by Katie Thompson
There’s always something to look forward to in the City of Stories- sometimes it’s hard to keep up! From exciting news from the city’s museums to a reinvigorating sauna experience, festival headliners and the return of popular pantos and musicals! Plus, a fitting new home for the iconic Stompers monkey.
Whether you’re a wellness devotee, theatregoer or love something to look forward, keep reading for a quick catch-up on the latest news in our fine city!
River or city? The Lions’ Den is opening a second venue in December
Popular wellness spot The Lions’ Den has announced a second venue, opening on White Lion Street in early December! Complementing its cosy riverside location, The Lions’ Den City will be home to Norwich first alcohol-free bar, a studio, treatment rooms and a large community sauna. Plus, two rooftop saunas (yes, really!) and ice baths boasting sweeping city views!
The Lions’ Den City opens in early December. In the meantime, book a sauna or paddleboard session at their riverside location via The Lions’ Den website.
The Museum of Norwich will become the new home for Norwich’s much-loved Stompers monkey
The Stompers monkey is undoubtedly one of Norwich’s most much-loved residents. After almost 30 years entertaining shoppers in the city’s Royal Arcade, the monkey will make its new home in the Museum of Norwich on Bridewell Alley, establishing him as an iconic part of our history!
The Museum of Norwich is open from Tuesday – Saturday.
You can get involved with the Sainsbury Centre’s latest project Catkins Forever
Do you have a personal story relating to plants and trees? Artist Ruth Ewan is searching for stories from people across Norfolk to unearth how plants and trees are woven into our lives. From ceremonial planting to rituals, superstitions, rhymes and games, where species and their stories are passed from generation to generation or to mark a special event.
A selection of these stories, titled Catkins Forever: Plant Stories, will go on display as part of the Sainsbury Centre’s Spring 2026 exhibition season, ‘What is the Meaning of Life?’
Submit your own plant stories via the form on the Sainsbury Centre’s website by Monday 8 December.
Sir Toby’s Beers are behind the return of Norwich Craft Beer Festival
Following a brilliant first festival, Norwich Craft Beer Festival is returning from 1 – 3 May 2026! And this time, it promises to be bigger and better. Brought to the city by craft beer connoisseurs Sir Toby’s Beers, you can expect local breweries, all manner of beer styles, DJs, street food and more!
Norwich Craft Beer Festival returns to The Waterfront on 1 – 3 May 2026. Tickets on sale soon.
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Norwich for 2026 with The Streets!
Prepare to be blinded by the lights… Rock N Roll Circus has announced The Streets as Norwich’s first 2026 headliner! Playing Earlham Park on Friday 21 August, you can hear the band’s hit album ‘A Grand Don’t Come for Free’ in full for the first time ever- plus all their hits from the last 20 years.
Rock N Roll Circus returns to Norwich from 21 – 23 August 2026. Tickets for Friday 21 August are on sale now via their website.
Norfolk & Norwich Festival’s first programme is to be announced in November
As one of the biggest and oldest arts festivals in the UK, we’re not-so-patiently awaiting the return of Norfolk & Norwich Festival. Luckily for us, the festival is announcing its first events on 13 November! And if you want something to look forward to- general booking opens just 5 days later on 18 November!
Norfolk & Norwich Festival will take place from Friday 8 May – Sunday 24 May 2026.
In January 2027, Dirty Dancing arrives at Norwich Theatre Royal
Nobody puts Norwich in a corner! Dirty Dancing is returning to Norwich Theatre Royal in January 2027 as part of its UK tour. Following the story of Frances ‘Baby’ Houseman’s summer with independent spirited Johnny Castle, with energetic choreography and hit songs like ‘Hungry Eyes’, ‘Do You Love Me?’ and ‘She’s Like the Wind’, you’ll have the time of your life!
Dirty Dancing is on sale at Norwich Theatre Royal soon. For the latest updates, visit their website.
Strangers’ Hall’s garden is to open for free indefinitely!
Exciting news! Strangers’ Hall’s beautiful Elizabethan Knot Garden is set to be free to visit indefinitely! After trialling it this summer, this peaceful city centre spot is open to all, whether you’re exploring or want to enjoy a good book in the sunshine.
Strangers’ Hall is open on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 10am – 4pm.
The Garage’s My First Panto is a great way to introduce your little ones to this festive tradition
After a hiatus, The Garage’s much-loved My First Panto returns for the 2025 festive season! And this year, it’s all about Rapunzel. Guaranteed to be a tangle of festive fun, this is a great introduction to panto for little theatre lovers- specifically aimed at under 7s and their families with toe-tapping tunes and interactive fun!
The Garage’s My First Panto: Rapunzel returns from 7 – 28 December. Book tickets via their website.
