cinema City
Monday 29th March 1.30pm
See FREE membership details (student only)
The next free monthly screening for the Slackers Club is Kick-Ass, showing on Mon 29th March, at 1.30pm. This funny, screw-ball, high-energy adventure, directed by Matthew Vaughn and produced by Brad Pitt, tells the story of average teen Dave Lizewski (Aaron Johnson), a comic book fan who decides to take his obsession one step further and become a real-life superhero.
EASTER EVENTS FOR EVERYONE! (
Family Easter events in Norwich and beyond HERE)
Easter Funfair Chapelfeld Gardens and the
French Market Gentlemans Walk, Norwich
2-5 April
The ever-popular French Market with a few additional stalls will be returning to Norwich city centre at Easter. There will be over 30 stalls of authentic French produce including the essential cheeses, olives, garlic and French bread.
Broads Wildlife Boat Trip
Friday 2 April 2010 10.15am - 12.15pm
Come and explore the River Bure on the Helen of Ranworth reed lighter, a traditional Broads boat that marshmen used to carry bundles of reed in days gone by. Visit Cockshoot Broad within the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve and find out about the unique Broadland wildlife and the habitats in which they live. Length of walk approx. 1 mile. Tickets: £9.50 adult, £7.50 child, £30 family. Booking essential: Broads Authority 01603 756095 (or 01603 610734 before April) ranworthTIC@broads-authority.gov.uk
Norwich Community Penguin Parade - The Forum
4th-9th April 2010 9am-5pm
Inspired by the success of Go Elephants!, Norwich Community Learning Mentors set up a partnership to deliver this exciting citywide project. Families across Norwich have taken part in an innovative learning programme to design and decorate twelve penguin sculptures and create a colourful array of penguin puppets. Situated in The Atrium. Further info 01603 212531 or angelajefford@norwich.gov.uk
The Colmans as Collectors of Braid - Costume & Textile Study Centre
Tuesday 6th April 2010 2pm - 3.20pm
Learn all about the Colmans as collectors of braid with Clive Wilkins Jones.
Advance booking essential, please tel. 01603 493625 / 495897. Tickets: Adult £6
Concession £5.50, Museums Pass holders, FNM, EAAF, C&TA, NCAS £5
Tea and Talking Points - The King Company Archive - Hungate Medieval Art
Wednesday 7th April 2010 2.30pm
Part of the Tea and Talking Points Series, a guest speaker followed by tea and cake. Tickets: £2.50 full price, £1 over 60's
Broads History Boat Trip
Wednesday 7th April and Friday 16th April 2010 10.15am-12.15pm
Step back in history exploring the River Bure on the Helen of Ranworth reedlighter, a traditional Broads boat that marshmen used to carry bundles of reed in days gone by. Visit the well-known landmark of St Benet's Abbey and find out about its history and how the Broads were formed. Length of walk approx. ½ mile. Tickets: £9.50 adult, £7.50 child, £30 family. Booking essential: Broads Authority 01603 756095 (or 01603 610734 before April) ranworthTIC@broads-authority.gov.uk
Music in the Glass - Hungate Medieval Art
Thursday 8th April 2010 1pm-3pm
Join Minstrels Gallery as they explore the medieval music instruments depicted in Norfolk's stained glass. Tickets: £6
Kumihimo Braid & Tenerife Daisies Workshop - Costume & Textile Study Centre
Friday 9th April 2010 10am - 1pm
Learn how to make kumihimo braid and tenerife daises. All materials and instructions are supplied.
Advance booking essential, please tel. 01603 493625 / 495897. Tickets: Adult £20
Concession £17.50, Museums Pass holders, FNM, EAAF, C&TA, NCAS £15
Britten Sinfonia - Passion and Resurrection - Norwich Theatre Royal
Friday 9th April 7.30pm
Following the 2008 sell-out tour of Messaiah, Polyphony once again join Britten Sinfonia for Esenvald's powerful yet subtle Passion and Resurrection which tells the story of Christ's suffering and rebirth
Box Office - 01603 630000.
