by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From a series of fantastic line-up announcements from the city’s festivals to exciting (and delicious) news from Norwich’s much-loved indies. Plus, you can celebrate a reopening at one of Norfolk’s best attractions or spend Christmas morning in an alfresco sauna!
Whether you’re a wellness devotee, festival fiend or can’t get enough of Norwich’s local businesses, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
A reinvigorating sauna pre-Christmas dinner? Only at The Lions’ Den!
Wake up on Christmas Day a little differently this year. On 25 December, The Lions’ Den riverside venue is a festive morning paddle (9am) and saunas (9am – 12pm)! And their cafe will be open (8.30am – 12pm) with alcohol-free bucks fizz and mince pies- the perfect way to unwind and indulge before a warming Christmas dinner.
The Lions’ Den will be open from 8.30am – 12pm on Christmas Day.
Make this festive season a little alternative with a spooky ghost walk!
If you like your festive season with a side of spookiness, make sure to check out Norwich Ghost Walks’ Christmas Special Guided Walks! Join their spine-tingling storytellers as you uncover eerie and gruesome local tales packed with plenty of gallows humour! And along the way, you’ll stop at 3 of Norwich’s famous pubs. At the Adam & Eve, Lollards Pit and Red Lion Bishopsgate, you’ll be greeted with a festive drink to warm you up in the midst of these chilling tales.
Norwich Ghost Walks’ Christmas Specials take place on 9, 11, 16 and 18 December from 7.30pm – 9pm at £29pp. Book tickets via their website!
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Earlham Park from 21 – 23 August 2026
With The Streets as their Friday headliner, Rock N Roll Circus have announced a stellar line-up for Saturday 22 and Sunday 23 August! On the Saturday, The Kooks, The Vaccines and The Fratellis will each perform one of their seminal albums under the Big Top, whilst on the Sunday, Madness, Ocean Colour Scene and The Wailers will take to the stage.
Tickets for Rock N Roll Circus Norwich go on general sale on Friday 21 November.
2:22’s UK tour has found its leading cast!
If you love something to look forward to, Norwich Theatre Royal has it covered. Recently announced: the 20th anniversary tour of Jersey Boys- the story of best-selling rock band Frankie Valli and the Four Seasons, and Matthew Borne’s first-ever tour of The Car Man- a steamy ballet based on Bizet’s Carmen opera. What’s more, stars James Bye and Gary Lucy have been announced as the leads for the UK tour of 2:22.
Tickets for 2:22 are on sale now, with Jersey Boys and The Car Man on general sale from Friday 28 November.
Norwich Jazz Festival will become part of Norfolk & Norwich Festival in 2026
Norwich Jazz Festival and Norfolk & Norwich Festival have joined forces for 2026. Run by Norwich Arts Centre, tickets for Norwich Jazz Festival highlights GoGo Penguin and Balimaya Project are now on sale. And at Norfolk & Norwich Festival, the first eight shows include internationally renowned acrobats Circa and alternative rock and folk country band Cowboy Junkies.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival takes place from 8 – 24 May, with Norwich Jazz Festival part of the festival from 15 – 24 May. Their full line-ups are announced in February 2026.
Norwich Science Festival goes on sale this November!
Celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2026, Norwich Science Festival returns in February half term from 14 – 21 February. And with headliners that include adventurer and author Aldo Kane, GBBO star Josh Smalley and comedian Robin Ince, you’ll learn all about everything from pancakes to dinosaurs to kombucha!
Norwich Science Festival takes place from 14 – 21 February 2026. The full line-up is announced, and tickets on sale on 27 November.
Mosaic is Yalm’s newest kitchen, merging Mediterranean flavours, fresh produce and small plates
One of the best parts about visiting Yalm? The delicious choice of dishes! And now, the buzzing food hall is welcoming award-winning Jus’ Winging It as their new 3-month pop-up. Think signature chicken wings like South Carolina Honey Mustard BBQ and Black Cherry Korean flavours. Then there’s Mosaic, Yalm’s newest permanent kitchen, a taste of Mediterranean dishes mixed with vibrant small plates, fresh salads, and Bocadillos.
Yalm is open Tuesday – Sunday from 10am and will be open on Mondays throughout December from 10am – 10pm.
With views of the reserve, Pensthorpe’s refurbished Courtyard Cafe is now open!
As one of the reserve’s most challenging projects (its main walls are the remains of a 16th century church), Pensthorpe’s fully refurbished Courtyard Cafe has reopened! With a larger, brighter dining area with panoramic garden views, brand-new kitchen, menu of local and seasonal ingredients, and indoor and outdoor seating for all seasons, you’ll want to stay for breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea!
Pensthorpe’s Courtyard Cafe is open daily from 9am. Free parking and no admission required.
Atwin has expanded into menswear and their own Atwin the Label has designed its first menswear pieces
Atwin’s selection of womenswear is synonymous with sustainably designed style and long-lasting versatility. Now, the curated lifestyle store is introducing menswear to its rails, including the first piece from their own brand Atwin the Label, the Everyday Slack, designed by them and handmade a few miles from their Norwich Lanes store.
Shop menswear at Atwin in store and online.
