by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From fantastic festival line-ups to mouthwatering new menus, art to make you think and a tour full of the city’s secrets. And in Norfolk, there’s exciting news from all your favourite attractions- baby animals, play areas and Christmas included!
Whether you’re a bookworm, foodie or culture vulture, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
Image: Chloe Samways
It’s all the fun of the fair at Thursford’s new adventure play area!
Roll up! Roll up to Thursford’s brand-new Adventure Play Fair! Inspired by their wonderful steam engine collection, immerse yourself in this vintage fairground-themed play area. From a giant Helter Skelter to Ferris Wheel, Kart Track and spinning Teacups. Not to mention the water fountain organ (a UK first)!
Book tickets to Thursford’s Adventure Play Fair via their website. Adults from £4, children from £8.
See the Sainsbury Centre’s new commission by Ryan Gander in the Living Art collection
The Sainsbury Centre has welcomed the latest addition to their permanent Living Art collection. Ms Modern Classical Conceptualist, or Their Shadows Obscured (Dramaturgical framework for structure and stability) (2025) by Ryan Gander is a human-like framework crafted from stainless steel, brass, aluminium and plastic. And above, a disarticulated mobile version is suspended from the ceiling. This piece invites us to reflect on individual feelings of power, empathy, humility and more, both individually and how they make up a whole.
The Sainsbury Centre is open from Monday – Saturday. Pay what you can to enter.
Cotton-top tamarin twins are just two of the youngsters to arrive at Banham Zoo this year!
Mammals, exotic birds and even insects, Banham Zoo is celebrating a major conservation milestone after many special births this year (so far)!
As part of the European Endangered Species Programme, the zoo is protecting these vulnerable species for another generation. Since January, they’ve welcomed red panda and cotton-top tamarin twins, Chilean flamingo, African spoonbill, scarlet ibis and black-footed penguin chicks, red-breasted goslings, maned wolves and stick insects!
See these amazing creatures for yourself by booking tickets via Banham Zoo’s website.
You’ll find Ciscoe’s sushi pop-up at Yalm for the next 3 months
Norwich Pan Asian staple Ciscoe’s has launched a pop-up at Yalm! Following 10 years (and counting) on Ber Street, they’re bringing bold and playful sushi to the heart of Norwich. With plates including their signature deep-fried Full On Futo Maki roll, sashimi, nigiri and more, you can find them in the main food hall for the next 3 months!
Yalm is open Tuesday – Sunday.
Norwich Book Festival returns with big names and loads of exciting events!
Norwich Book Festival returns this October- and their full programme has just gone live! With big names like Jacqueline Wilson, Larry Lamb (yes, that one), Nikita Gill and Paula Hawkins, plus a whole host of talks, events, readings and interactive sessions with figures like illustrator Matty Long, this is a festival for every reader- young or old, history lover, sci-fi fiend or non-fiction fan.
Norwich Book Festival is back from 24 – 31 October! Check out their full programme and book tickets via their website.
Cheryl Cade reveals Norwich’s racier side in her new tour- see what you can spot on the Bridewell’s flint walls
A walking tour is the best way to get to know a different side of Norwich. And with Cheryl Cade’s brand-new tour, you’ll discover Norwich’s darker (and racier) tales!
Our city is full of history, so it’s no surprise that there’s some gossip thrown in there too. Cheryl Cade’s Naughty Norwich tour will explore our city’s underworld. Think crime, punishment and dirty secrets!
You can book tickets for Cheryl Cade’s Naughty Norwich tour via her website. (Over 16s only!)
BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas returns to Norfolk and you can book your tickets now!
Yes, we know it’s only August, but that doesn’t mean you can’t starting think ahead to the festive season!
This November and December, BeWILDerwood Presents Christmas returns! Experience the mesmerising light trail, watch a heartwarming pantomime and spot Father Christmas on a magical family evening out.
Tickets are available to pre-book via BeWILDerwood’s website.
Norwich Theatre have announced their full line-up for this year’s panto!
And in the city, Norwich Theatre Royal have announced their full panto line-up. Oh yes, they have! Shining as Cinderella will be actress Georgia May Foote, opposite Danny Hatchard as Prince Charming. West End star Jeevan Braich plays Dandini with Hannah Jane Fox as the Fairy Godmother and Kenny Moore and Owen Evans as the Wicked Sisters. And, of course, Norwich panto royalty Joe Trancini as Buttons!
Book tickets to Cinderella at Norwich Theatre Royal (6 December – 4 January) via their website.