Pizza Express Tour - Dave Koz - The Forum
Sunday 11th April 2010 8pm (Doors open at 6.30pm)
With a beautifully positioned PizzaExpress restaurant stationed in the Forum it was a logical move to present live jazz in concert whist providing a dining experience that will be like nowhere else in the world. With doors opening an hour-and-a-half before the show starts, customers will have the opportunity to follow the crucial jazz club tradition of settling into your seats, catching up over a glass of wine and a pizza before the entertainment begins. Six times Grammy nominated saxman Dave Koz was immortalised with a star on the Hollywood Boulevard ‘Walk of Fame’ last year. Tickets £25 for each date. Please phone the 'Bookings Line to reserve seats / tables: 08456 027 017
Dawn Boat Trip on the Electric Eel - How Hill National Nature Reserve, Ludham
Sunday 11 April 2010 6am - 8.15am approx.
A magical early morning exploration of the How Hill National Nature Reserve in our silent electric boat. A boat tour of the marshes including a short walk to the bird hide overlooking Reedham Water. Discover how the Broads Authority has been restoring and improving habitats for our feathered friends at How Hill. Tickets: 9.50 adult, £7.50 child, £30 family. Suitable for ages 8 years plus. Booking essential: Broads Authority 01603 756096 (or 01603 610734 before April) toadholeTIC@broads-authority.gov.uk
Horstead Mill Spring Walk - Horstead Mill
Wednesday 14 April 2010 2.30pm - 4pm approx.
Put a spring in your step on a guided walk around this historic countryside site with our Broads Countryside Ranger. Find out about the site's past and present management and spot some of the spring wildlife along the way. Includes a Wildlife Biodiversity Quiz for children with prize. Length of walk approx. 2 miles. Cost: Free Suitable for ages 8 years plus. Meet: Horstead Mill, Mill Road, Horstead, NR12 7AT: at Horstead turn off the B1150 at the roundabout down Mill Road. Horstead Mill is 500m on the left. Information: Broads Authority 01603 756097 (or 01603 610734 before April) hovetonTIC@broads-authority.gov.uk
East Anglian Mind, Body and Spirit Fair - The Forum
16th - 17th April 2010 10am - 5pm
Crystals, paintings, books, readings, complimentary therapists, natural essences and herbs, massage - and lots more. Free taster sessions and healings available all day.
Situated in the Atrium
Sharing Textile Skills - Costume & Textile Study Centre
Friday 16th April 2010 10am - 12.30pm
An opportunity to meet like minded people, be inspired and share ideas. Don't forget to bring something along that you are working on.
Advance booking essential, please tel. 01603 223870. Tickets: Free Admission
Dawn Boat Trip on the Helen of Ranworth
Saturday 17 April 2010 6am - 8am (then breakfast)
Experience the magic of the Broads at dawn on the Helen of Ranworth, a traditional reed lighter boat used for carrying reeds in times gone by. We glide silently along in this electric boat from Ranworth Staithe to the Bure Marshes National Nature Reserve where a short walk takes us to the bird hide overlooking Cockshoot Broad. Length of walk approx. 1 mile. Trip finishes with full English breakfast at a local pub. Tickets: £15 adult, £10 child, £45 family. Booking essential: Broads Authority 01603 756095 (or 01603 610734 before April) ranworthTIC@broads-authority.gov.uk
Textile Taster Day: Stumpwork with Julie McKenzie - Dragon Hall
Sunday 18th April 2010 10am – 4pm
Steeped in history, stumpwork is a 3-dimensional embroidery technique used in the 1700 century.
Tickets: £30/£25 concessions
Norfolk Wildlife Trust's Vision for a Living Landscape - The Forum
Mon 19 - Sat 24 April
Norfolk Wildlife Trust presents a stunning film of the wildlife and nature reserves of Norfolk. This celebration of our county’s amazing diversity has an important message: we need to protect our wildlife by restoring, recreating and reconnecting vital wildlife habitats. The Trust has launched an ambitious appeal to secure three areas - a heathland in West Norfolk, a wetland in the Fens and a grazing marsh in the Broads – which will give wildlife a fighting chance as well as becoming great places for people to enjoy. Supported by Sir David Attenborough and local musician, David Gray, the spirit and species of the appeal are captured in stunning images by local photographers including Richard Osbourne.
Guided Spring Walk with Head Gardener Imogen Checketts and Warden Edward Bramhan-Jones - Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens
21st April 2010, 8.30am - 10.30am
A guided walk through their Gardens, Wildflower Meadow and Wader Scape.
Suitable outdoor footwear and clothing essential. Binoculars recommended.
Tickets - £11.50 for Adults, £9.50 for Seniors, £7.50 for Children and £2 for season card holders.
