What to See at Norwich History Festival
What to See at Norwich History Festival
by Katie Thompson
This July sees the return of the second Norwich History Festival (14 – 24 July)!
And this year’s theme is ‘Why History Matters’. History and heritage are woven into the fabric of Norwich, with fascinating figures, iconic landmarks and major events all telling the tale of our fine city.
You can find out about these stories for yourself with Norwich History Festival’s many entertaining events. From enlightening talks to compelling tours, film screenings, musical performances and even debates. Be enthralled and learn something new. (Just remember to book in advance!)
Here are our top picks at Norwich History Festival!
From medieval mystic Julian of Norwich to pioneering females, reformers and more, meet a selection of the city’s mavericks
Norwich: City of Mavericks and Pioneering Women
Tuesday 14 July, Old Meeting House, 1pm, £5
Kicking off the festival is an energetic event shining a light onVisitNorwich’s 20th anniversary series ‘Twenty Stories. One City.’
Get lost in ten tales of the city’s most influential figures- from medieval rebels and mystics to pioneering reformers, artists, entrepreneurs and unsung heroes. Each five-minute talk will be given by a passionate individual speaker, highlighting why we should remember these names and how they’ve shaped Norwich’s past.
Boudicca’s Daughter with Elodie Harper
Wednesday 15 July, The Octagon Chapel, 6.30pm, £5
Award-winning writer and author of the bestselling Wolf Den series, Elodie Harper is bringing to life a slice of East Anglian history with an introduction to her newest novel Boudicca’s Daughter.
Daughter of the infamous warrior and Iceni queen, Solina has a legend to live up to. And her own story will see her traverse a journey from Britain’s sacred marshlands to the glittering Imperial Court of Emperor Nero.
Join Norwich Story Walk on a fascinating tour about twenty of the city’s most interesting historical figures
Interpreting the Norwich Blitz and Its Aftermath with Steve Snelling
Thursday 16 July, The Great Hospital, 3pm, £5
The Baedeker raids left a lasting impact on the city of Norwich, razing department stores, cultural spots, homes, and more across April and May 1942.
Join author and journalist Steve Snelling as he re-examines the impact of the blitz on the families and residents of Norwich, as well as the post-war development that we still see today.
Why Silent Cinema Should Be Remembered with Neil Brand
Friday 17 July, The Octagon Chapel, 8pm, £8
With 2027 marking 100 years since the release of the first-ever talkie, The Jazz Singer, renowned composer, writer and broadcaster Neil Brand is taking a look at the language of silent cinema.
Accompanied by film historian Lawrence Napper, step back in time and discover the magic of carefully crafted music, impactful visuals and well-timed storytelling. You’ll be introduced to some of the greatest moments of early fiction and comedy films, as well as those made in our region.
Discover the stories of WWII American serviceman with The American Library’s bus tour
Norwich City of Stories Tour (Parts 1 & 2) with Norwich Story Walks
20 July, 4pm & 24 July, 5.30pm, £10
Step into the story of twenty of Norwich’s fascinating figures with Norwich Story Walks’ two-part tour. (Although you don’t have to join both halves!)
Once again celebrating the incredible impact of the names in VisitNorwich’s ‘Twenty Stories. One City.’ series, you’ll have the chance to acquaint yourself with men and women that have shaped the city we see today, all underpinned by the compelling narration of this eccentric tour guide!
A Bus Tour of WW2 American Air Bases with the American Library
21 & 22 July, 10am, £10
Look around Norfolk and it’s not hard to see the legacy of WWII. The numerous airbases that dot our landscape were home to many an American serviceman and woman during this time- from Margie Fahey-McGrath to Jimmy Stewart and Walter Matthau.
On board a classic Routemaster, you can visit these sites, soaking in tales of love, loss and friendship, getting to see original artefacts and even meeting dedicated locals who preserve the stories.
In collaboration with the Museum of Norwich, Paul Dickson is inviting you to explore Norwich in the 1920s
A Short History of Black Anna and the Jolly Butchers
Wednesday 22 July, Mad Cat Pub, 7.30pm, £5
The Jolly Butchers, home of Antoinette Hannent, aka singer and landlady Black Anna. This ‘queen of the jazz scene’ was popular with American servicemen in Norwich and Norfolk during WWII and known for her hospitality for hard-done-by members of the community.
On the anniversary of her passing, celebrate this marvellous woman’s story and immerse yourself in a musical Jolly Butchers-style experience at the Mad Cat pub, complete with songs, drinks and good vibes!
Norwich in the 1920s Tour with Paul Dickson
Friday 24 July, 11am, £5 (includes entry to the Museum of Norwich)
In honour of the Museum of Norwich’s centenary, this fascinating attraction has teamed up with esteemed local tour guide Paul Dickson to curate a tour exploring Norwich in the 1920s!
And there are plenty of stories to be unearthed. From the city’s bustling department stores like Bonds and Buntings to the boom in live performance at Norwich Theatre Royal. You might even recognise a name or two- does Mr Pastry ring a bell?