Pizza Express Tour - Acoustic Alchemy - The Forum
Sunday 25th April 2010 8pm (Doors open at 6.30pm)
Celebrating their twenty-fifth anniversary this year, triple Grammy nominated transatlantic super group Acoustic Alchemy embark on a PizzaExpressLive Tour. Tickets £25 for each date. Please phone the 'Bookings Line to reserve seats / tables: 08456 027 017
An Evening with Jodi Picoult
St Andrew's Hall
Saturday 1st May, 7pm
Tickets £5 from Jarrold Customer Services (T) 01603 660661 or
www.jarrold.co.uk
Jarrolds are delighted to welcome the highly acclaimed author Jodi Picoult, as she visits Norwich to talk about new and eagerly anticipated novel - House Rules. Jodi Picoult is one of today's best-selling writers - book your tickets now for what promises to be a hugely popular event.
Jodi Picoult received an A.B in creative writing from Princeton and a master's degree in education from Harvard. The recipient of the 2003 New England Book Award for her entire body of work, she is the author of 15 bestselling novels including Handle With Care, Nineteen Minutes and My Sister's Keeper, which was made into a massively successful feature film in 2009. She is married with three children and lives in New Hampshire, USA.
East Anglia on Screen- The Forum
Mon 26th April - Sat 1st May
UEA film archiving students present archive footage of the East Anglian region. The exhibition focuses on pleasures and pastimes in the region through a display of films currently preserved by the East Anglian Film Archive. The week also features a special afternoon event about memories of cinema-going organised by the School of Film and TV Studies.
Soopa - Doopa Spring Spree! - BeWILDerwood
1st - 3rd May 2010
Go in search of of woodland creatures high and low, and learn about the WILD as you go.
Wymondham Old Timers Car Rally- Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens
2nd May 2010, 10am- 5pm
The "Old Timers" return to put on a fine display of antique and exotic automobiles. They are raising money for the "Teenage Cancer Trust" as well as other good causes.
Free entry to see the car rally.
Norfolk Garden Show - Royal Norfolk Showground, Norwich
7th,8th & 9th May 2010, 10am- 5pm
Whether you are an avid gardener or an amateur the show features fantastic products many at show discounted prices.This years event features RHS topical gardening discussions, floral displays, on site restaurant and a fantastic main show arena with live entertainment.
Adults £5, Children £1 (For discounted advanced prices visit
www.aztecevents.co.uk or call 01702 549622)
East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival
9th May 2010
Get a team together and make a splash at the fifth East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival in aid of East Anglia's Children's Hospices! One of the largest team events in the region, the 2010 East Anglian Dragon Boat Festival takes place on Sunday 9th May in Nicholas Everitt Park, Oulton Broad, Lowestoft.
Wild about the Wensum - Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens
22nd May 2010, 10am - 5pm
Wild about the Wensum is an event for all the family celebrating the natural history and heritage of Wensum Valley. Lots of activities are available including a mini beast exploration, guided walks, nature quizzes and treasure hunts. Free entrance to the park. £4 per car for parking on the day.
John Poole Watercolours - The Forum
22nd May - 28th May 9am - 6pm
Latest exhibition of over 60 new watercolours by local artist John Poole. Paintings include scenes of Norwich, Norfolk and Southwold.
Entertainment Organised by Travel and Tourism Students, City College Norwich - The Forum
25th May - 27th May 11am - 2pm
Travel and Tourism students present lunchtime entertainment. The event is free and includes entertainment for all ages including face painting, arts and crafts, horrible history tales, dancing and recycled fashion.
For further infomation call Travel and Tourism, Hotel School, City College, Norwich, 01603 773418
Norwich High School for Girls – Forum Exhibition
‘Sculptural Costumes’
27th May - 29th May 9am - 5pm
The work is inspired by letters, words, written and printed text. Every girl who studies Art, from Nursery to Sixth Form, has had the opportunity to contribute to these costumes. The aim is to produce one sculpture to represent every year group at the school.
UK Landscape Photographer of the Year 2009 – The Forum
29th May - 4th June 9.30am - 5pm
View this prestigious exhibition, previously staged at the National Theatre, London. The competition has a special prize for the best picture taken in a National Park, including the Broads. It was supported by England's National Park Authorities to celebrate their 60th birthday and the Broads Authority's 20th birthday.
Minty's Birthday Party - BeWILDerwood
29th - 31st May 2010
Go in fancy dress, if you can, to celebrate Minty's birthday. Enjoy some classic party games and lots of Twiggle merriment
Gardening, Craft and Food Fair - Pensthorpe Nature Reserve & Gardens
5th June 2010, 10am - 5pm
A wonderful event that is filled with local produce, and the finest crafts and plants that the region has to offer.
Bandstand Concerts Sundays, Norwich
6 June to 22 August
Local bands will be performing in the city’s park bandstands. All concerts begin at 3pm.
Wymondham Music Festival
26th June - 11th July 2010
The annual music festival takes place in the lively market town of Wymondham. There is a huge range of music on offer - evening concerts, daytime recitals, gigs, workshops, the Midsummer Jazz Picnic down by the river Tiffey, Town Busking Day and lots of other live music in the Market Place and at venues around the town.
Lord Mayor’s Celebration
Thursday 8 to Sunday 11 July 2010
Four days of celebrations including a street procession, fireworks, music festival, funfair, outdoor theatre, cinema and comedy, dancers, street artists and lots more. This is the city’s biggest community celebration and is set in the heart of the streets of Norwich.
Children’s summer holiday activities, Norwich
27 July to 29 August
Looking for something to do with the children this summer? There are many free activities for children in the parks and open spaces to keep them amused for hours! Visit one of our open spaces with all they have to offer or attend one of the free events below organised for children.
ChildPlay Outdoor Theatre
Dates and places,TBC
Free outdoor performances in the open spaces during the summer holiday to enchant and delight children
KidZones
Every Wednesday from 28 July to 25 August
Action packed days of fun for children during the summer holidays. The events are free and set in various open spaces around the city. Activities include: arts and crafts, sports, music, performances, interactive workshops and lots more.
Punch & Judy on Tour
Every Tuesday and Thursday, 27 July to 26 August
Punch & Judy shows will be visiting 20 local neighbourhoods with two shows a day in different areas at 11am and 2pm. These events are for people living within walking distance of the park as there are no parking provisions.
Summer School: Exploring the Visual - Drawing, Collage and Print with Gina Woods - Dragon Hall
Monday 2nd - Fri 6th August (5 day Summer School) 10am - 3pm
An exciting mix of drawing, collage and print, this course challenges preconceptions of 'drawing'. It is suited to the hesitant beginner or those wishing to extend their mark-making skills in an experimental, more contemporary direction using the beautiful Dragon Hall and its history as inspiration, Cost: £145/£125 concessions
Reedham Riverside Beer Festival 2010
20th - 30th August 2010
The Reedham Riverside Beer Festival is held at the Lord Nelson and has over 50 real ales and lots of live music. 38 Riverside Rd, Reedham, Norwich, Norfolk.
North Norfolk Music Festival
2 -12 September 2010
Enjoy music from composers such as Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin in the setting of two of North Norfolks beautiful churches, South Creake and Burnham Norton.
EDP Bidwells Norfolk Food Festival 2010
18th September - 3rd October 2010
Highlights of the annual festival which is becoming larger every year include: A Moveable Feast on September 28 when more than 600 diners will enjoy a three course dinner at three different restaurants across the city of Norwich; a major food debate at the John Innes Centre to tackle the key issues for farming, food production and for the retail customer; the Norfolk Food Awards which single out the success stories of the county’s food producers; the Annual Battle of the Bangers when the county’s leading butchers compete for the public voting of the best local sausage and there will also be a large food fayre to feature chef’s kitchen demonstrations and tastings.
The Norfolk Food Festival will also include over 300 events which are organised by individuals, schools, companies and other community groups.
Fair Food
Thursday 7 - Sunday 10 October 2010
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.
Punch Sparks in the Park
Saturday 6 November
The best firework displays for miles, fantastic entertainment including fire sculpture, roadshow and funfair. Two firework displays at Earlham Park, one for children at 6.30pm and the Big Bang Spectacular at 8.30pm.
Christmas Lights Switch-on
Thursday 18 November
The city is lit up when Father Christmas and friends turn on the city’s festive lights.
Eastern Artisans
19th and 20th November
The best hand made arts and crafts from around the eastern region.
£2.50 adults / £1 under 16s, Under 5s free
Medieval Christmas Market
4th and 5th December
£2.50 adults / £1 under 16s, Under 5s free